1906: A Novel

By: James Dalessandro

Narrated by: Gigi Shane

Length: 11 hrs and 51 mins

Publisher's summary

Set during the great San Francisco earthquake and fire, this pause-resisting historical novel reveals recently uncovered facts that forever change our understanding of what really happened. Narrated by a feisty young reporter, Annalisa Passarelli, the novel paints a vivid picture of the Post-Victorian city, from the mansions of Nob Hill to the underbelly of the Barbary Coast, to the arrival of tenor Enrico Caruso and the Metropolitan Opera. Central to the story is the ongoing battle - fought even as the city burns - that pits incompetent and unscrupulous politicians against a coalition of honest police officers, newspaper editors, citizens, and a lone federal prosecutor. James Dalessandro weaves unforgettable characters and actual events into a compelling epic.

©2004 San Andreas Films, Inc. (P)2015 David N. Wilson

Disappointing

I expected a book more full of interesting facts about this event. Instead ...a mediocre love story. No real history. very very disappointing

Corruption, Violence, Death. And That is Before

1906 wasn't quite what I was expecting. And that isn't a bad thing.

I'm a huge disaster film and novel fan and as an audiobook fan, there just aren't enough natural disaster books around. So when I see a new one I put it on my wishlist or buy it. 1906 I actually was fortunate enough to get as a free review copy from audiobookblast, which was doubly fantastic. However, this is not a disaster novel. And that is not a bad thing. The earthquake is nearly a footnote to the novel (coming well over 2/3rds of the way into the book), and the book is more a historic crime and corruption novel set at the time of the earthquake. And gee, what a lot of bad people were in authority in that time. The level of corruption and rampant crime was astounding and anger inducing. But the book about a group of very good people fighting against really bad odds, both before and after the earthquake. The one character though I did have trouble categorizing though was Kaitlyn (not sure of spelling) who I wouldn't categorize as either bad or good, more just a silly teen who would have made the entire situation better without her...

Gigi Shane did a wonderful job on the narration, and did male and female voices, and accents, fantastically. I do have one of ther book she has narrated in (one of Clive Barker's), but oddly her list of titles is small. I'd definitely recommend her as a narrator to listeners and authors.

1906 San Francisco Earthquake Eye Opening Account

A fascinating look at San Francisco just prior to the 1906 earthquake and fires that destroyed the city . . . I've often wondered how such a beautiful place got to be what it has become today . . . this book answered many of those questions . . . the perversions, corruption and filth have long been a part of San Francisco . . . unbeknownst to me . . . having lived in the Monterey area in the 1980s, and working in both the Monterey and San Francisco areas, I grew to love the landmarks and much of the history of both . . . listening to the book made me want to research more of the crooked government, including that of the mayor of the city . . . loved the "good versus evil" mystery as it was carried out, the history of the police department . . . I was appalled at the horrid acts kidnapping and sale of young girls to wealthy men of the city . . . and the fact that people knew about the danger of earthquakes long before it happened, yet warned no one . . . our crooked government at work . . . then and now . . . excellent book . . .

1906

This book was awesome!We follow a group of cops,bad guys,an informant etc in the dsys leading up to the 1906 fire.I had no idea there was so much corruption that played into the event alongside an earthquake.Gigi Shane is a wonderful narrator.I was given this book free for an honest review.

Terrific Narration of a Fine Suspenseful Novel

What made the experience of listening to 1906: A Novel the most enjoyable?

I very much enjoy Historical Fiction, and this intriguing story with the backdrop of an earthquake disaster made for very entertaining and enlightening material. The narrator did a fine job as well. That makes you want to get back to listening as soon as possible when you have to take a break.

What did you like best about this story?

The first two sentences above.

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

I have not, but I certainly will after listening to this. Her voice is magical.

If you could take any character from 1906: A Novel out to dinner, who would it be and why?

Lincoln, the Sheriff from Kansas. Would have enjoyed that conversation in that setting.

Any additional comments?

Wonderful performance.

Very Entertaining

Mr. Dalessandro has written a very entertaining tale that includes murder and mystery with a significant historical event. His characters are interesting and well developed. His descriptions of the old city of San Francisco are clear and the events and sequences related to the earthquake ate fascinating and well detailed. I thoroughly enjoyed the book, and recommend it to anyone who enjoys well written historical fiction.

San Francisco Earthquake and Fire

Enthralling story of an event in history barely covered in the history books. Tales of city wide corruption, an imaginative appearance - based on fact - of Enrico Caruso, family loyalty and bravery and an all too vivid description of the worst natural disaster in the history of this country. It turned me to research the actual facts of the event which only added interest to the fascinating fictional account.

Not crazy about the narration.

Did Gigi Shane do a good job differentiating all the characters? How?

Gigi did an OK job, but the problem is that there are way more male characters with dialogue than female characters with dialogue. All the male roles sounded too feminine. I understand that the producer didn't have much of a choice because the book was written in first person from a female character but, I would have insisted on a second male voice if I were Dalessandro.

Will get anything else from this author / narrator

Any additional comments?

Was way beyond any other book I've listened to (now over 200). The story was compelling, the characters were interesting, the true facts behind the fire are incredible. Plus, the narrator was a treat to listen to, with a captivating delivery and separate voices for each character that not only makes the story more interesting but makes it easier to know who's speaking. I'll get anything else this author writes or this narrator reads.

Excellentà

What did you love best about 1906: A Novel?

I really enjoyed this book in that it brought a historical topic to life while following someone through their experience as if you were there. Great reader both in telling the story and expression. Must read and already recommended.