All He Ever Wanted

By: Anita Shreve

Narrated by: Dennis Boutsikaris

"A marriage is always two intersecting stories."

This realization comes perhaps too late to the husband of Etna Bliss-a man whose obsession with his young wife begins at the moment of their first meeting, as he helps Etna and her companions escape from a fire in a hotel restaurant, and culminates in a marriage doomed by secrets and betrayal.

Written with the intelligence and grace that are the hallmarks of Anita Shreve's bestselling novels, this gripping tale of desire, jealousy, and loss is peopled by unforgettable characters as real as the emotions that bring them together.

Intriguing

I liked this novel. At first it was slow and I found myself not paying attention. Then it picks up all of the sudden and I couldn’t stop listening. This is a story that happens in life more often than not – unfortunately. I liked being able to see it from both perspectives, it was well done. I had to go back and re-listen to pick up what I missed. I recommend it, but keep pushing through the beginning!

ouch

did I enjoy this book? no, I didn't.
is it a good book? strangely enough, yes.
the I-figure telling the tale of his marriage does not seek to please, but is as truthful as he is capable.
I could not help but dislike this pompous, possessive, petty, self-pitying man who did so much damage to those around him, all in the name of what he thinks is love.
However, there are many men like him - and I cannot help but admire the skill of Anita Shreve in bringing him to life. Even though I would not have minded never to have read his story.
Dennis Boutsikaris gives an able and lively performance in reading it.

Ok storyNot exactly thrilling One-sided love story

I had just finished Stella Bain which I enjoyed very much. Wanting to read another by Shreve, the first b[k I looked at turned out to be this, the prequel! it was a good set up for Stella Bain but not nearly as interesting or intricate a plot.

Done With Shreve

I barely tolerated this book and almost didn't finish it (a rarity for me). I have not been enthralled with Anita Shreve but I keep trying. I think this book has covinced me to not bother further.

The story takes place in the late 1800's into the 1930's. The author criss crosses back and forth which makes it confusing and adds nothing to the importance of each traverse across time (he is writing the story on a train and gets interrupted so you hear about how the train was derailed...). There are numerous small details that prove of no value to the plot but only slow the story down further (the personal life of a minor character -- a friend -- from whom he borrows a car, no less how he hates to drive but does it anyway).

The narration is done well but the main character is such a "prig" it gets tedious listening to him.

If you like Shreve, go ahead. If you don't like Shreve, or have never read her, don't bother with tis one.

Why bother?

The only thing that kept me listening to this book was the narrator - he does a fine job. Other than that, the book is boring and nothing much happens. It's ok as a period piece, but doesn't dive deep enough into the minds of the characters to make it interesting.