Edward Unspooled

By: Craig Lancaster

Narrated by: David Otey

Length: 7 hrs and 59 mins

Publisher's summary

Change keeps stalking Edward Stanton. He and his new wife, Sheila, have retreated to his small house in Montana after an unsuccessful attempt at operating a motel in Colorado. That failure has left wounds, especially for Sheila, and now they face a bigger challenge: pregnancy and impending parenthood.

Edward begins penning notes to the child (ever precise, he refers to the gestating being as "Cellular Stanton"), as he navigates married life with Sheila, who is unhappy and unfulfilled in Montana; a work partnership with his friend Scott Shamwell, whose own life is teetering; and the emergence of a long-buried family secret, and the effect of this revelation on his relationship with his overbearing mother.

Even as Edward's world expands, he must confront questions about whom to let in, how much to give, the very definition of family, the fragility of hope, and the expanses of love.

©2016 Craig Lancaster (P)2016 Craig Lancaster

First two were better.

This book wasn't bad. It just wasn't as good as the first two.
The narration was a bit disturbing. Luke Daniels perfectly gave voice to Edward and the other characters. Again, this narrator wasn't bad but as soon as the book started, I had a "That is not what Edward sounds like" moment.
While the changes in Edward's life are realistic, a few of the storylines are unrealistic. His mother marries the lawyer for one. His mother overall has changed from an overprotective, controlling woman into a harpy.
Overall, still a pleasant story. It's just not quite as good as the first two.

I love Edward

Would you consider the audio edition of Edward Unspooled to be better than the print version?

Yes

What did you like best about this story?

Edward is delightful

Would you be willing to try another one of David Otey’s performances?

No

Any additional comments?

Should have stuck with the original narrator. Luke Daniels was so, so, so much better. But, I did like the story

Bring back the other narrator

I did end up getting used to this narrator’s voice but I like the narrator who did the first two Edward books

excellent narration, wonderful continued story

It's been a while since I listened to books 1 and 2 - so the change in narrator has no effect on me - and David Otey did a great job with the narration.

I love the idea of writing a story in a letter-to-someone style. I think the Screwtape Letters were my first introduction to this style of story telling, and there is a very intimate feel that is enhanced with this style of writing.

I loved this installment of Edward's story. I don't know if there will be another, but would certainly listen to it if there was.

For anyone else who enjoys people-based stories with this style of writing, I recommend The Guernsey Literary Potato Peel and Pie Society audio book. It too is a book about human beings, how they relate to each other, and also has quiet humor throughout.

Wait 6 months after the first two to listen to it.

Well i waited more like a year but the point still stands. To be honest I wasn’t going to listen to the third book because of the narrator change. You can listen to the sample and just feel it is not the same and it is not the Edward we have grown to love.

I’m glad I changed my mind. This third book was so wonderful and emotional and after waiting a year I honestly forgot how my old Edward sounded and the new narrator was okay then. I can tell you i still wish it was the old narrator but it’s not and that’s okay. It’s not a good reason to give up on this last Edward book because it provides Edward with his most beautiful growth yet as a human. I loved it and I’m glad I waited and came back. Thank you Edward for teaching me a few things over your story.

No spoilers.

Loved the book. Full of Edward's unique views of his world and of course humour that make Lancaster's first two books such a joy to read.
I understand that Luke Daniels wasn't available for this audiobook and David Otey does do a great job... But it took me a good few chapters to get used to the change in readings styles. I ended up mostly reading this book instead as I feel he is unfortunately not quite up to his predecessor.
If Daniels is ever able to come back to read this I would definitely buy it even though I have this copy and a kindle copy. And of course I hope if there is a 4th instalment and we see a return to Daniels' fine work. We can hope...

Favorite of this series

I read all 3 books of the Edward Series. I just finished Edward Unspooled. Overall, I give the series 4.5 stars. I enjoyed growing along with Edward and his expanding circle over the course of the series. I liked 600 Hours of Edward and this one the best. I recommend the entire series for anyone who enjoys this story.

A pleasant listen

whilst doing housework. I've listened to the whole series. I don't think I would have made it through the first book if I'd had to read it instead of listening to it.

You Are Going to Laugh Out Loud

Craig Lancaster continues the hilarious, honest, and moving story of Edward Stanton, a man with Asperger's Syndrome. The focus in this novel is on family and the many faces it possesses. Much of the story is written in diary entries, which was a brilliant tool allowing us to get much deeper into Edward's head and his socially awkward character.

"Edward Adrift" was the funniest book I have ever listened to on Audible, and this one was as funny with one exception. Narrator Luke Daniels brought Edward to life with humor and honesty in books one and two. His individualized voices for each character were consistent and believable.

David Otey, narrator of this novel, did a good job, but Luke Daniels IS Edward. Edward is a huge character with an incredible sense of presence, so the lack of continuity in narration was disappointing. It wasn't a poor performance, it just wasn't Edward.


Do yourself a favor and meet Edward- he wants to tell you about his bitchin' iphone.

Emotional

I was surprised at the emotional depth of the characters. I have enjoyed all three books, and while it was hard to have a new narrator in this installment, I found Edward just as endearing in Mr Otey's voice.
I am so happy to have met these characters and shared their journey. I feel like I have learned how to be a better person along the way. I hope that the author is further inspired to continue this amazing story.