The Goldfinch

By: Donna Tartt

Narrated by: David Pittu

Length: 32 hrs and 25 mins

Publisher's summary

Winner of the Pulitzer Prize For Fiction 2014

Longlisted – Baileys Women’s Prize 2014

Audie Award Finalist, Literary Fiction, 2013

Aged 13, Theo Decker, son of a devoted mother and a reckless, largely absent father, survives an accident that otherwise tears his life apart. Alone and rudderless in New York, he is taken in by the family of a wealthy friend. He is tormented by an unbearable longing for his mother, and down the years clings to one thing that reminds him of her: a small, strangely captivating painting that ultimately draws him into the criminal underworld.

As he grows up, Theo learns to glide between the drawing rooms of the rich and the dusty antiques store where he works. He is alienated and in love - and his talisman, the painting, places him at the centre of a narrowing, ever more dangerous circle.

The Goldfinch is a haunted odyssey through present-day America and a drama of enthralling power. Combining unforgettably vivid characters and thrilling suspense, it is a beautiful, addictive triumph - a sweeping story of loss and obsession, of survival and self-invention, of the deepest mysteries of love, identity and fate.

©2013 Tay Ltd (P)2013 Hachette Audio

Evocative performance

If you could sum up The Goldfinch in three words, what would they be?

Rambling, compelling, absorbing

What other book might you compare The Goldfinch to and why?

Although not similar in content, it brought to mind The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay, for its rich characterisation, intricacy and detail of plot and extreme differences in locale (possibly also because the bulk of both books is set in New York).

Which character – as performed by David Pittu – was your favorite?

It's a toss up between Boris and Hobie.

Any additional comments?

David Pittu's performance was excellent. The characters all sounded distinct and his voice is very easy to listen to. That, added to Tartt's characterisation, created a book full of rich characters who were easy to picture.

Pure gold

Brilliant writing and amazing narration. At times you would find it a bit macabre and sad but underneath it's pure gold.

Kept me guessing

It is a very intriguing story, I never knew what was coming around the corner.

Miserable story

Struggled to finish this dark, miserable story that only got worse towards the end. Don't waste 32h listening to this prescribed depression. Sorry, I really expected something spell binding after reading other reviews. Only reason I finished it is that I don't tend to quit on books.

Skip

Almost ok until the last few chapters - but after forgiving tons of inappropriate philosophising the terminal torrent with the author inserting herself into her three main characters to indulge is just too much - if M's reactions in Holland had been quicker it might have been bearable.

Fierce yet tender. Finding once middle zone

I will begin to say I loved this book. Ot is a deep search into meaning - the meaning of everything we encounter.
At times I felt the relationships Theo encountered were drawn out- stretched to the maximum, but just before I loose my interest , the storyline changes. I dont know how successful the film could ever be but as in now, I feel that it would be impossible to potray the vomplex and meaningful relationships of Theo and Boris. highly recommended

Review goldfinch

I'm not a great fan of the American accent however the narration was compelling. Couldn't stop listening. Why am I being forced to write a minimal number of words

Brilliant! I highly reccomend this wonderful book.

What did you love best about The Goldfinch?

It was a very captivating story which never dragged. The characters were marvellous and well developed. I was never bored with it and could not wait to get back to my listen.

What does David Pittu bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

A wonderful listen! His ability to capture the essence of the various characters through his amazing voices made this a standout listen for me. I shall definitely look out for him as a reader.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I had many laugh out loud moments! Particularly with the character Boris. I have taken to calling my cat Popchick!

Any additional comments?

I have read several reviews elsewhere regarding this book. I was interested that some found it too long, and some were overcome by all the drug abuse. I found it interesting to see the development of Theo and Boris and how their lives intertwined. I loved it from start to finish.

An incredible audiobook!!!

Finally, I was done with this book. I don't mean it in a bad way, it's one of the longest books I have read so far (and that I can think of right now), but I enjoyed it, especially at the beginning. Being introduced to Theo, his world and his tragedies is very touching, all described with beauty and detail. Midway through, the book starts falling down: Theo turns out to be a really nasty individual, and the enemy comes out of nowhere to spark the suspense of the story and bring back the painting, the famous Goldfinch. It feels forced. The details I once loved became long and I got tired of it. But then again, I had to finish it. The last chapter closes marvelously, a story of a lifetime where love, as it usually is, moves us to act and do the things we do. An impressive work and a fantastic world.

Now, about the audiobook... One of the best I've heard so far! David Pittu does an outstanding job with this, the magic in his voice and the way he changes it with each character... You just want to keep listening!!! I can't wait to hear more from him!!!

A love-letter to art

Beautifully narrated and beautifully written. There were some desert-like sections where the plot... just... slows... down, but then Tartt always makes it worth it, makes those sections symbolic of depression and mourning so you feel like you're right there with Theo. I think Hobie is my favourite character ever (and Boris my least-favourtie... but he grows on you in the end, like a cute virus). Really enjoyed this. Worth the credit.