The Last Camellia

A Novel

By: Sarah Jio

Narrated by: Justine Eyre

Length: 8 hrs and 29 mins

Publisher's summary

On the eve of the Second World War, the last surviving specimen of a camellia plant known as the Middlebury Pink lies secreted away on an English country estate. Flora, an amateur American botanist, is contracted by an international ring of flower thieves to infiltrate the household and acquire the coveted bloom. Her search is at once brightened by new love and threatened by her discovery of a series of ghastly crimes. More than half a century later, garden designer Addison takes up residence at the manor, now owned by the family of her husband, Rex. The couple’s shared passion for mysteries is fueled by the enchanting camellia orchard and an old gardener’s notebook. Yet its pages hint at dark acts ingeniously concealed. If the danger that Flora once faced remains very much alive, will Addison share her fate?

©2013 Sarah Jio (P)2013 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

“Terrific . . . compelling . . . an intoxicating blend of mystery, history, and romance, this book is hard to put down.” ( Real Simple)

Addictive

This book was addictive from the minute I started it. I just loved they mystery and intrigue in The Last Camellia. And when I thought I figured the mystery all out and the ending, Sarah Jio surprised me with something I wasn't expecting.

This was my first Sarah Jio novel and I think I've become addicted to not only this book but her as well. Now I am going to listen to all of her previous books.

Beyond Terrible!

What would have made The Last Camellia better?

Characters who behaved in a reasonable and believable manner to life's events. A narrator who isn't as difficult to listen to as fingernails on a chalkboard. Seriously, there is no way to make it better. It is just too terrible for words.

Has The Last Camellia turned you off from other books in this genre?

Just other books by this author and narrator.

How could the performance have been better?

Get a voice coach. Work on dialing down the whine.

If you could play editor, what scene or scenes would you have cut from The Last Camellia?

Well, I didn't finish this book which is UNHEARD of for me. I quit listening when a character witnessed the murder/manslaughter/killing of a toddler and decided not to report it. Really? That is how you would react? There are so many other unbelievable reactions that come earlier in the book. The one I mentioned was just the straw that broke the camel's back.

Any additional comments?

I hated this book.

Beautiful Dual Time-Line Fiction

I have to admit that I know next to nothing about flowers and gardening. For that very reason, I wasn't sure that I would enjoy this book which mystery surrounds a rare Camellia. I actually looked up camellia photos on line to help me prepare for the story. Let me tell you... this was a great dual time line story. The suspense was intense in both the modern tale and the historical story. I thought the character development was superb. Whether you know flowers or not, mystery fans will love this book. I remain a fan of Ms. Jio!!
The performance by Justine Eyre was pleasant and she kept each character sounding individual - which I find amazing!

Too little camelia, too much violence

Where does The Last Camellia rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Somewhere in the middle.

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

I would have removed the gory descriptions of the violence and added more information about camelias and botony.

Which character – as performed by Justine Eyre – was your favorite?

Flora

Who was the most memorable character of The Last Camellia and why?

Flora was the most memorable character because she was so human - she was a good, kind person placed in a difficult situation and tempted to do something she wouldn't normally consider because of her desire to protect those she loved.

Any additional comments?

The gory descriptions of the violence overshadowed what would have been a perfect read. I have to add that the book was not replete with violence - there weren't many instances of it, but the instances that occur in this book are far to graphic for my taste.

The plot is well constructed with a story that weaves two lives from two different time periods masterfully. I found the story engaging, but I was somewhat disappointed that there wasn't more information about camelias and botony. I like mysteries that teach as well as entertain me. There was some information, just not quite enough to make it as much of an intellectual exercise as I would have liked.

The performance was exceptional. Justine Eyre could not have read it any better.

Good story, narration not so good

First of all, Sarah Jio is one of my favorites!! But… this story is good, but not one of her best. As others have pointed out, the premise of the 15 year old keeping the incident with the toddler a big secret, even believing she herself did something wrong or illegal, all the way into her adulthood? It’s too contrived, not believable. Now, having said that, I think the 1940s historical parts of the story are good, and are the important parts of the story anyway.

Which brings me to the narration. I read this book years ago but I had forgotten most of it. Many books read between then and now :) Since I love Sarah Jio I decided on a whim to listen to it this time. I think, probably, the narrator is normally good, but maybe she had some misguided direction from the sound director ? or whoever is in charge of these recordings. The present day chapters sound like she is trying to speak a little quieter, with her mouth too close to the microphone. It comes out so breathy and whiny and nasally, hard to listen to. And the voice she did for the husband with a British accent makes it sound like he’s old enough to be her grandfather. Now, having said all that, I should say that I think the narration of the historical chapters actually sounds better.

I can see by the reviews, many were disappointed with this one, but don’t let that stop you from trying more Sarah Jio books!

wonderful historical novel

What a great escape. It had a little bit of romance but more important to me historical value and deep development of characters and their relationships between siblings and coworkers. looking forward to more of her books.

Wonderful book and storyline really suspenseful.

The woman reading Addison and Flores was very good except for the tone home for voice makes the characters sound whiny

good story but bad narrator

good story but the narrator sounds like she is whining when doing the main character voice

Listen to the sample first - the narrator’s voice isn’t for everyone

I made the mistake of not listening to the sample first and after buying the book, I found that I just couldn’t get past the narrator’s style. It’s very breathy and waivers between bored and turned on. Some people probably won’t mind it and may even like it but I suggest listening to the sample first. :) I didn’t finish listening but I’m going to get the actual book from the library so I can finish the story because it was interesting.

Kept me intrigued!

Loved this book! Well done to the author as well as the narrator. Great storyline.