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Title: Chango's Beads and Two-Tone Shoes

Author: William Kennedy

Narrator: William Kennedy

Format: Unabridged

Length: 13 hrs and 23 mins

Language: English

Release date: 09-29-11

Publisher: Brilliance Audio

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 25 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

William Kennedys latest novel is a tale of revolutionary intrigue, heroic journalism, crooked politicians, drug-running gangsters, Albany race riots, and the improbable rise of Fidel Castro. The epic journey of Quinn carries him through the nightclubs and jungles of Cuba and into the newsrooms and racially charged streets of Albany on the day than Robert F. Kennedy is assassinated in 1968. The odyssey brings Quinn and his exotic but unpredictable Cuban wife, Renata, a debutante revolutionary, face-to-face with the darkest facets of human nature, and illuminates the power of love in the presence of death.

William Kennedy masterfully gathers together an unlikely cast of vivid characters in a breathtaking adventure full of music, mysticism, and murder: a homeless black alcoholic, a radical Catholic priest, a senile parent, a terminally ill jazz legend, the imperious mayor of Albany, Bing Crosby, Hemingway, Castro, and a ragtag ensemble of radicals, prostitutes, provocateurs, and underworld heavies. This is an unforgettably riotous story of revolution, romance, and redemption, set against the landscape of the civil rights movement as it challenges the legendary and vengeful Albany political machine.

Members Reviews:

Departure from Albany

This was listed as part of Kennedy's Albany Series, but it has a substantially different tone and style and is only weakly linked to the other novels in the series. It seems to change tone and style as it transitions between Cuba and Albany. The Cuba section seems to either be an nod to Hemingway or just strongly influenced by Hemingway's style. I found this a bit derivative.

In the Cuba section the Hemingway character points out novels should avoid politics, for in a few years readers will want to skip the political writing...yet Kennedy ignores this (fictional and perhaps self referential) advice and plows on, mixing politics into the novel (which did become a bit tedious).

This was very late Kennedy and is the only of his books I did not really love. It was not bad, but it lacked the lightness and magic that permeated the other Albany books. In the other Albany books the story is weak but the characters are transcendent. Here the story is still weak (and a bit jumpy) and the characters are kind of run-of-the-mill.

The author's narration is OK, but not great. The narration is clear and understandable. The characterizations are weak and narration errors were just ignored. This was a reading and lacked the performance aspects of a professioinal narrator.

WONDERFUL NOVEL

I loved this book. Reading could have been better--but great enough. Kennedy wrote it after all. A beautiful job of putting two kind-of-like things (the Cuban revolutions & Albany NY street "riots") together--the whole becoming more understandable than the sums of its parts. It also helped me understand Chicago 1968 better than ever. I almost forgot how delightful musical writing can be.

A disappointing book.

You didnt love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

The narrator was good, but the story was confused and not very well written. I could not finish it.

OK but not great

Is there anything you would change about this book?

The book jumps from Cuba to Albany.

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Title: Caligula

Author: Douglas Jackson

Narrator: Russell Boulter

Format: Unabridged

Length: 11 hrs and 19 mins

Language: English

Release date: 09-23-11

Publisher: Random House AudioBooks

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 45 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Gaius Julius Caesar Augustus Germanicus, the third Roman Emperor, is better known by another name: Caligula, a name synonymous with decadence, cruelty and madness. His reign was marked by excess, huge building projects, the largest gladiatorial battles Rome was ever to see men and animals killed in their hundreds conspiracies, assassination attempts and sexual scandal. Rufus as a young slave grows up far from the corruption of the imperial court. His master is a trainer of animals for the gladiatorial arena. Rufus discovers that he has a natural ability with animals, a talent for controlling and schooling them. It is at the arenas that Rufus meets his great friend Cupido, one of Romes greatest gladiators. It is his growing reputation as an animal trainer and his friendship with Cupido that attracts the cruel gaze of the Emperor. Caligula wants a keeper for the imperial elephant and Rufus is bought from his master and taken to the imperial palace. Life here is dictated by Caligulas ever shifting moods. Caligula is as generous as he is cruel, he is a megalomaniac who declares himself a living god and simultaneously lives in constant fear of the plots against his life. But his paranoia is not misplaced, intrigue permeates his court, and Rufus and Cupido find themselves unwittingly placed at the centre of a conspiracy to assassinate the Emperor.

