Catalina: A Novel

By: Liska Jacobs

Narrated by: Tavia Gilbert

A magnetic, provocative debut novel chronicling a young woman’s downward spiral following the end of an affair

Elsa Fisher is headed for rock bottom. At least, that’s her plan. She has just been fired from MoMA on the heels of an affair with her married boss, and she retreats to Los Angeles to blow her severance package on whatever it takes to numb the pain. Her abandoned crew of college friends (childhood friend Charlotte and her wayward husband, Jared; and Elsa’s ex-husband, Robby) receive her with open arms, and, thinking she’s on vacation, a plan to celebrate their reunion on a booze-soaked sailing trip to Catalina Island.

But Elsa doesn’t want to celebrate. She is lost, lonely, and full of rage, and only wants to sink as low as the drugs and alcohol will take her. On Catalina, her determined unraveling and recklessness expose painful memories and dark desires, putting everyone in the group at risk.

With the creeping menace of Patricia Highsmith and the bender-chic of Bret Easton Ellis, Liska Jacobs brings you inside the mind of an angry, reckless young woman hell-bent on destruction; every page taut with the knowledge that Elsa’s path does not lead to a happy place. Catalina is a compulsive, deliciously dark exploration of beauty, love, and friendship, and the sometimes toxic desires that drive us.

©2017 FSG Originals (P)2017 TalkingBook

Mischaracterized

I found this audiobook in the Psychological Mysteries/Thrillers section... it is neither mysterious nor thrilling, and the psychology is seriously lacking. There is literally no character development in this story - Elsa is just as messy at the beginning of the book as she is at the end, her friend Charlie is shrill and whiny the entire time, her ex Robbie is lovesick, Jared is a drunken idiot, Jane is in a bad relationship, and Tom is odious from start to finish. There's really nothing going on in this story beyond a very superficial look at superficial people, and the disappointing weekend they spend together.

I also didn't enjoy the narrator very much. She sounded like she was doing an impression of Jenna Maroney from 30 Rock the entire time. In particular, the voice she used for Charlie was awful and made me hate the character so much that by the time the drama "peaked", I had absolutely no sympathy.

Sad, dark, feel bad book

What disappointed you about Catalina: A Novel?

Everything. The characters were generally horribly, miserable people.

Which scene was your favorite?

None

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

Sadness, anger, disappointment, frustration, more sadness... really just a downer book. One of those that when it is over you think "wow, that is how it ends?" The entire went nowhere except spiraling down...

Any additional comments?

The person reading pronounced several words wrong, but otherwise she did wonderfully!

The worst ever!!!!!

This is a pointless story about a delusional woman constantly popping pills and drinking all because she was fired from her job where she was having an affair with her boss.... horrible plot.... even more horrible the ending... literally no point to this story except rambling on and on... the other characters weren't interesting at all either... I listened hoping it would get better.... it did not... waste of a credit... I'm returning this ... thanks but no thanks..

This was sooooo good

Tavia Gilbert gives great narration for a book that is so well written and so entertaining. Couldn’t stop. Would listen to again.

Tragic and compelling.

Any additional comments?

This book was so beautifully written! A wonderful and heartbreaking story about a woman on a self destructive path. I couldn't stop listening until I got to the end.

A darkly absorbing tale

Any additional comments?

This audiobook captivated me. The downward trajectory of all the characters involved makes the work disturbing, but ultimately moving. I was moved to tears on several occasions. Liska Jacobs crafted a beautiful novel and the narrator, Tavia Gilbert, conveyed those words beautifully. I can't recommend this highly enough.

Sexy, Sultry, Dark and Fun

Any additional comments?

Really good book, and the narration is pitch perfect. I'd recommend this to anyone looking for a "page-turner," but also wants damn fine writing and characters.

Recommended

This was an Engrossing and Raw story. I highly recommend. the narration was well done. Never a distraction.

So good!

Great narration and a really entertaining story. Everything moves and moves and moves and then the book is over and I am sad.

Dark and moving

Any additional comments?

I was both disturbed and fascinated by this audiobook and will most likely listen again. The narrator did a wonderful job of conveying the collective downward spiral that occurs within the group of characters in this story. Looking forward to hearing/reading more from this wonderful author.