Black Swan Green

Top-notch, versatile narration of a lyrical coming-of-age story. Both Mitchell and Heyborne nail the voice of the awkward, angst-ridden boy who struggles with both inner and outer demons--a plague of stuttering, harrassment by village bullies and crazy old ladies, the mysteries of girls, a family that disintegrates even while he finds his strengths. British teenspeak and early 80s pop-music and political references add to the delight.

At first I thought this book was boring; however, I am not one to give up on anything. The number of characters in the book are numerous and it was really hard to keep track of. In addition, some of the chapters end abruptly and you never really know what happened.

The narrator does a fine job of speaking and I found myself imitating the boy's voice at times.

You really feel for the character when his social life changes and (although not having experienced it myself) you can really empathize with the character.

One chapter of the book I found to be very boring; however, overall it was a good read.

I absolutly loved this book and this author. I also have recently listen to Cloud Atlas. I love the voice of the character,13 year old Jason Taylor. He is a middle tier cool kid. This book is a funny, sensative and often heartbreaking look at how difficult it is to be a 13 year old boy and navigate your place in the food chain of boys in school, the mysterious draw of girls, world politics and family problems. The narrator is brillant. I couldn't stop listening because of his magical voice. He effortlessly breaths life into all of the characters in the book. I can't wait to read/listen to more by this author and I look to hearing more from this narrator.

I can't say enough good things about this book.

Black Swan Green is beautifully read and immediately captures the listener's attention by the skill of the writing as well. Told from the point of view of a thirteen year old boy we witness not only his coming of age story, but also the picture of a particular historical moment in Great Britain. The young boy's insight grows not only in relation to his own immediate world but also in terms of political consciousness and his relationship to his parents and family. The story was raw as it demonstrates the awful cruelty of the young, honestly told in the way few novels achieve, without bitterness or rancor...it's just the way things are in this world and learning to deal with that reality is the act of growth that transforms the narrator. The reader is so perfect for this book I can't imagine it being read better.

I loved this book. The narrator was top-notch, and the story was engrossing. I found myself worrying about Jason at odd times during the day and night, when I wasn't listening to the book. There were also some really memorable phrases, the kind you hear, stop the the player, and think, "I've got to remember that one."

Especially in the second half or so of the book, the narrator really shines at doing all the voices, from the odd accent of old Madame Cromerlinck to the Gypsies and the horrid gossipy vicar's wife.

This is an enjoyable audiobook. Very easy to listen to, excellent narration. We've all been in similar situations to those encountered by Jason. We can all identify.

Just a really great story and easier to follow than Mitchell's other work- Could Atlas. Of the two, I preferred this one, although both are beautifully written. On the surface the story appears straightforeward, but then makes strange turns. I generally dislike literal novels and prefer immersive fantasy, but this was some of both.

But this book was ...epic!

Fabulous narration as well. I just listened to this for the second time and enjoyed it even more than the first time.

I listened to this book about a year ago and recently started listening to it again. I am enjoying it even more the 2nd time around. So much happens during the year in the life of Jason that you can't absorb it all the 1st time around. Great story and great narrator.