What We Become

A Novel

De: Arturo Pérez-Reverte

Narrado por: Pete Simonelli

From number-one best-selling author and Dagger Award winner Arturo Pérez-Reverte comes an epic historical tale following the dangerous and passionate love affair between a beautiful high society woman and an elegant thief. A story of romance, adventure, and espionage, this novel solidifies Pérez-Reverte as an international literary giant.

En route from Lisbon to Buenos Aires in 1928, Max and Mecha meet aboard a luxurious transatlantic cruise ship. There Max teaches the stunning stranger and her erudite husband to dance the tango. A steamy affair ignites at sea and continues as the seedy decadence of Buenos Aires envelops the secret lovers.

Nice, 1937. Still drawn to one another a decade later, Max and Mecha rekindle their dalliance. In the wake of a perilous mission gone awry, Mecha looks after her charming paramour until a deadly encounter with a Spanish spy forces him to flee.

Sorrento, 1966. Max once again runs into trouble - and Mecha. She offers him temporary shelter from the KGB agents on his trail, but their undeniable attraction offers only a small glimmer of hope that their paths will ever cross again.

Arturo Pérez-Reverte is at his finest here, offering listeners a bittersweet, richly rendered portrait of a powerful, forbidden love story that burns brightly over 40 years, from the fervor of youth to the dawn of old age.

©2016 Arturo Perez-Reverte. All rights reserved. (P)2016 Simon & Schuster, Inc. All rights reserved.

A rare and beautiful book

Oh how I loved this astonishing story—so masterfully crafted and totally captivating. I found the characters to be wonderfully complicated and fully human. Rarely do I go back and listen to multiple passages again, but this kind of writing is meant to be savored and truly enjoyed. Take your time with this one—it’s pretty darned special.

I sobbed when it was over.

Old world charm - they don’t make ‘em like that anymore - with piercing beautifully indifferent honesty. It was a wonderful ride.

One of my favorite authors...

...but not my favorite book. Interesting story in sections, while other areas dragged. I found the main characters to be flatter than usual, very matter-of-fact about their questionable life choices, and a lot of the exciting stuff was merely glossed over, while paragraphs might be spent on the part in someone's hair. I did make it all the way through, however! If you get a chance to read any of Arturo Pérez-Reverte's other books, do so!!!

Steady drone is great - for an aircraft engine

Arturo Pérez-Reverte is one of my very favorite writers and he is at the top of his form in this book, so why take the heart out of it with a narrator who sounds like Jim Bodett doing a Motel 6 commercial?

Where is George Guidall when you need him

I have thoroughly enjoyed Sr. P-R's work in both English and Spanish; Audible and written. I believe this novel is probably as good as my favorite, La Carta Esferica/The Nautical Chart, but It is very difficult to listen to this dry narration.

Starts slow but hang on... classic Perez-Reverte

I would suggest reading some earlier stuff first; Fencing Master or The Nautical Charts to build an appreciation for character development and style. Take you time and enjoy.