The American

By: Martin Booth

Narrated by: Ralph Cosham

Length: 10 hrs and 1 min

Publisher's summary

The locals in the southern Italian town where he lives call him Signor Farfalla - Mr. Butterfly - for he is a discreet gentleman who paints rare butterflies. His life is inconspicuous: mornings are spent brushing at a canvas, afternoons idling in the cafés, and evenings talking with his friend, the town priest, over a glass of brandy.

Yet there are other sides to this gentleman’s life: Clara, the young student who moonlights in the town bordello, and another woman, who arrives with $100, 000 and a commission - but not for a painting of butterflies.

With this assignment returns the dark fear that has dogged Signor Farfalla’s mysterious life. Almost instantly, he senses a deadly circle closing in on him, one which he may or may not elude.

Part thriller, part character study, part drama of deceit and self-betrayal, The American shows Martin Booth at the very height of his powers.

(Previously published as A Very Private Gentleman.)

©2004 Martin Booth (P)2010 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

“Booth constructs his most focused, tightly written novel to date, reminiscent of William Trevor’s classic Felicia’s Journey and the late Patricia Highsmith’s Ripley novels.” ( Publishers Weekly)

“Booth has created a rich, conflicted antihero whose clever rationalizations mask a soul weary with self-doubt…making us question our own moral values." ( Boston Globe)

“Haunting, shocking, and tense…Crisp yet lyrical, simple yet intelligent.” ( Booklist)

Slow burning, but leaves a warm glow

This is an intriguing read, and definitely an internal study of the thought process of a person involved in killing. You are much more likely to get the real skinny on "hitters" from this novel than from most of the other tosh written about them. Fascinating discussion on weapons, preparation and personal awareness, all real tools of those who operate in this world.

The listener needs to pay attention, because the information is delivered with a sly self knowing anarchy. The reading is, like the book, understated and quite brilliant.

Heh, I haven't seen the film yet, but I'll bet it ain't nowt like the book:)


brendan

THE BOOK THAT IS BETTER THAN THE MOVIE!!!!

THE BOOK IS ALWAYS BETTER MOST OF THE TIME,IN THIS CASE IT WAS.A SHORT STORY AND A GREAT LISTEN.IF YOU LIKED THE MOVIE YOU NEED TO TAKE THE TIME TO READ A VERY PRIVATE GENTLEMAN..THAT IS THE REAL NAME BEFORE GEORGE CLONEY.. YOU WILL KNOW MOST OF THE PLOT,SO I WONT GIVE IT AWAY.BUT THIS IS A BETTER ENDING THAN THE MOVIE IF YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN...

Not that interesting

I read this book because the moving was about to hit the theaters. They changed the name of the book because the move gave it a different title. A Private Gentleman to The American. Need I say more! I actually thought the movie had a better ending.

Long, slow tour of Italian culture

Is there anything you would change about this book?

Shorten it 50 percent

What was most disappointing about Martin Booth’s story?

This book, which I thought was a thriller, is a long florid impressionistic description of Italy, Italian geography, culture, cuisine, and art, along with butterflies and gunsmithing. The identity and activities of the protagonist are kept secret for the first third of the book. Very slow to come to its climax. Frustrating listen.

Have you listened to any of Ralph Cosham’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

no

Do you think The American needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

no way I'd read it

feel like you're in Italy but slow at times

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

Great if you wanna feel like you're in a small Italian town. Good info about Italian living and how to guide for assassins

Would you recommend The American to your friends? Why or why not?

Yes but I see why people think its boring by I like it. Very relaxing to listen to

What aspect of Ralph Cosham’s performance would you have changed?

His voice is kinda monotone but adds to the tone of the book. Is not action packed but more of a how to guide for assassins

Could you see The American being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

Already is a movie dopey

Any additional comments?

Good but slow. Relaxing life as an Italian. Pleny of drinking coffee, whoring and occasional gun making

An ejoyable read overall

This book kept me engaged and the performance by the narrator was quite good. Overall, it was a good story line and just fun to listen to. I would recommend this book.

Good story, too much fluff

Any additional comments?

A good novel should have a balance of plot to color and background. This one is about 5% to 95%; most of the book is about descriptions of butterflies, views out of windows, clothing, etc. etc. etc. Interesting when he tells the story, but lots of dull in between

Solid

I got this book because I loved the movie. An interesting tale of a mysterious man who makes guns for assassins. Recommended if you like procedural about this kind of thing and don’t need a likeble protagonist. I did like the movie better. AUDIBLE 20 SWEEPSTAKES ENTRY

Pretty wordy

Could have been told without so many descriptions. Many words had nothing to do with the actual story. Mediocre at best.

Just OK

It is quite possible that the mystery novel has grown beyond this book and that I would have had fewer expectations if I had read this one soon after it was originally published. I just felt that it was too understated. Maybe the book cover image threw me off. The protagonist was a likable fellow, though. Narration was good, too.