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 start but after a few pages your hooked.


Loved the slow buildup of the story.
Very graphical in detail and very well read.

If your looking for high pace action, this isn't it.
But if your looking for an intelligent and story told from the 1st person, this is a good one.

Slow start but after a few pages your hooked.


Very Different from the Movie

Would you consider the audio edition of The American to be better than the print version?

Are audio books better than print books? That's such a personal call, my opinion is really insignificant to the reader of these reviews. I am a big fan of both, but audio books give me the ability to enjoy a book in situations where reading is not possible, like on long road trips. Sitting on a beach it might be a toss up, so make your own decision.

What other book might you compare The American to and why?

The book is quite unique, and therefore quite difficult to compare to other books I've read. It is almost journal-like in its approach.

What about Ralph Cosham???s performance did you like?

Ralph Cosham really captures the complexities of the main character,Signor Farfalla, which really brings the story alive and makes the personal nature of the narrative believable.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When the Signor Farfalla finally admits to himself he cares for Clara

Any additional comments?

The original title of this book, "A Very Private Gentleman", is really a much better title for this work than "The American" and once you've listened or read it you will understand this. While I greatly enjoyed the movie, especially the scenery, the plot of the book is much more enticing. It is probably good I saw the movie, "The American" first. Had I listened to the book first, the movie would have been disappointing.

I'd recommend you give Martin Booth's "A Very Private Gentleman", AKA "The American" a try, I think you'll enjoy it, I know I did.

Feels dated, but it's still enjoyable.

Although it was published in 1990, at times it feels older, hence the mediocre recommendation. But there were stretches when I was completely engrossed. The book is written in the first person and that immediacy pulls you in. On other occasions it feels like a friend going on about something less than interesting. And maybe that is what Martin Booth was going for? I enjoy the details of a book, and the author get a lot right. Senior Farfalla is most intriguing when he goes into explaining the particulars of being one of the worlds greatest gunsmiths. The other times ... well, you get the idea. Regardless of that I found myself wanting to listen on. I will likely sample this one again, and I suppose that is the sign of a good book.

Awesome

Great story, great narration. Don't want to spoil it. A must listen if the shadow world is your thing!!!!!!!!!!!

Haunting

I was kept in suspense. Fascinating, interesting, beautiful descriptions of his "work," of the Italian country side and lifestyle And frightening.

Superb! As precise as hand made mercury ammunition

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I saw the movie and thought it was marginal. As I got into the audio book it simply got better and better. There is no comparison with the movie, which I'd give 1 star. The book is 100x better than the movie plot - the two are not even remotely the same. And there is the person in the shadows.

What did you like best about this story?

The tapestry of details is amazing.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I never listen to a book in one sitting. I also don't gulp down a good key lime pie either. And like our hero, I don't jump out of bed right after sex!

Any additional comments?

If you are new to audio books and over 21, this will make for a great first book. If they had 6 stars, I'd give them.

Interesting Life of an Assassin

This Booth/Cosham combo produces a book in easy conversational style, about what its like to be an assassin or assassin’s assistant.

The scene is set in a quiet Italian village. You feel as if Mr. Butterfly, this pleasant and likeable gentleman, is sitting in front of you, in an easy chair, with a glass of wine, describing his life as assassin. His way is casual, gentle and quiet. Introspective. You cant quite imagine him doing what he does, but the way he tells it makes it seem quite natural and acceptable. Almost.

The irony is, that because he is an agent for killing people, he doesn’t have a life himself.

A good, well-written and interesting book.

Gifted Narration

Would you consider the audio edition of The American to be better than the print version?

The exceptional writing is enhanced by the delivery provided by Ralph Cosham, who provides nuances of inflection for the various characters by Cosham's impeccable dictation. The movie version of this book avoids the complexities of the storyline and relies on the action/sensationalism--Totally missing the complexities of the novel.

Same Vibe as the Movie, but a Much Better Story

Would you listen to The American again? Why?

Yes, it is entertaining and if you have ever lived in Italy it makes you want to go back.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The American?

The exchanges between Mr. Butterfly and his client.

Which scene was your favorite?

The final shootout.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Haha, it already has a movie but, I'd go with something like this the notable quote: "Beware of an old man in a profession where men usually die young."

Any additional comments?

Great book, one of my favorites.

it made me want to research the movie

I am reticent though because I fear it will now be a disappointment compared to this nuanced novel.