Twisted

By: Uvi Poznansky

Narrated by: Heather Jane Hogan

Length: 2 hrs and 24 mins

Publisher's summary

In this unique collection, discover diverse tales, laden with shades of mystery. Come into a dark, strange world, a hyper-reality where nearly everything is firmly rooted in the familiar-except for some quirky detail that twists the yarn, and takes it for a spin in an unexpected direction. So prepare yourself: keep the lights on.

Inspired by the author's art and by literature, these tales come from different times and places, with characters that search for their identity and challenge their hellish fate. Yet all of them share one thing in common: an unusual mind, one that is twisted.

If you like to read a horror anthology in the strain of Edgar Allan Poe, or if you like to witness the battle between the devil and God, you will enjoy outwitting the devil in this book. Surprisingly, as befitting dark fantasy female protagonists, it is a woman--or rather, her ghost-who finds a way to outwit him.

©2013 Uvi Poznansky (P)2013 Uvi Poznansky

A Unique Collection of Alluring, Poetic Stories

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

This is not a book for James Patterson fans. It's for those who love poetry, love to think, love the power of words. To those types of readers, I would most definitely recommend TWISTED.

What did you like best about this story?

I loved the imagery of Ms. Poznansky's writing. She is a dreamer and an artist, and the wild flights that her mind takes are fascinating.

Which scene was your favorite?

My favorite scene/story within this collection of four stories was the one told from a clay figure's point of view., FROM DUST. I loved how well Ms. Poznansky gets into the minds of even an "inanimate" object, bringing the statue to life with power and possibilities. Amazing.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Four women - their loves, lives, and anguish.

Any additional comments?

Heather Jane Hogan (the narrator) is truly outstanding. I found the first story, however, to be spoken to ponderously, too slowly. I had to speed up my playback to 1.25, which felt about "right." I never had to do that before. All of the other stories felt perfectly timed. I think perhaps it was done purposefully because of the storyline, so it's understandable. Another note: it was quite shocking to realize we were hearing the innermost thoughts of a dead woman! ;o)

Four women, four fates, one mystical tapestry

Where does Twisted rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Among the audiobooks I've heard so far, Twisted ranks in my top twenty percent, primarily because of the melding of narrator and story, but also because I love Poznansky's forays into the mythos of the Old Testament.

What other book might you compare Twisted to and why?

I can compare Twisted only to Uvi Povnasky's other works about Biblical characters and times. The author is creating her own canon, bit by careful bit. I'd call this book magical realism, but it isn't quite that because the characters are not of this time: it's a passionate recasting of Biblical legend for womens' perspectives, with a helping of honesty thrown in for good measure. These four stories feature female protagonists so real you want to touch them, so bold that their unapologetic and unforgettable nature will haunt you long after the narrator finishes telling you each tale.

What does Heather Jane Hogan bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Heather Jane Hogan brings a finely wrought integrity to her readings, disappearing into each character in turn. Having these stories read to you allows the narrator to characterize each story differently; and different these feminine perspectives are, one form the other. Hogan breathes voice into each tale without ever overplaying her hand.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

If I could, I'd have listened to each of the four stories straight through.

Any additional comments?

The narrated story "I Am What I Am" alone is worth the price of this quartet of tales. As the character searches for her identity in a word of symbol, myth, and metaphor, so do you. Job's wife has something to say to all women of every age, and does, and narrator Hogan makes sure you hear the message. Accompanied and enhanced by three other tales, I, Woman...The Hollow...and The One Who Never Leaves, this quartet transports you into a way of apprehending life that is different from your own, so that you see all through a rarefied artistic sensibility. Bravo, author and narrator!

Enchanting

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

As I love to read, it is difficult to compare, but I have enjoyed every second of hearing it. Twisted is perfect for narration.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I love the wife of Job in I Am What I Am.

What does Heather Jane Hogan bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Her narration was perfect.

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

Definitely, I laughed.

Any additional comments?

As I mentioned earlier, Twisted is well suited as an audio book with its four artistically described tales. The recording quality was outstanding.

Loved it!

Uvi Poznansky's talent as an author cannot be understated, and I can't imagine a better lyrical accompaniment for her tales than Heather Jane Hogan. I've listened to this book a half-dozen times, and it always feels as though I'm listening to a discussion on the dark depths of the human condition in front of a roaring fire on a cold winter's day, warm cup of tea in hand.

LOVED IT LOVED IT LOVED IT !!!!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

You will be familiar with the stories.. by listening to them in this way brings them really to life..

Who was your favorite character and why?

Job's wife the nameless one has been she is most challenging and controversial figure in the Bible..

Which character – as performed by Heather Jane Hogan – was your favorite?

Again Job's wife.. was shocked at first with the 4 letter word.. but It added more depth to her character..

Who was the most memorable character of Twisted and why?

The Devil.. the voice was sweet and I felt this was how the devil will lure you in..

Any additional comments?

It was .Dark... intense.. entertaining.. thought-provoking and very emotional
I loved it..

Not my favorite narrator

The narration was so slow in the first story, I almost stopped listening to it. The stories were different and not too bad. They weren't quite what I expected based on the book's description. This narrator was far from my favorite.

Not my kind of book

I found this very hard to follow.. This was not really my kind of read.

Deep feels.

Poetic stories. Narrated by a soothing, yet mysterious voice. Deep feels.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from Story Origin.

Another treat book by Uvi.

I really enjoyed the story of Jobe's wife.

However; I found the slow reading Heather to be very off putting. At one point I thought of increasing the speed.

Saying yhat, that's just my opinion. Have a listen/read it is truly a great book.

Refreshing stories with unexpected POVs

Twisted, by Uvi Poznansky, is a collection of short stories. I really enjoyed the original points of view. The stories reminded me of the Twilight Zone or Alfred Hitchcock Presents.

My favorite story is the first one! It is about Job's wife and her experience in the afterlife. She is definitely an interesting character. It was refreshing to think about this story from a new perspective. I would love to read an entire book based solely on this character.

I am not a fan of Heather Jane Hogan's narration of this book. Her interpretation sounded depressed, very depressed. I had to speed up the book to make it more enjoyable. It won't stop me from listening to it again, though.

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Source: I received a free copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.