How It All Began

This was such a great surprise. I loved all the characters to the point of missing them when the novel was over and the story is compelling. I wouldn't miss this one if you want to have a good literary romp.

I think I will read the book. I loved the story, wanted to finish it, but just could not take the reader. Every line sounded like a newscast or an announcement

This is one of the most enjoyable books I have listened too this year.

The characters are fascinating, and the novel combines both an interesting story that captifates the attention with some fascinating reflections on age, love, memory, the changing times, and family relationships.

All of the characters are well drawn, but the immigrant accountant is particularly well done, one can hear his English improve through the novel.

This is a book, in other words, that is easy to listen to and that grabs you from the first minutes, and yet has some real depth that sticks with you. First rate.

This was full of both humor and insight. Wonderful characters, great plot, great fun. The book is rathah British in its outlook but still quite relevant for American listeners and readers. Katherine Kellgren does a fabulous job with all the character voices.

Yes. The storyline and charcaters are complex yet familiar

Not heard Katherine Kellgren before, but she gives life to the multiple characters.

Funny, sweet, excellent performance by Katherine Kellgren. Overall very enjoyable, relaxing and absorbing. Loved multiple story lines. Highly recommended.

I just gulped this book-- the writing was marvelous, the reader superb. The concept was developed with skill and humor. I lose traction on books fairly easily and often find popular writing to be contrived and inane but this book was everything one could hope-- except perhaps too short. I am going to go back and listen to all of the Penelope Lively titles that are available through Audible (and hope they add additional ones!)

I had thought that this would be one of those six-degrees-of-separation deals, where the effects of the mugging ripple directly outward. Instead, it felt more as though the affected were a closed circle, some of whose members I did not care for much. Kellgren's accents were good, especially the mugging victim Charlotte, and Czech immigrant Anton. However, at other times, she spoke in a "plummy" voice which I found a bit irritating. Others' mileage may vary on this one, but my experience was that it filled time, and not much else.

This book is based on the premise that a chance accident or other blow from the Universe (in this case, a mugging) has ripples that flow outward from the incident in an every-widening circle. It's an interesting idea, well presented in the form of a story with a wide cast of characters. I enjoyed the deft way this accomplished British author wove the overlapping stories into this narrative. ENJOY!

I would recommend if the friend was interested in the English setting and genre. The narrator is absolutely fantastic and the story ties up beautifully. It is a very believable story set in contemporary times which appeals to me a lot lately.

I don't think about most memorable moments. Instead I judge the novel as a whole. If I am interested from hour to hour that is what matters.

Just a fantastic narration on all levels. One of the best narrators I have heard.