Members Reviews:

Disappointing story and misleading title.

Would you try another book from Douglas Jackson and/or Russell Boulter?

I've listened with pleasure to other books by Jackson but was disappointed by this one.

Has Caligula turned you off from other books in this genre?

No, not really. I like historical fiction, especially about ancient Rome.

What did you like about the performance? What did you dislike?

Boulter narrates with an up and down cadence which he sometimes overdoes. But generally I liked it.

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

Disappointment. If you're interested in the story of the Roman Emperor Caligula, don't buy this book. Caligula is only present in the background of the main story about a boy and an elephant.

Any additional comments?

I'm hoping to see better historical fiction by Jackson.

Very vividly descriptive

I love historic novels and especially ones about either UK kings and princes or Roman emperors. This was a fine book by Douglas Jackson but what bothered me was that it was quite cruel, which is off course historically accurate, Caligula was not a cuddly man, but it was sometimes a bit too vividly described for my taste. I sometimes felt I was one of the spectators in the arena - and could almost smell the blood, which made me a bit queasy. This is also the strength of the book though, so if you have a strong stomach (especially to hurdle the first chapters, it gets better afterwards) its definitely a good listen.

A very different perspective on Rome

The narrator was very good and his characterisation was brilliant. The story was wonderfully tense and a completely different perspective from the usual novels I've read set in the Roman era. There are some very graphic, and quite disturbing scenes but they are skillfully handled and are not out of place. The character of the elephant was also very well done, you got a real sense of her presence and there was no schmaltzy sentimentality as can sometimes occur in stories where animals are a main character in the story.

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Title: Brother Cadfael Mysteries: Dead Man's Ransom (BBC Radio Crimes)

Author: Ellis Peters

Narrator: Philip Madoc, Michael KItchen, Susannah York

Format: Original Recording

Length: 2 hrs and 14 mins

Language: English

Release date: 06-06-11

Publisher: BBC Worldwide Limited

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 9 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

A BBC Radio 4 dramatisation of Ellis Peters' thrilling mystery, featuring medieval monk Brother Cadfael.

It is 1141. In Shrewsbury, civil war is tearing the country apart as the bitter feud between King Stephen and Maud shows no sign of abating. Cadfael, safe within the peaceful walls of the Abbey, does not expect to be drawn on to the battlefield - but when a Welsh prisoner of war is brought to him for treatment of a sword-wound, he finds himself embroiled in the conflict. The young soldier is the foster son of the Prince of North Wales, and a prized possession. In fact, he is so valuable that he can be offered in exchange for Gilbert Prescott, the Sheriff of Shrewsbury, who has been captured by the Welsh.

A swap is duly arranged, but when one of the prisoners is found dead before the transaction takes place, the community learns the horrifying truth: there is a murderer in the monastery. Can Cadfael find out who it is?

Starring Philip Madoc, Michael Kitchen and Susannah York, and dramatized by Bert Coules. This recording was previously released on cassette in 1995 and 2000.

Members Reviews:

Ruined by editing

This is a fair story ruined by the lack of editing out the radio trailers at the beginning and end of what was obviously a radio serialisation. I didn't need the flow of the story to be interrupted with these over and over again nor to hear the last scene repeated a few minutes after hearing it. It may well be a contractual problem but it should have been sorted as it really impacted on the enjoyment of the story. In defence of the actors they were good, especially Philip Madoc who was excellent as Cadfael

Classic whodunit Well Portrayed

This is another great Cadfail story of death and honour in medieval times. the cast carry the story fluently and convincingly. A thoroughly enjoyable story.

Voice over

loved Cadfaels voice.......just perfect...and whole recording great.its story kept me riveted.and music was inkeeping with the period .

