Not Quite Nice

By: Celia Imrie

Narrated by: Celia Imrie

Length: 8 hrs and 53 mins

Publisher's Summary

Theresa is desperate for a change. Forced into early retirement, fed up with babysitting her bossy daughter's obnoxious children, she sells her Highgate house and moves to the picture-perfect town of Bellevue-sur-Mer, just outside Nice.

With its beautiful villas, bustling cafes and shimmering cerulean sea, the village sparkles like a diamond on the French Mediterranean coast. Once the hideaway of artists and writers, it is now home to the odd rock icon and Hollywood movie star, and, as Theresa soon discovers, a close-knit set of expats.

There's Carol, the infinitely glamorous American and her doting husband, David; the erstwhile British TV star, Sally; the ferocious Sian and her wayward Australian poet husband; the sharply witty Zoe with her strangely youthful face and penchant for white wine; and the suave Brian, who catches Theresa's eye.

As Theresa settles in to the gentle rhythm of seaside life, she embraces her newfound friendships and freedom. However, life is never quite as simple as it seems, and as skeletons start to fall out of several closets, Theresa begins to wonder if life on the French Riviera is quite as nice as it first appeared.

©2015 Celia Imrie (P)2016 Audible, Ltd

fun and unexpected turns

Once I started reading this could not put it down. Started out feeling very frustrated with first character 's relationship with her daughter and the initial switch of Theresa 's decision was a little quick. However, it then became more interesting, with lots of twists and turns and humerous characters. A. fun read.

Celia Imrie, as always, was wonderful as the narrator.

12 of 12 people found this review helpful

A joyful entertainment

What made the experience of listening to Not Quite Nice the most enjoyable?

This is a fascinating and joyful book. The characters are keenly observed and most are larger than life . Nevertheles,s the incredible twists and turns of the plot make for good entertainment

What does Celia Imrie bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

Celia Imrie gives a spirited reading and lends credence to all her characters. She is a versatile actress and is more than able to hold her listener enthralled and wanting more.

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

My reaction to Ms Imrie's drawing of the younger generation's attitudes certainly touched a chord making me angry yet very amused.

8 of 8 people found this review helpful

Please stick to the day job Celia

What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you?

Better writing

What was most disappointing about Celia Imrie’s story?

Thin storyline and clunky writing

Would you listen to another book narrated by Celia Imrie?

Narrated by - yes, written by - no

You didn’t love this book--but did it have any redeeming qualities?

Brought back nice memories of NICE

14 of 15 people found this review helpful

Not quite good

If this book wasn’t for you, who do you think might enjoy it more?

What a waste of a credit. Stick to acting, Celia! The storyline is highly questionable; the main character, a woman who gets to retirement age and still thinks everyone is nice and helpful, is as wet as a weekend in Wales and the characters she meets are mainly caricatures of rather ghastly people. She has a peculiar and very old-fashioned impression of men and lets herself be walked all over by her dreadful daughter and granddaughters. If you want to read about a drippy posh woman who goes to live in France and never meets a French native this is the book for you.

What will your next listen be?

Something with more teeth, maybe the book about the Salem witches.

What three words best describe Celia Imrie’s voice?

No.

What character would you cut from Not Quite Nice?

The performance was fine as the author is an actress.

Any additional comments?

Stick to books written by people with writing talent.

15 of 17 people found this review helpful

loved it

Great story only wished it had lasted longer. Celia cant wait for your next book

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Relaxing listening

Characters described well, which you endear to as the book progresses. Well read by Celia.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Disappointing

I love Celia and will want him this fantastic actress in anything.
But I'm afraid it's not the same with this book. The story just didn't flow and was a bit tedious in places. Neither the plot or characters worked for me.

5 of 6 people found this review helpful

fantastic

amazing,hilarious book! Didn't want it to end and I want to hear the next book

5 of 6 people found this review helpful

Sunny escapism

I listened to this book over a weekend whilst decorating. It was light, funny and refreshing, with very good characters. The story had many twists and turns and it was a good job I listened, rather than read it, otherwise the decorating would not have been done!
Celia Imrie's narration was first class.

4 of 5 people found this review helpful

Contrived ex pat story

Would you try another book written by Celia Imrie or narrated by Celia Imrie?

Despite admiring Celia Imrie as an actress I was disappointed by this book. The plot was contrived and trite, concentrating on a group of ex pats and never developing any French characters. This story may have worked as an old fashioned stage farce, but as a book it just plays on the authors name & sadly does not deliver a satisfying experience.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful