The One Man

A Novel

De: Andrew Gross

Narrado por: Edoardo Ballerini

"Actor Ballerini turns the scene into a fascinating radio drama...These conversational moments, delicately crafted by Gross and splendidly performed by Ballerini, have a profound effect on the novel's equally well-enacted, action-filled, breathless escape sequence." — Publishers Weekly

1944. Physics professor Alfred Mendel and his family were trying to flee Paris when they were caught and forced onto a train, along with thousands of other Jewish families. At the other end of the long, torturous train ride, Alfred is separated from his family and sent to the men’s camp, where all of his belongings are tossed on a roaring fire. His books, his papers, his life’s work. The Nazis have no idea what they have just destroyed. And without that physical record, Alfred is one of only two people in the world with his particular knowledge. Knowledge that could start a war, or end it.

Nathan Blum works behind a desk at an intelligence office in Washington, DC, but he longs to contribute to the war effort in a more meaningful way, and he has a particular skill set the U.S. suddenly needs. Nathan is fluent in German and Polish, and he proved his scrappiness at a young age when he escaped from the Krakow ghetto. Now, the government wants him to take on the most dangerous assignment of his life: Nathan must sneak into Auschwitz, on a mission to find and escape with one man.

This historical thriller from New York Times bestseller Andrew Gross is a deeply affecting, unputdownable series of twists and turns through a landscape at times horrifyingly familiar but still completely compelling.

©2016 Andrew Gross (P)2016 Macmillan Audio

Reseñas de la Crítica

"Actor Ballerini turns the scene into a fascinating radio drama.... These conversational moments, delicately crafted by Gross and splendidly performed by Ballerini, have a profound effect on the novel's equally well-enacted, action-filled, breathless escape sequence." (Publishers Weekly)

"The One Man contains many different plots and characters that cross the globe, and narrator Ballerini effortlessly manages the complex story line. All accents are portrayed authentically, with the nuances of each language clearly expressed—American accents are especially crisp and easily stand out from the third-party narration. Given the numerous accents and foreign, scientific, and military terms used, the audio truly enhances the written text. This historical thriller will keep listeners engaged, and although they know how the war ends, they will find themselves on the edge of their seats wondering what happens next." -Booklist

"[Edoardo Ballerini's] versatile transition between multiple characters will keep you riveted." NJ.com

This story is so good, it hurts

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I knew the ending, but the journey kept me on an emotional roller coaster. This is a spy novel,and a love story. This story is about the worst of mankind and the best of man.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

His story is like riding Space Mountain at Disney World. You are in the dark about the next the twists and turns, you end up being turned every way but loose.

Have you listened to any of Edoardo Ballerini’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

This is the first time I've listened to his work. He reflected a voice change as needed, but kept tone that was easy on the ear.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I wanted to punch Andrew Gross in the mouth. His writings have matured over the years.
This was such a gut wrenching thriller, I will think twice before I start his next book. He wears the reader out emotionally.

Good Writer Telling a Good Story

I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I tried it based on reviews alone, which does not always work.

I've read a lot of good books in the WWII genre so I'm always a little skeptical of stories about the same topic I've read many times.

I really enjoyed the authors writing style and ability to tell a story and keep the reader/listener intrigued throughout.

The narrator also does a done job.

Overall highly recommended!!

Great story!

This is a very moving story. If you enjoy WWII stories, this book will go to the top of your list. Great ending. Very moving.

A truly great read/listen

Would you consider the audio edition of The One Man to be better than the print version?

N/A

Who was your favorite character and why?

Really, every character was well developed but Nathan was probably my favorite.

Which scene was your favorite?

If I say one was my "favorite" it implies it was a fun or pleasant scene. The book is hard to read (listen to) - not because it's not well written, but because it depicts one of the darkest times in human history. The scenes where Leo plays chess with Greta were moments of sweetness in a dire situation. They offered up some hope that things would work in the favor of the heroes of the book.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It made me cry more than once, but overall it's a story about resilience, love, and overcoming incredible obstacles. And that, at least some of the time, good does win.

Nearly perfect.

There is only one negative aspect to this book. That is the gratuitous cursing. It's not awful but on almost every occasion it was completely unnecessary. I cringed when he used the 'f' word because it felt so completely out of place; more a like the 21 century invading the mid 20th. But that is my only complaint, sure there were parts devoid of reality but what are novels for? It kept me engrossed the whole way through. oh and the narrator was spot on.

The best

When of the best I have ever listened to and I cried at the end.

Engrossing!!

Loved this book! Twists and turns, characters I became 'attached' to. Hopefully this will be a movie!

Riveting

Excellent in every respect. The narrator was flawless. Though I am not a fan of WW II stories, I recommend this for everyone who enjoys sitting on the edge of the seat.

Incredible!!!

So glad I didn't pass this one up!!
Literally could not put it down! 5 Star all the way!!

Couldn't stop listening!

I normally don't write a full review but this book merits taking a few minutes to do so. I have to admit I wasn't sure I would "get into" this book but it kept me listening. Well worth a credit.