A wonderful medieval mystery

These actors really bring to life these medieval mysteries. These are well worth a listen.

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Title: Rasputin's Revenge

Author: John Lescroart

Narrator: Tim Baltz

Format: Unabridged

Length: 9 hrs and 13 mins

Language: English

Release date: 05-15-11

Publisher: Brilliance Audio

Ratings: 3 of 5 out of 20 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

In Son of Holmes, John Lescroart introduced Auguste Lupa, reputed son of the greatest detective of all time... and possessor of a brilliant deductive mind in his own right. Now, in Rasputins Revenge, Lupa is summoned to the court of the Russian Czar - where, with a bit of unexpected assistance from none other than Holmes and Watson, he untangles a chilling plot that holds the Winter Palace in a lethal grip....

Critic Reviews:

Amusing and intriguing. (Los Angeles Herald-Examiner)

Raymond Chandler once wrote that the test of a first-rate murder mystery is whether you would keep reading it if the last chapter - and the revelation of whodunit - were missing. In the matter of John Lescroart, I would keep reading any of his books, even without that last chapter. (Fort Worth Star-Telegram)

Detective fans will lap up the details ofLupas [Holmesian] heritage. (Publishers Weekly)

Members Reviews:

Turn of the Last Century St. Petersberg

I really enjoyed this audiobook. The historical setting is compelling and the characters are superb. In the spirit of Holmes' novels, it is written in the POV of the less able detective and there is an undercurrent of mildly unreliable narrator that definitely echos the Watson / Holmes relationship.

I didn't give it five stars for a few reasons. To begin with, I did find some of the actions on the part of the Tzar's family a little unexplained and convenient to the plot. I also found the ending somewhat rushed and a bit too neat.

That being said, it is a very amusing listen for anyone who likes historical mysteries or Sherlock fans. And, barring a few dodgy slips in accents from French to Germanic, Tim Baltz did an excellent job with the narration.

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Title: A Courtesan's Scandal

Author: Julia London

Narrator: Anne Flosnik

Format: Unabridged

Length: 10 hrs and 10 mins

Language: English

Release date: 05-01-11

Publisher: Brilliance Audio

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 80 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Kate Bergeron is the beautiful and mysterious former mistress of a cloth merchant... and the latest beauty to capture the interest of the Prince of Wales. Mired in a disastrous divorce, the Prince attempts to distract attention from his next amorous pursuit by ordering Grayson Christopher, the eligible Duke of Darlington, to pretend to London society that he is having an affair with Kate. When Grayson reluctantly agrees to his Princes demand, he finds the lady no more willing than he is. Kate will grudgingly act the part in public, but her favors are not for sale to any man. As Grayson and Kate mimic ardor for the world to see, they find what started as a deception becoming all too real. And when passion flames into love, their predicament becomes extreme. For while marriage between a duke and a courtesan could never happen, Kate knows in her heart that she is willing to accept nothing less....

Critic Reviews:

"In historical romance, Ms. London is one of the very best." (Publishers Weekly)

Members Reviews:

Liked this one a lot!

This book is my favorite so far this year. I almost stopped reading it in the beginning due to the way the hero was described but I pushed through and was very happy that I did. The storyline was so engrossing I couldn't put the book down. You should have heard me talking to the characters like they could hear me, lol. I was so surprised in the beginning that the stuffy proper duke was having an adulterous affair with one of his peer's wife. He was definitely NOT a one dimensional character and that's what I loved about this book most of all.

I usually don't like JL's heroines. The heroes are always lap dogs to their shrewish behaviors. They are always very unlikeable to me, but in this book I thought the heroine was well drawn out and had a realistic personality. Actually all the characters including the secondary ones were portrayed very well. "Hell has no fury like a woman scorned" comes to mind when thinking of the hero's adulterous mistress. I'm not so sure how I feel about our leads HEA with her and the prince still around, lol.

