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Archive for novel

Wives and Daughters cover

Review: Wives and Daughters

By Jan
 on November 23, 2019

Wives and Daughters coverWives and Daughters

Author: Elizabeth Gaskell;
Genre: Victorian Novel;
Format: Audiobook;
Narrator: Nadia May;
Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc. (2005)
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars (5 / 5).

Absolutely stunning narration by Nadia May really kept this long listen alive for me. Her timing and accents were wonderful.

It’s a character-driven Victorian novel about young woman named Molly, the daughter of a doctor in an English country town, who has to deal with changes in her life. She’s only one of the many fun characters that Gaskell brought to life.

This was the author’s final novel and was unfinished, but don’t let that stop you; the afterword wraps up the story very well. The writing contains lots of subtle humor and pokes fun at society, which reminded me of Jane Austen’s work.

Highly recommended!

In categories Audiobooks, Book Review, Historical Novel Tagged with Elizabeth Gaskell, novel, victorian
Once Upon a River cover

Review: Once Upon a River

By Jan
 on February 1, 2019

Once Upon a River

Once Upon a River coverAuthor: Diane Setterfield;
Genre: Literary fiction (Novel) with Magical Realism;
Format: Audiobook;
Narrator: Juliet Stevenson;
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio (2018);
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars (4 / 5).

This was a highly-anticipated work of fiction from the author of “The Thirteenth Tale,” a very popular gothic novel from 2006. That work has always been a favorite of mine, so I jumped at the chance to read this one. That was also the case because Juliet Stevenson is a fabulous narrator, and I knew she wouldn’t disappoint.

The description reads, in part: “Once Upon a River is a glorious tapestry of a book that combines folklore and science, magic and myth. Suspenseful, romantic, and richly atmospheric, the beginning of this novel will sweep you away on a powerful current of storytelling, transporting you through worlds both real and imagined, to the triumphant conclusion whose depths will continue to give up their treasures long after the last page is turned.” I agree with all of this and could never come up with a better description.

This is, above all, a very British novel; it hasn’t been “translated” for Americans and that is the way it should be. It’s also a slow read, meaning there isn’t much action and certainly no adventure. The characters are varied and most are interesting, although not all are likable. The way the several stories flow together (like a river) is clever, and the ending is very satisfactory while leaving enough for your imagination to think about afterward.

I am very glad to have listened to this story as read by Stevenson, who voices the characters in distinct accents and tones, and whose pacing is impeccable.

This is a novel for adults. Not because there is excessive violence, sex, or foul language, but the nuances of the story are definitely targeted to those with experience in life and love.

©2019 Jan McClintock
In categories Audiobooks, Book Review, Modern Fiction Tagged with audiobook, novel