The Magician's Assistant

By: Ann Patchett

Narrated by: Karen Ziemba

From the bestselling author of The Dutch House, a secretive magician’s death becomes the catalyst for his partner’s journey of self-discovery in this “enchanting” book (San Francisco Chronicle) “that is something of a magic trick in itself.” (Newsweek)

When Parsifal, a handsome and charming magician, dies suddenly, his widow Sabine—who was also his faithful assistant for twenty years—learns that the family he claimed to have lost in a tragic accident is very much alive and well. Sabine is left to unravel his secrets, and the journey she takes, from sunny Los Angeles to the bitter windswept plains of Nebraska, will work its own magic on her.

Sabine's extraordinary tale, “with its big dreams, vast spaces, and disparate realities lying side by side” captures the hearts of its readers and “proves to be the perfect place for miraculous transformations.” (The New Yorker)

©1997 Ann Patchett; (P)2008 HarperCollins Publishers

well done but not exactly uplifting

Patchett is a solid author - good stories, well conceived with highly developed characters. Her stories do draw you in, but this one felt too "down" most of the time.
Not even "ups and downs" in the story as much as just a sad (but well depicted) reality of people struggling and not too happy.
This story could have been non-fiction or biographical in that it was too 'real' feeling in some ways.
I don't need fiction to always be happy and upbeat - but this felt like it was portraying a consistently downer theme...3/4 of the way thru, I almost didn't want to continue listening, but she is a good author and despite getting depressed listening to it, I felt committed to the story.
The reader was excellent.

Poignant and lovely

I've listened to several Ann Patchett books, and this is one of my favorites. Great writing, great narration, it is worth your time and book credit.

Fantastic narration, abrupt ending

I found myself very entertained throughout most of the story; however I cannot get past the abrupt ending. The narration was fantastic. Karen Ziemba absolutely brought these characters to life. I will try another Patchett offering based on other reviews. She does write beautifully.

Rabbit

Good. story, wish the ending was a bit more detailed. Narration was done very well!

Cute story

I loved the flow of the story and the way the characters “lived” in her dreams.