The ending was not as satisfying as I would have liked though. The stage scene at the end was rather eye rolling material, and there should have been an epilogue. There was just too much loose ends to tie up for there not to be one. Were his family ruined because he married a courtesan? Will the prince try to get revenge on the duke for stealing his mistress? Will the Duke's spurned mistress stab them all in their sleep? I guess we will never know!

Life does not have to end as it begins

I love stories that begin in tragedy and end in Victory period to be a courtesan is it unfortunate career. I don't think anyone chooses it period life chooses for you and you just do the best you can.

Love it. Love Grayson and Kate. Sometimes you really must leave reality at the door. Just enjoy the beautifully written story.

This a story, so reality has to suspend. With that in mind, with some knowledge of how the Prince Regent was then, you can understand the perilous situation of Grayson and Kate. What is central is truly their admission of loving each other. It is set against the harsh reality as epitomised by words/advice of Digby. Which makes their battle ever so much sweeter.

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Title: Thrilling Adventures Collection

Author: L. Ron Hubbard

Narrator: Marisol Nichols, R. F. Daley, Kelly Ward, Jim Meskimen, Phil Proctor, Christina Huntington, Josh R. Thompson, Charles Fathy, Gino Montesinos, Shane Johnson

Format: Unabridged

Length: 10 hrs and 13 mins

Language: English

Release date: 04-28-11

Publisher: Galaxy Audio

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Experience the thrilling adventures in this audio collection by L. Ron Hubbard. Included are: Cargo of Coffins, Orders is Orders, Sea Fangs, Under the Black Ensign, and Hostage to Death.

Cargo of Coffins

He was the last man Lars Marlin had expected to see in Rio de Janeiro - and it took all of his willpower not to slay him on the spot. Paco Corvino was a smooth-talking and slippery con man, a contraband runner, and escaped convict...not to mention murderer.

Orders is Orders

The Japanese have led a heavily armored assault against the Chinese city of Shunkien, pounding wreckage into ashes and wiping out a city dating back to Genghis Kahn. One of the few buildings still standing is the small American consulate, now packed with one hundred and sixteen frightened American refugees.

Sea Fangs

In an attempt to reclaim his stolen oil fields, Bob Sherman secretly hires on as a deckhand aboard the yacht of Herbert Marmion, the man who ruthlessly stole them. When a hurricane sends the yacht to an uncharted island, the entire crew is captured by pirates - including Marmion's beautiful daughter.

Under the Black Ensign

Tom Bristol's career a first mate abruptly ends during shore leave when he is press-ganged into serving aboard the British HMS Terror. Toiling under the cruel whip of England is merciless as crew members are treated as little more than chattel. Fate finally smiles on Bristol when the vessel is overtaken by pirates and he turns coat and joins them.

Hostage to Death

Legionnaire Bill Reilly was given specific orders to guard a railroad station where nightly trains carrying Spanish supplies and troops pass by. He would have done so had it not been for a severed hand that arrived in his camp.

Critic Reviews:

"Two escaped convicts, Paco Corvino and Lars Marlin, face off in Hubbard's fast-paced high-seas action yarn, first published in the November 1937 issue of Argosy....Contraband cargo (heroin) and the yacht owner's beautiful daughter add spice to this taut pulp melodrama." (Publishers Weekly)

"A master of adventure." (Anne McCaffrey)

"This is a gem in American pulp fiction, in all its campy glory. The full-cast performance, complete with sound effects, only enhances its appeal." (AudioFile)

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Title: Somewhere to Belong

Subtitle: Daughters of Amana, Book 1

Author: Judith Miller

Narrator: Stina Nielsen

Format: Unabridged

Length: 10 hrs and 36 mins

Language: English

Release date: 04-19-11

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 12 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Critically acclaimed author Judith Miller enthralls millions with her CBA best-selling historical novels. Its 1877, and Johanna Ilg has lived her entire life in Main Amana, Iowaone of seven villages inhabited by devout Christians who believe in a simple, cooperative life of service to God. But when she discovers a troubling secret, the world she thought she knew is shattered.

