The Magician's Assistant

By: Ann Patchett

Narrated by: Karen Ziemba

Length: 11 hrs and 9 mins

Publisher's summary

When a gay Los Angeles magician named Parsifal dies suddenly, he leaves behind his heartbroken assistant, Sabine, and a secret past that leads her to Nebraska and a father she never knew he had.

©1997 Ann Patchett (P)2008 HarperCollins Publishers

Critic reviews

"The kindliness of The Magician's Assistant is beguiling, and Patchett is an adroit, graceful writer. . . she is especially practiced at the razzle-dazzle of odd juxtapositions." (New York Times Book Review)

"A saga of redemption tenderly and terrifically told." (Kirkus Reviews)

What a enjoyable surprise

Was skeptic about this novel but after the first chapter i was hooked! The pure level of dedication a wife has for a husband is moving and how strangers can become family.

An assistant drowning in grief

This woman, the Magician's Assistant, is drowning in her grief. She is drowning in her grief for a LONG time. It just goes on and on and on. I couldn't listen to it anymore. I made it through till she got to Nebraska and maybe then book was going to turn around, but I found it way too depressing of a listen since I am grieving for a loss myself. I couldn't listen any longer.

Disapointing.

What did you like best about The Magician's Assistant? What did you like least?

Well written, interesting plot. Just didn't deliver.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

Predictable, flat, uninspiring.

Did Karen Ziemba do a good job differentiating all the characters? How?

Yes, she writes well, the characters have depth.

Was The Magician's Assistant worth the listening time?

Sometimes, but not often enough.

Engaging and delightful.

What made the experience of listening to The Magician's Assistant the most enjoyable?

The characters, story line and reading combine to make a most enjoyable experience. This is a surprising gift of a story.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Magician's Assistant?

Los Angeles raised Sabine's first visit to a super Wal-Mart in Nebraska.

Which character – as performed by Karen Ziemba – was your favorite?

Dot Fetters. That said, it is almost a toss up with Sabine and Kitty.

If you could take any character from The Magician's Assistant out to dinner, who would it be and why?

Phan, who was Parcival the Magician's partner. Phan had such an interesting life, full of drama and the tragedy of war. Yet, his character was so peaceful and loving.

Any additional comments?

This book, like all of Ann Patchett's novels, is completely unique. Where does she come up with these stories? Who would ever come up with these situations and characters? Ann Patchett, I guess. This is an earlier novel and has a lighter tone and more likable character than some of her later novels. I keep this book on my ipod and find myself going back to it over and over again. I even find myself making notes of certain sentences. Karen Ziemba reading is clear and engaging. Karen was able to get all the characters and regional accents consistently. She has an easy to listen to voice and her pace and differentiation of the many characters is wonderful. Karen Ziemba was a perfect reader for The Magician's Assistant.

Loved It!

Great love story about the complicated twists our lives take. I recommend it!

I was voluntarily provided the free review copy of audiobook by the author, narrator or publisher.

The magic of listening to your heart

Imagine, if you will, the prefect embrace, the lingering kiss that bridges Los Angeles and Nebraska. Wave your hand over the history untold, and the mysteries within mysteries, and you have Ann Patchett's magical story. A story that touches your heart in ways both unexpected and yet so wonderful. And, like most magic, the trick is simple. It is in the presentation that transports us to that place where something is other then...the magic of listening to your heart.

Great Story, but the Ending???

Interesting story, the subject and the characters were unique and fun to get to know. It was a book that held your interest from the beginning. I enjoyed the progression of the tale and the odd unveiling of her “husbands” family! The whole thing was good until the end!! WTF!! Too many loose ends! I was thinking something got skipped! Seriously, it was a horrible way to end a book.

Magic. Really !!!

I absolutely loved this book. It really is Magic. It continually surpised me, just like magic. Also it conveyed a heartfelt message that there are all kinds of love. Some you can explain. Some you can't explain. And some you don't understand. And why should have to explain your love for someone. Love just is love. You feel how you feel and don't let anyone tell you anything different.Thank you Ann Patchett for writing this book. Also the choice of the narrator was just perfect. Thank you Karen Ziemba. I loved your voices for the old magicians at the castle, Sabine's father and Dot. I have listened to this book at least three times and continue to enjoy it more each time.
Thanks, Ann and Karen too.

ending

when I realized the ending had come, I was surprised. Seems to end too soon and abruoyly

Didn’t want it to end

I loved the women, so accurate, this is how we sound. All the main characters are people I feel like I have known in my life. I like them all so much I will miss them. The friendships are comforting and priceless. Thank you for a pitch perfect voice performance of a warm and rich book.