Winter Journey

First off, let me say that the historical parts of Winter Journey were fascinating, horrifying and educated me on one more atrocity of WWII that I never knew existed . . . the killing of several hundred Jewish citizens in Jedwabne, Poland by it's own citizens, NOT the Germans . . . it is a true story (the town renamed for the book) . . . but I was sadly "put off" by the author's continuous need to place Halina in one sexual escapade after another . . . the forensic dentist, Halina, talented and experienced at her craft, would have been at the very least in her fifties, but most probably older . . . and the graphic sex detracted from the story line . . . the forensics, the delving into her past, that's what kept me listening . . . but I felt like it took way too long to get there because I had to wade through too much mud . . .

A captivating story which was beautifully read. This was a book that I took a chance on as I hadn't read a review or heard about it prior to download. At times heart-wrenching but a definite page turner that kept my interest until the last word.

This is one of the best books I bought.
It is a true story and I can not agree with other poeple that this is over dramitized. I cound not stop listening!!
Very well written and it give a true reflection of human nature. The reader was excellent. She was able to bring to life Jewish, Polish, & Australian characters with just the right accents and inflections.

Interesting book, based on a true story about a forensic dentist Halina Shore, from Austrailia, who because of her Polish background, is one of the people chosen to go on war crimes assignment to dig up a mass grave in a town in Poland. The village people are divided and and angry about this intrusion in their lives, because it might show that they, the Poles, were responsible for the 1,000 jews that were burned alive there, and not the Germans, as they claimed.
Digging up the mass grave, uncovers much more than the answer to the question about who dunnit, it uncovers truths about Halina's own life. Good story, a little confusing at times, with all the names and characters, but an overall a good book.
Deidre Rubenstein deserves an award for her performance reading this book. Her emotion and skill draw you in. I'm not sure I would have enjoyed reading this one as much as I did listening to it.

I'm not sure what time line the other reviewers were using but a little research shows Poland entering the European Union around 1990, which would make the main character around 50, not 70. While some people may be surprised that a woman could be involved in a romantic relationship at that age, I found it very refreshing and thought the entire story was very moving and interesting.

Winter Journey is beautifully written and takes the reader along on the journey of discovery. Though some of the story seems slightly contrived it will play on every emotion you have. The narrator tells the story well and is very committed to the story. Loved it!

HIS VOICE WAS AS DARK AND MELLOW AS THE BRANDY SHE HAD BEEN DRINKING
This is so not what I thought I was getting. This is chick lit. Women issues takes center stage. Nothing happens without us looking at it in how it affects women. The writing is often disjointed and stilted. One minute we are in Cambodia, the next we are in court. The only time the book flows well is in court and when the main character is having sex with her married boyfriend. I gave it a little over three hours and I would have liked to have known what happened in Poland, but not enough to listen to a documentary for hours. Most of the sentences are statements. Huge periods are put at the end of most sentences. There is an audience for this book, but it is not for anyone with a beard.

Excellent writing, interesting subject matter and well researched actual events. Very moving.

Every time I thought the book might pick up, the author reiterates the reiteration. I agree with other reviews that the protagonist's personal story is distracting and annoying. I really don't like stories that are interrupted by sex. I think the author just says " Oh, this is a good time for some sex!" For those who think this makes it a "chick" book- Wrong! I'm a woman and it takes more than melodrama and sex (which this book had too much of) to keep my attention. Halfway through I was checking to see how may more chapters I still had to endure. The answer? Too many.

I like this book. If it is indeed a true story, it is a remarkable story. It is well written and the characters and their circumstances are good.
It is not a mystery like most but the ending took me by suprise.
If there is anything missing, it is something that is missing from most books written about this black period. Soul searching.