Critic Reviews:

A quietly compelling tale of faith and friendship. (

Booklist)

Members Reviews:

Life decisions

Johanna has lived in Amana, a Mennonite commune, all of her life. Life is totally structured and Johanna is content with her life. Berta moves into Amana and Johanna is assigned to help her adjust to life in Amana. The problem is that Berta has lived a pampered, wealthy life in Chicago and rebels against almost every rule in the community. Johanna is finally allowed to realize her dream and allowed to visit her brother and sister-in-law in Chicago. While visiting, Johanna discovers a life changing secret that has been kept from her for her entire life. Does she want to remain in Amana now or live in Chicago? Berta runs away from home after finding out a secret about her father. She, too must make the decision of returning to live with her parents in Amana or go to a finishing school. Both girls must decide if the secrets they discover are enough to drive them from Amana and their families.

Somewhere To Belong by Judith Miller

Growing up I had the privilege to travel with my parents and siblings. We saw quite a bit of the United States over the years. One place that we stopped to see was the Amana Colonies in Iowa. I was twelve years old at the time and the history didn't impact me. I remember my dad was extremely excited to visit the building where appliances where being made. I love bakeries and to this day that's all I really remember about Amana Colonies is the wonderful smell. When I had the chance to read this book by Judith Miller I was excited because I had a memory to go with her story. To my knowledge this is the first fiction book to be written about the Amana Colonies. I didn't realize they were a group who lived, worked and worshipped together, somewhat like the Amish but more communal. I enjoyed getting entangled in the lives of Johanna and Berta. Both longing for so much more and yet both girls are so alike. There's a secret that is revealed and affects the decisions Johanna will make. This is the story of a journey of two girls from two different worlds that come together in one common place. I do hope that there is a Book 2! This is a wonderful 5 star historical read!

* I reviewed this book for Bethany House Publishers*

A quaint, sweet story of learning and belonging

The German communities in Amanan, Iowa in the 1800's is the scene of this story. One girl who has been raised there but would love to see Chicago,and a younger girl who does not want to be there at all. Secrets, half-truths, and lies cause anguish. A good ending. Will read more by this author.

Love Christian fiction, but this is just okay

I'm a big fan of Christian fiction, especially fact-based Christian fiction, such as that based on Mennonite life or Amish life.

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Title: Finn

Subtitle: A Novel

Author: Jon Clinch

Narrator: Ed Sala

Format: Unabridged

Length: 11 hrs and 38 mins

Language: English

Release date: 02-14-11

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 12 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

One hundred and twenty years ago, Mark Twain left Huckleberry Finns father dead in a room crowded with oddities: a wooden leg, womens underclothing, two black cloth masks, and more. Now, in a resonant and remarkable new novel, Jon Clinch tells the story of how the brutal and explosive Finn met his end in a room jammed with the telltale artifacts of his strange and mysterious life.

Along the way, Clinch introduces the listener to a mesmerizing cast of characters: Finns own fearsome father, known only as the Judge; Finns brother, the sickly, sycophantic Will; the hermit Bliss, a blind moonshiner; the strong and quick-witted Mary, a former slave who becomes Finns mistress; and, of course, young Huck himself.

Finn is a novel about race, the sin of slavery, and the burdens of paternity. Written in a style both precise and thunderous, understated and violently elemental, it draws from our literary heritage to create something new. Finn is a hypnotic, completely original, distinctive American story.

Members Reviews:

Finn brought to life in Clinch's homage to Twain.

Where does Finn rank among all the audiobooks youve listened to so far?

I would say that it ranks in the top 5 audiobooks that I have listened to over the years. The book is well written and the narration by Ed Sala is pitch perfect.

What did you like best about this story?

The story allowed a glimpse at the humanity present in even the most dispicable of men. I even allowed for a bit of compassion for a monster, with few if any redeeming qualities.

Which character as performed by Ed Sala was your favorite?

I like the fire and intelligence of Mary. Her love for Huck and her ambition for him to better himself, redeems Huck from repeating the life and sins of the father, Pap Finn.

Who was the most memorable character of Finn and why?

