The Swan Thieves

By: Elizabeth Kostova

Narrated by: Treat Williams, Anne Heche, Erin Cottrell, Sarah Zimmerman, John Lee

Length: 17 hrs and 56 mins

Publisher's summary

Psychiatrist Andrew Marlowe has a perfectly ordered life--solitary, perhaps, but full of devotion to his profession and the painting hobby he loves. This order is destroyed when renowned painter Robert Oliver attacks a canvas in the National Gallery of Art and becomes his patient. In response, Marlowe finds himself going beyond his own legal and ethical boundaries to understand the secret that torments this genius, a journey that will lead him into the lives of the women closest to Robert Oliver and toward a tragedy at the heart of French Impressionism.

Ranging from American museums to the coast of Normandy, from the late 19th century to the late twentieth, from young love to last love, The Swan Thieves is a story of obsession, the losses of history, and the power of art to preserve human hope.

©2010 Elizabeth Kostova (P)2010 Hachette

Love this audio production!

This is a fascinating story. It's for those who love mysteries, romance, art, art history...it is multifaceted, intriguing, touching, mystifying, sad, happy...you'll be drawn in right away. The narrators do a great job. Go ahead, give it a try!

This Books Reminds Me of a Watercolor Landscape

I would have loved to give The Swan Thieves four stars, but I cannot. The story is well conceived, but delivered in too many words, which when woven together create a languid series of interwoven memories. The lack of tension did not create boredom but rather led to a rather unworldly mist of colors of memories which bleed, as watercolor, from the 19th to the present century. I enjoyed it, and I would recommend it to a reader who enjoys literature and is not seeking the thrill of a Steven King novel.

The Swan Thieves

This is definately a book to listen to! It is beautifully descriptive and almost musical to hear!!Having each character have a different reader makes the book very realistic. The characters come alive. I can't wait to read more from this author!!!!

An Intimate Look into the Mind of an Artist

Would you listen to The Swan Thieves again? Why?

Yes, I found it very well written. A pleasure to listen to.

What did you like best about this story?

I liked the point of view of the psychiatrist and his own story woven into in patient's life. It was a unique story and very well done.

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

I think the characters come alive with narration. I love to read a good book too, but often I keep the words with me longer by listening to them in a character's voice.

If you could take any character from The Swan Thieves out to dinner, who would it be and why?

The artist's wife

Calling all art lovers

It was a slow start and the narrator's voice takes a little getting used to but once you are caught up in the history and romance of it all it is worth the time. Definitely for grown-ups only. If you love sci-fi/action then this is not for you. It did however make me want to sketch again.

Great story.

I loved The Historian and jumped at the chance to read this one. I found it to be engaging and an
excellent read. Can't wait for her next book.

A Diffrent Look to Life...

Any additional comments?

Elizabeth Kostova does a wonderful job researching her material she uses to write with. In this case she brings painters to life. I honestly have a complete and different outlook on life due to her extensive and well written descriptions of the characters in this book. Colors will never look the same, and neither will the way I see painters. I appreciated it. The reason why I gave it 4 stars is because I believe the ending could have been a little more satisfying, and there where dull drums in the book that made me space case. I can't exactly put my finger on it but it was a good book.

Excellent Novel Superbly Read

I really enjoyed this novel. It was hauntingly lovely, and the readers were superb. I was very impressed with Sarah Zimmerman and John Lee, who read French-speaking characters, which can be particularly tricky. Ms. Zimmerman was especially charming. She made her character positively sparkle! Thank you, Elizabeth Kostova, and thank you to the entire cast for one of the most enjoyable listens I've heard this year!

Loved it!

Outstanding story, and I enjoyed listening to it with the actors' accents and dramatic presentation -- a little music here and there. Great! I enjoy reading, and having a book to listen to allows me to make good use of my drive time. I also listen on my iPod while I'm doing housework.

The Swan Thieves

Excellent, beautiful imagery. Particularly for those who love art.