The Goldfinch

By: Donna Tartt

Narrated by: David Pittu

Length: 32 hrs and 25 mins

Publisher's summary

Winner of the Pulitzer Prize For Fiction 2014

Longlisted – Baileys Women’s Prize 2014

Audie Award Finalist, Literary Fiction, 2013

Aged 13, Theo Decker, son of a devoted mother and a reckless, largely absent father, survives an accident that otherwise tears his life apart. Alone and rudderless in New York, he is taken in by the family of a wealthy friend. He is tormented by an unbearable longing for his mother, and down the years clings to one thing that reminds him of her: a small, strangely captivating painting that ultimately draws him into the criminal underworld.

As he grows up, Theo learns to glide between the drawing rooms of the rich and the dusty antiques store where he works. He is alienated and in love - and his talisman, the painting, places him at the centre of a narrowing, ever more dangerous circle.

The Goldfinch is a haunted odyssey through present-day America and a drama of enthralling power. Combining unforgettably vivid characters and thrilling suspense, it is a beautiful, addictive triumph - a sweeping story of loss and obsession, of survival and self-invention, of the deepest mysteries of love, identity and fate.

©2013 Tay Ltd (P)2013 Hachette Audio

Of art and the artful!

If you could sum up The Goldfinch in three words, what would they be?

Riveting, philosophical, lifelike!

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

Mrs Barber's 'goodbye' to Theo when he moves to Vegas, Hobie's reaction to Theo's betrayal, Boris's attempts to reclaim the painting

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

I had never heard him before but cannot believe anyone could be so brilliantly creative. He smoothly manages to move from Andy's character to Boris's accent, to Mrs Barber's class act to Hobie's honest-to-goodness manner ... Amazing! His reading made the book smooth sailing!

If you could rename The Goldfinch, what would you call it?

The Artists

Any additional comments?

Enjoyed the summing up at the end: seems true that excess desire for an object can make you do things you normally wouldn't. It can take over your life ...

Unchosen Hearts, Beautiful Characters

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

Yes, though this is only due to Pittu's magic. The book is beautiful, with some of the passages too fleeting when read aloud, gone. I want go back and reread, hold tight the beautiful melancholy, the cold irony, the tragic truths and the beautiful illusions.

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

'the vivid characters' is what I remember reading on the back of the book. This sounds like a generic description, really, so I didn't expect something specific about this to stand out. And how absolutely bowled out I was by the 'vivid characters'! There is nothing generic about them, they are unique, broken, accepting their fate, fighting their fate, searching for their place in the world - they are colourful and absolutely brilliant!

What does David Pittu bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

David Pittu has raised narration to a new kind of art in my mind. I have never considered narration to be more than someone reading out loud, but David Pittu, his interpretations of the characters, has brought it to life in a way I could not have imagined! The many accents that he produces (Hispanic, Russian, German, smoker, old guy, lady - whatever the character needs, David Pittu produces) has been an absolute treat to listen to! My favourite was his imitation of Xandra (smokey voice, "with an 'X', not with a 'Z') - I could so clearly see this lady, her whole character, in my mind! I have only praise for David Pittu!

If you could rename The Goldfinch, what would you call it?

We Cannot Choose Our Heart

Any additional comments?

This has become my favourite book of all time, with the characters still walking around in my thoughts. I do wish to read the printed copy, as there were some beautiful passages, thought-provoking ideas, cold philosophies sinking deep into my heart, beautiful tragedies that are scattered all through the book.

What a book!

Donna Tartt is just an amazing writer. Three books, three masterpieces. Along with the Secret History and the Little Friend. listening to this has been one of the most fantastic literary experiences of my life. The book grabbed me by the neck from five minutes in and didn't let me go until it was over. Super, super super!

Such an exquisite story, I didn't want it to end

David Pittu is brilliant in evoking all the different characters, and just like the painting the book has been named after, this book will remain a masterpiece to be savoured into the future.

Maaan, it's good!

The Goldfinch. Wow! What can I say. In the words of our Australian music guru, Molly Meldrum, I will say, guys, we have a hit on our hands. Yep, I believe this book has got to be a best seller, long term a breaker of records. Man, it's good! Plus, the narration is brilliant.

Finest novel I have read or heard for years

If you could sum up The Goldfinch in three words, what would they be?

exquisite, beautiful writing

What did you like best about this story?

the fine understanding of the ache of being a human being

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

no, but intend to

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

many moments

Any additional comments?

very well read by David Pittu, very good and sustained voice characterisation of different characters

A fantastic engaging story

This book was absolutely divine I loved every minute of it I have read all of Donna Tarts books they are so engaging full of intrigue and the unexpected

Loved this book

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

Yes, particularly because the performance of the narrator was so good

Who was your favorite character and why?

I loved James Hobart ("hobie"). A kind and wonderful man.

Which character – as performed by David Pittu – was your favorite?

Without doubt Boris. David did a sensational job of portraying Boris.

If you could rename The Goldfinch, what would you call it?

I'm not that smart

Any additional comments?

A really great book, well written, well performed, I loved it from start to (nearly) finish. I did find the finish a bit messy, like the author just wanted to wrap it up,the most disappointing part of the whole book.

Very entertaining - a page turner!

Where does The Goldfinch rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

One of the most intriguing books I've listened to

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

The book made me very aware of others suffering

Had it not been for the "Russian accent"...

Would been a good listen, if the narrator had not been impersonating women, slavs and, worst of all, Slavic women. The story is gripping so I was really motivated to finish the book, but at some points it really is a struggle to ignore the fake accents.