Perhaps the most memorable charactor was, the dried up old husk

of the Widow Douglas. She is coniving and self important, and yet at the same time being torn between convention and compassion

when it come right down to it.

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Title: Comes a Time for Burning

Author: Steven F. Havill

Narrator: John Pruden

Format: Unabridged

Length: 9 hrs and 38 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-01-11

Publisher: Books in Motion

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 20 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Busy putting in stitches and bandaging lumberjacks' injuries, young Dr. Thomas Parks has no idea that his worst enemy is lurking in the sleepy village of Port McKinney in the spring of 1892. When one of the working girls at the Clarissa Hotel is brought to the Clinic desperately ill, Thomas's newly arrived associate wastes no time in making the diagnosis: Asian Cholera has somehow found this back water near Puget Sound.

The cholera strikes viciously and kills in days, sometimes even hours. It soon becomes apparent that Thomas and his clinic have neither the supplies nor the means to provide effective treatment for the outbreak, and in hours, they are swamped. Afraid for the safety of his wife and daughter and all those close to him, Thomas still is driven by professional curiosity about the contagion's origins, especially when it appears that one of his own nurses is in some way responsible. Before he can mount a truly effective defense, the battle spreads, threatening the very life of the village. Always a man driven by his own curiosities and ambitions, Thomas discovers that his greatest allies are those closest to him.

Comes a Time for Burning is the second in the Dr. Thomas Parks adventure series of historical novels, following the recent release of Race for the Dying.

Members Reviews:

Got fooled - Thought if by Havill must be good

This book wasnt for you, but who do you think might enjoy it more?

Boring boring boring - goes into great detail about the obvious - no story there - bad use of a credit

Would you ever listen to anything by Steven F. Havill again?

Would select very carefully - Posadas stories mostly pretty good

How could the performance have been better?

Shouldn't read like a textbook

You didnt love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

no redeeming qualities

Refreshing change from 'cozy mysteries'...

Would you listen to Comes a Time for Burning again? Why?

John Pruden is an excellent narrator, and the story moves along well.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The setting was my favorite character in this book. Refreshing change for me from the Victorian historicals that I usually gravitate to.

Have you listened to any of John Prudens other performances before? How does this one compare?

First time listening to John, will definitely seek out more performances from him.

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

The story kept my attention throughout, and I found myself 'rewinding' to search for anything that I might have missed.

Any additional comments?

The second book ended, with what seemed to be a 'close-out' of the characters. I sincerely hope that the author will change his mind, and bring them back.

Loved the Story

I LOVED this story, but I think Mr. Havill should spend a little more to get a better narrater. Maybe I'm wrong, maybe he wanted this, but to me it sounded too much like the movie, The Cowboys, with John Wayne and Glenn Campbell. The speech patterns were too strained, not flowing and too uncomfortable sounding, not natural. The best narrater Mr. Havill ever had was Rusty Nelson. I guess I got spoiled.

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Title: The Dead Republic

Subtitle: A Novel

Author: Roddy Doyle

Narrator: Gerard Doyle

Format: Unabridged

Length: 12 hrs and 17 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-20-10

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 15 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Booker Prize winner Roddy Doyle shines with this epic conclusion to the saga of his indomitable Irish rebel Henry Smart. Chronicling nearly 25 years of history, The Dead Republic finds Smart working closely with, then violently severing ties to, legendary Hollywood director John Ford and eventually returning to Ireland in the 1950s. Desiring a quiet retired life in a small village north of Dublin, his life is further thrown into tumult by IRA uprisings and a surprising reunion with a woman who may just be his long-lost wife.

Members Reviews:

Good story made better by a great performance

What did you love best about The Dead Republic?

This story is told from a first person perspective. Between the writing style and the narration it's easy to be drawn in and begin seeing the chapters as if looking through the weathered, weary eyes of Henry Smart.

Any additional comments?

Initially I was a bit turned off by the voice and narration style of Gerard Doyle. It didn't take long for me to recognize how well suited he is to tell the story of Henry Smart. After finishing the book, I can't imagine anyone else who could have done justice to this story and this character.