Madensky Square

By: Eva Ibbotson

Narrated by: Juanita McMahon

Length: 11 hrs and 4 mins

Publisher's summary

Susanna Weber is the best dress maker in Imperial Vienna. Through skill and hard work, she now owns her own dress shop, looking out over the beautiful Madensky Square. To do so, she has left her past behind, if not without regret, at least resolutely. Looking around her, at her customers and friends, Susanna is aware that she has more than most - but a few small changes cause her to realize just how precarious her situation is.

©1998 Eva Ibbotson (P)2001 W F Howes Ltd

Fascinating but challenging

I was not expecting the maturity of the writing nor the topic, given that this author has written a good deal of children's fiction with great success. However, I greatly enjoyed listening to this book, and found unexpected pleasure in the detailed and complicated world of the main character. This is a book that requires thought, I would not recommend it for someone seeking a light quick read.

Wonderful

I loved this story from beginning to end, the narration is perfect, the characters even more so. I will definitely again listen to this, a new favorite.

Fantastic Narrator

Eva Ibbotson is one of my favorite authors, and this one did not disappoint. However, I'm glad I listened to it instead of reading it. The narrator was fantastic! I could listen to her all day!

Vharming, unexpected, and touching story

Set in Austria at the turn of the 20th century, this book tells the story of Susanna, an unwed mother who rebuilds her life to become a fashionable dressmaker. Her story intertwines with those of her neighbors on the Square and her lover. These include those whom she helps - such as a Hungarian waif who is a brilliant pianist and her Anarchist assistant - as well as those who help her. Filled with loving historical detail and a cast of appealing characters the story flows quickly. I fell in love with several characters along the way, had a delightful book at Austrian culture in pre-World War Europe, and was touched by the numerous insights on motherhood, friendship, and the enjoyment of life as one of our greatest responsibilities.

The Unconventional Happy Ending

Any additional comments?

So many books follow a formula of problem - potential solution - lost opportunity - completion. Well, the world does not work that way. Life is made up of small pleasures and small victories. And recognizing that is the difference between a wasted life and a full one. The world is made up of hundreds of thousands of Madensky Squares and that choice is not only split over miles and cultures, it is split over centuries. Go back to a gentler age and meet some unique characters and follow the protagonist as she makes the most of the cards she has been dealt in life.
Ibbotson writes about the kind of person that I am and that she (rest her soul) probably was. We live intensely and feel life both pain and joy more sharply than most. It makes for intense satisfaction and this novel is intensely satisfying.
The narrator. One word describes her impeccable delivery. Mellifluous.
Enjoy!

Charming afternoon treat

A charming book from Eva Ibbotson, from her frothier side. "Journey to the River Sea" remains my favourite book of hers, but this is a tranquil, discursive, always interesting look at fashionable life in pre-war Vienna. Especially if you are interesting in fashion, Madensky Square is enjoyable and undemanding, and delightfully stylish.

Exceptional

Loved the depth of the story, plot and quality of the English. Naration superb.

Not Worth It

Would you try another book from Eva Ibbotson and/or Juanita McMahon?

I enjoy Eva Ibbotson's writing, thus I purchased this book, thinking it would be worth while. It wasn't.

Any additional comments?

I enjoy a number of other books the author has written, however this book is horrible. I listened to the beginning and wasn't impressed. I continued listening - hoping it would get better. It didn't. There's nothing that goes on in the story. She is going through everyday menial tasks and it's explained in the most boring way possible. Reading my meal plan for the week is more interesting. Don't waste your time.