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)

Very enjoyable

I saw this movie first, then read the book. The book has enough plot differences - to go along with the excellent attention to detail - to make this a nice complement if you've seen the movie. While it is missing a bit of heart at times, the journey of the protagonist is captivating (as are the descriptions of Italy). Lacking the real innovation to be worthy of 5 stars, this solid and enjoyable novel met my expectations.

Subtle and strong

I truly enjoyed this and not just the story. Mr Cosham's reading, with his melancholy and perfect understanding of the prose, lent a credibility I was not prepared for. Told almost exclusively in first person, with opinions on a great many subjects, this was a memorable listen. Do not expect the movie...

Truly Fantastic

Loved the story. Precisely written and just felt so crisp. Very detailed but not overly wordy.

Ralph Cosham did a fantastic job on the narration. Very smooth and gripping. He brought a very relaxed tone to a very well written book.

Would recommend to friends and family. No one under the age of 18.

The most action is found in the cover art

What would have made The American better?

a little action please. less whoring.

What do you think your next listen will be?

Cinder

How did the narrator detract from the book?

boring, unable to do voices

What character would you cut from The American?

the main one

Any additional comments?

I am glad I didn't buy this on the BOGO--not worth it.

The worst narrator ever

I couldn’t listen to this title more than 5 min because of absolutely unbearable narrator’s voice: old, cracked, without intonation and poorly articulated.

No plot, Hours of boring descriptions.

This book wasn’t for you, but who do you think might enjoy it more?

No one but an obsessive compulsive person who wants to listen to hours of repetitive ad irrelevant detail.

Has The American turned you off from other books in this genre?

No, it is uniquely awful

Would you be willing to try another one of Ralph Cosham’s performances?

Yes, just to see what he can do with a decent book, though I'm skeptical.

If you could play editor, what scene or scenes would you have cut from The American?

All of it. I'm an avid reader and I like just about anything. I find it difficult to believe this book was published.

Any additional comments?

I'm surprised you guys recommended this one.Still love Audible and have enjoyed so many books.

A Real Disappointment

If this is Booth at his best - I'm glad I haven't been tempted before. The narrator did a good job with what was frankly a self-indulgent analogy fest by the writer. I kept waiting for something to happen, for some excitement - it didn't eventuate and I couldn't wait for the agony to end.....

Bored to tears, don't waste the credit.

I tried, I really tried, but after several attempts at listening to this audio book I found myself unable to engage with the story and lulled into a sleep state.

How boring. Don't know if it was a good story.

What would have made The American better?

A better narration. The absolute monotone delivery, even by talented Ralph Cosham, are not what I need when driving, or at anytime really. Why, one asks, was the decision to make the story as flat as possible? Just because it is placed in Italy, and indeed many Italian novels seem to have this same affliction? Maybe that's it.

Would you ever listen to anything by Martin Booth again?

Unlikely, but who knows. Maybe he's a great near-Alan Furst type writer. I certainly don't know after listening to a couple of hours of this narration.

How could the performance have been better?

See first response concerning narration.

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

It is always disappointing to think there might be a story of value buried under a dullness that acts as moat. I was sad. I was dulled. I was disappointed.

Any additional comments?

I don't like to give negative reviews. I appreciate the efforts and talents of almost all writers and certainly skilled narrators, but this audiobook left me so dulled that eventually I couldn't care less about the story.