Jan Karon's new series, launched with her New York Times best-selling Home to Holly Springs, thrilled legions of Mitford devotees, and also attracted a whole new set of fans. "Lovely," said USA Today. "Rejoice!" said The Washington Post.
In this second novel, Father Tim and Cynthia arrive in the west of Ireland, intent on researching his Kavanagh ancestry from the comfort of a charming fishing lodge. The charm, however, is broken entirely when Cynthia startles a burglar and sprains her already injured ankle. Then a cherished and valuable painting is stolen from the lodge owners, and Cynthia's pain pales in comparison to the wound at the center of this bitterly estranged Irish family.
In the Company of Others is a moving testament to the desperate struggle to hide the truth at any cost and the powerful need to confess. Of all her winning novels, Jan Karon says this "dark-haired child" is her favorite - a sentiment listeners everywhere are certain to share.
©2010 Jan Karon (P)2010 Penguin Audio
"wonderful, enjoyable, heart warming- a must!"
This whole audio production was the Best!!! Mr. Erik Singer was outstanding in his reading of the story. His Irish accent, his separation of voices for the character, his timing and emphasis were superb. The story was wonderful. I hated to stop listening, and could hardly wait to press."Play" again. I think this is Mrs. Karon's best work, but then each time I read one of her books I say that. This is a must buy. Whether you are a loyal Jan Karon fan or new to her work you will love this. So go ahead and get this audio. You will be so glad you did. Thank you Jan, Erik, the musicians and production staff. It was wonderful and I will be listening to this many times.
"Thumbs Up"
Jan Karon does it again with another book filled with charming characters, both new and old. Plots are fair, but her books are for people who read for characters. Erik Singer's narration is good, though for those of us who are accustomed to the other narrator, it is an adjustment. I did enjoy his Irish dialects.
If this is your first Jan Karon, I encourage you to start with the Mitford books.
R.Jones
"Good as ever, but...."
I was disappointed at the change in reader. I have come to love the voice characterizations and rhythms of John McDonough. If I had not already listened to the entire rest of the series, I would not have cared; but the change was a little off-putting for me. Otherwise, a typically enjoyable Father Tim book.
"Disappointed"
I have always loved the Father Tim series but I must be listening to a different book than the one others have rated. I'm on chapter 11 and find the story boring; I miss John McDonough, who read the other books. Erik Singer's voice seems too young. I tolerated him in the last book but this is it for me. I may have to try this book again in print form to see if I like it more..
"I love Father Tim and Cynthia"
Absolutely It's a good story with interesting characters BUT if you are expecting all the Mitford gang you will be disappointed. They are in Ireland without Dooley, Harley, Puny, the twins, and even Barnabas.
Once you get past that the cast of characters is different you can settle in and get to know their new friends.
"great except..."
I miss the Mitford narrator. Worth a credit though
JACOB CONLEY Henrietta NC
I enjoy mysteries, science fiction, Stephen King, and some fantasy novels. Now and again I like a biography and a bit of history. No romance!
"Another lovely tale"
Yes, I probably will listen to this again. The story is entertaining and the performance is wonderful.
My favorite character in the story is Father Tim because after listening to all of this author's books, I feel like a know the man. Also, the author keeps him in character. She is always true to his history and he never reacts in a way that seems false. I like looking at the world through his eyes.
The performance is rich and varied. He manages to perform the Irish accents in the book in a believable manner without going over the top. He artfully switches from voice to voice in an easy fashion. As he performs the story, you feel as if he is enjoying it along with you.
If I could rename the book, I think I'd have to call it, 'Working Vacation in Ireland' because this trip is anything but relaxing for Father Tim.
There is a story within the story that could stand as a book all on its own. In a way, I felt as if I were getting two stories for the price of one.
"I highly recommend J. Karon's wonderful new book!"
Yes, because the dialect is spot on; it's absolutely amazing how one narrator can vocalize so many different characters! His rendition plants you right in the middle of all the happenings of Father Tim and his wife, Cynthia, with eloquence and charm.
If you have any Irish blood in you at all, you'll especially love this story! It has humor, pathos, adventure, and a plot that makes you want to keep reading. In addition, if you are a Jan Karon fan, you will not be disappointed! You'll wonder when her next saga will be ready.
This man is unusually adept at nailing not only dialect, but sound quality, inflection, intonation, and nuance so that, even though there are many characters, the reader knows who is speaking. He makes the story come alive, and you feel what each character is experiencing.
Of course, Father Tim. You see the whole landscape and charm of the country and characters through his eyes. Karon's dialogue among characters is fascinating and truly meaningful. There are life lessons in there somewhere!
I just can't wait until Jan Karon finishes her next book in the Father Tim series.
Loves to read but doesnt have time to turn the pages....
"A lovely way to sneak into another world!"
Erik Singer does this book great justice in the voice projection and change! I enjoyed him very much and will look for his other books! I do also hope he narrarates the final book.
Yes, he was excellent! The voice change was perfect. I could tell the difference in characters remarkably!
The moment that Father Tim and Henry first found out that they where brothers! Threw me for a big ole' loop!
I love and enjoy all of Jan Karon's works! I am so happy I found them on audible, my 3 hour commute to work 5 days a week flies by! Thanks AUDIBLE!
"The greatest series ever"
The Midford series and it's spin-offs are the best books I have ever read. Good, clean entertaining reads.