The Charm School

By: Nelson DeMille

Narrated by: Scott Brick

Length: 24 hrs and 56 mins

Publisher's summary

Something very strange -- and sinister -- is going on in the Russian woods at Borodino. In a place called Mrs. Ivanova's Charm School, young KGB agents are being taught by American POW's how to be model citizens of the USA. The Soviet goal -- to infiltrate the United States undetected.

When an unsuspecting American tourist stumbles upon this secret, he sets in motion a CIA investigation that will reveal horrifying police state savagery and superpower treachery.

©1999 Nelson DeMille (P)2009 Hachette

Critic reviews

"Riveting." ( Publishers Weekly)

I loved this story!

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

It was a bit dated, but so what? It took place during a time in history like any other. I really and truely thought that the depth of this story was amazing. I had read some of Mr. DeMille's newer work and that lead me to his older books. I went from this right to Up Country and was amazed yet again. I'm amazed at what an insight he has into the human element, how he understands people, predjudices, and desires. I've come to realize that Mr. DeMille is truely a Great American, as well as a great Author. This Country could use more, many more, men(and women) like him. This book is long, quite indepth and couldn't be any other way. 5 Stars.

Alfredo

Great book. I enjoyed it very much. Nelson De Mille does a great job describing all situations, and keeps a good level of suspense all through.

A great listen

A great story very well read, I almost wish it were longer.

Quite a few cliffhangers...

Would you listen to The Charm School again? Why?

One year from now I could be reading it again, but I am not sure if the same tense expectations when the story develops will be there.

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

I could not put the book down while listening to it, so It was kind of a relief that the book ended, the final chapters were quite a nerveracking experience.

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

Always giving a special depth to the characters. Great narrator.

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

Yes indeed.

Any additional comments?

Very entertaining but violent spy story. However, I did not care about the "teachings" about Russian culture, througout the book, that story could have been told in a different style because it slowed down the story. The Lisa character started to annoy because of that. And why on earth does a sensible tough girl working abroad change into a naive person who starts fantasizing, halfway through the book, about introducing the hero to her parents, meeting his parents and even marrying the poor sod after terrible ordeals at the end. Beats me.

Charm School

Great narrator. Awesome book that kept me on edge of my seat from cover to cover! Perhaps one of Nelson DeMille's best books! would make a great movie!

Exciting!

Great story that really makes you think. Narrator does an awesome job with different accents to keep you interested. Some parts of the story seem unnecessary and are kind of boring, but for the most part great listen!

Very engaing

3. It is the outstanding description of the Russian background where actions are taking place in “The Charm School” by Nelson DeMille novel. It feels not like a fiction but a real thing. As a Russian who was born and lived in cities and villages of Russia, I can authenticate this incredible dynamic description of the fictional events of this detective novel. I listened to this audiobook twice. It has become my favorite non-fiction book. Now I am interested in more books by the same author. My passion for audiobooks started with non-fiction. I listen close to 400 audioboks during past 20 years but nowadays you would find me listening to Nelson DeMille novels.

fantastic Adventure

this was my first experience with a DeMille book. I am now a confirmed fan. the book is a never-ending roller coaster ride of Adventure, twist and unexpected turns. Flawed Heroes with protagonist that are evil beyond words. every time you think you know where the story is headed 2 mil gives it a complete right turn or even an about-face. a page Turner that you just do not want to put down. enough cannot be said about Scott Bricks' reading talents. he is probably one of the two with three best book readers working today. he is spot-on with his accents, tone, and vocal nuances that you completely visualize the circumstances of what she is reading. book that is highly recommended to all listeners for both quality of writing and reading.

Good story, poor narrator

I liked the story, despite its overall gloomy nature. Sadly, the narration I found to be sub-par. OK - the Russian accents and phrases did SOUND Russian. But the two main protaganists (male and female) were almost indistinguishable, as were pretty much all of the Russians. The two main CIA characters also sounded an awful lot alike, with painful, NY-type accents. Made extended conversation maddeningly difficult to follow. Wish it could have been a better listen.

One of the best books ever

This story is suspenseful and keeps you at the edge of your seat. The characters are all well written. I was leery with a book being as long as it was, in keeping my interest. I WAS SORRY IT ENDED!
If you like suspense, and intrigue you surely will want to read this. I choose “Audible” which I am glad I did because of some Russian names. I would have wasted my time on each one trying to figure out how to say them!