Bronwyn

This is the second book in this series that I have listened to and found it to be very similar to the first.
I found the story and archaelogical references interesting.
As other reviewers have said it was somewhat predictable but in my opinion this made it a comfortable read, like putting on a favourite pair of slippers.
The 19th century English used by Amelia is quaint and a little annoying at times but it became more familiar as the book went on.
The narrator became a little distracted a couple of times confusing her voices. Background noise was distracting for the listener on more than one occasion also. I found her extremely 'proper' accent became a little irritating at times. This may be misleading though as, on the whole, she did a very good job of it.
The author successfully blends the plot with humour, wit, mystery and suspense. All in all an enjoyable book.

How do you describe the experience which is this book?
I enjoyed Kite Runner and found that I could not compare these two books as they are so vastly different.
As the lives of these women intertwined I too was being pulled into the pages. I found myself transported to Mariam's dingy kitchen and to the bedroom that was Laila's prison.
The narration was brilliant with all pronunciation so perfect and carrying such authenticity and empathy.
I highly recommend this book to anyone with a conscience and open to some tough education.

I quite enjoyed Robinson Crusoe. I found the narrator easy to listen to. He dealt with the dated and sometimes repetitive text very well and kept my interest.
I was enthralled with Robinson's lengthy isolation and adaptation to his situation and environment and what is more I found it completely believable.
I would recommend this book to anyone with an adventurous spirit and a secret longing to get away from it all.

I was surprised at how many references there are to interior decoration, design, fashion, style etc., etc. The storyteller continuously describes everything he sees, sometimes in excruciating detail. This includes everything from interior of an ancient Italian Church to his mother's favourite recipes, which are read out for you to cook for yourself.
If you are a fan of interior design this is probably a must read but beware because this book is set in the 60's so all references are completely out of date and most of the rooms and clothes he describes as divine or perfect are now quite amusing, or perhaps retro and back in fashion again.
I found the story and the characters quite likeable; even his squeaky 'Bronksey' sister.
His references to the institution of the Catholic Church were wonderful fun, as were most of his relationships.
Much to my surprise he declared himself straight, which after reading about his sexual encounters and his rapturous descriptions of the sumptuous decor of some lady's kitchen I doubted very much.
The end was a little disappointing for me and results in the loss of one star. We never got a really good 'look' at his finished work. I wanted to be able to see it but alas I could not.

Having first read this book over 30 years ago I was eager to relive the experience. The audio book did not disappoint. Durrell writes one anecdote after another and all of them are a delight. This book is light, witty, wonderful entertainment.
His writing is deliciously descriptive and makes Corfu sound completely irresistible. It also makes his family sound gloriously insane. I loved every minute of it just as I did the first time around. This book made me an instant Durrell convert who then went on to read every book of his that I could find.

I was disappointed with this book. I was expecting a lively romp but was bored to tears.
There were so many unpleasant characters that I normally wouldn't give 5 minutes to let alone the hours and hours spent with them in this book.
I found it very hard to concentrate on the whole book as it was way too long.
I kept reading thinking that it had to get better, more exciting or even funny but alas this was not to be.
It was not to my taste at all.

I am the wife of a golfer of 30 years experience and enjoyed these stories considerably although some of the golf language is very dated.
I love the subtlety and quaintness of Wodehouse and the wonderful accent of the narrator.
The length of the stories was convenient for listening to one at a time.
Most of all I love the 'Englishness' of these stories.
Any old or young golfer or observer of the game should get a good giggle or two out of this collection.