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Title: Summary of 'The Swans of Fifth Avenue', by Melanie Benjamin | Includes Analysis

Author: Instaread

Narrator: Gwenn Dawson

Format: Unabridged

Length: 25 mins

Language: English

Release date: 03-29-16

Publisher: Instaread

Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 1 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Summary of The Swans of Fifth Avenue by Melanie Benjamin | Includes Analysis

Preview:

The Swans of Fifth Avenue is a novel about the experiences of American author Truman Capote and the group of wealthy women he called his swans, particularly Babe Paley. The story is set against the backdrop of New York City high society in the 1950s through the 1970s. The novel is a fictionalized account of historical people and events.

In 1955, Truman was riding the fame of his first novel, Other Voices, Other Rooms. Truman met the stunning socialite Babe Paley and her husband Bill Paley, the chairman and founder of CBS, and he and Babe immediately struck up a friendship. Around the same time, Truman met several of Babe's friends, all beautiful, socialite wives of wealthy men, whom he called his swans. They included Slim Hawks, Gloria Guinness, Pamela Churchill, C.Z. Guest, and....

Please note: This is summary and analysis of the book, and not the original book.

Inside this Instaread Summary of The Swans of Fifth Avenue:

Members Reviews:

A fictionalized account of one slice of Truman Capote's life

Writer Truman Capote was a flamboyant, often enigmatic figure, who was attracted to fame and the good life. His relationship with a group of wealthy women from New Yorkâs high society; his Swans; is the subject of Melanie Benjaminâs fictionalized account, The Swans of Fifth Avenue. The story focuses on Trumanâs self-destructive behavior toward those he considered friends, in particular, his relationship with Babe Paley, wife of the founder of the CBS network, and how he destroyed that relationship when he wrote and published a story that only thinly disguised her husbandâs cheating.

Instareadâs Summary of The Swans of Fifth Avenue by Melanie Benjamin provides a full analysis of the theme of the story, the main characters, and the authorâs approach and writing style. This is a great way to get a look inside a book before deciding if itâs worth the investment.

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased review.

Vanity, Adultery, and Aging

"The Swans of Fifth Avenue" is a novel about the experiences of American author Truman Capote and the group of wealthy women he called his swans, particularly Babe Paley. The story is set against the backdrop of New York City high society in the 1950s through the 1970s. The novel is a fictionalized account of historical people and events.

This Instaread summary (much like Cliffnotes, but better) dissects "The Swans of Fifth Avenue" in such a way to make even your English teacher proud. This review outlines the plot, describes the main characters, reflects on their relationships, and then analyzes the themes and motifs. I especially liked how Instared dives into the meaning of swans, explaining the symbolism of these majestic creatures and how they are interpreted in a variety of cultures. I was given a copy of this book to review.

SEMI-HISTORICAL NOVEL WITH LOTS OF CREATIVE LISCENSE

This is an overview of the actual book âThe Swans of Fifth Avenue.â Kind of like an abbreviated Cliff's Notes for the full book. It provides a potential reader enough information regarding this bookâs content to determine if we want to invest the extra money and time to actually buy and read the entire book.

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Title: The Emperor and the Spy

Subtitle: The Secret Alliance to Prevent World War II

Author: Stan S. Katz

Narrator: Gary Elliot

Format: Unabridged

Length: 18 hrs and 34 mins

Language: English

Release date: 03-10-16

Publisher: HORIZON PRODUCTIONS

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 18 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Welcome to the intriguing world of an adventurous American intelligence agent, Colonel Sidney Forrester Mashbir (1891-1973), who spent the 1920s and 1930s in alliance with the Japanese royal family and other top leaders of Japan. Together, they valiantly delayed and attempted to prevent conflict between their nations and the outbreak of WWII.

In this thrilling saga, we explore the life of Mashbir, a real-life James Bond, a master spy, who pioneered the beginning of the CIA. He utilized secret diplomacy and dangerous missions to shape world events. His long career began in the early 1900s, continuing into the Atomic Age!

Mashbir so embraced the Japanese language and culture, that he achieved a closer intimacy with Emperor Hirohito than any Westerner. In spite of Mashbir and his Japanese allies' courageous, peace-keeping efforts, World War II erupted. Mashbir was then forced to take a pivotal role in defeating Japan, a nation and its people whom he had so befriended.

Sixty-five years after the end of World War II, President Barack Obama awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, the nation's highest civilian honor, to the thousands of mainly Nisei, Japanese Americans, who had served under Colonel Mashbir's command in a top secret intelligence organization called ATIS. This award was given in recognition of their major contributions to winning that conflict.

The Emperor and the Spy is an historical novel based on the author's acquisition of Colonel Mashbir's never-before-revealed intimate letters, secret official documents, and photographs. It is a rare occasion when the personal papers of a spy come to light! These primary source materials, along with other diverse historical archives were extensively researched. This was combined with interviews with Mashbir's family, giving a new window to history!

Members Reviews:

Excellent!

Highly recommended for history buffs and readers who appreciate good books! Read it and listen to it.

What a great read just before the 4th!

This was an amazing story of an unsung American hero and I'm so glad I got a chance to read it. Stan really brought Mashbir's life to life!

My favorite book in a long time

loved it! an accurate but dramatized history. the narrator was fantastic. so many different accents amd voices

Little-known American and Japanese History

Colonel Mashbir is not a name that springs to mind when discussing American military and world events in the first half of the 20th century. But it should. He spent a lifetime in service to his country, and in so doing, decades in service to the world in general and specifically to Japan. His friendship with Emperor Hirohito was hugely important in the surrender and rebuilding of Japan after WW2, and General MacArthur relied heavily on Mashbir's knowledge of Japanese culture. I enthusiastically commend this book to your attention.

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Title: Wise Woman

Subtitle: Appalachian Journey, Book 4

Author: Cyndi Tillery Hodges, Christy Tillery French, CC Tillery

Narrator: Carol Herman

Format: Unabridged

Length: 8 hrs and 4 mins

Language: English

Release date: 03-03-16

Publisher: CC Tillery

Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 11 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

In the mid-1920s, Bessie Elliott and her husband Fletcher take in their six-year-old nephew John. They are determined to give him a warm and secure home on Stone Mountain, a place where he will feel loved and know he is always welcome.

Having a child brings many changes to their daily life and even more for John, but it isn't long before he feels completely at home with his aunt and uncle. As he learns about the farm animals, the wildlife and plant life on the mountain, he grows into a young man Bessie and Fletch are proud to call their own.

But their life is not without turmoil. Bessie's healing skills are put to the test when she and Doc Widby deal with an unknown and mysterious illness, one they have no idea how to treat. While doing their best to heal their patient, they run up against a new doctor in Black Mountain who is involved with the Eugenics movement, a program Bessie fiercely opposes. And Bessie and Fletch, along with the rest of their neighbors, are torn apart by a foe threatening the natural beauty of Stone Mountain.

Members Reviews:

fantastic

loved this series! wish there were more books. was totally emersed in Bessie's and Fletch's life.

loved it

felt a strong connection to these folks snd their struggles through life, wonderful folks. i cried a lot

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Title: Spirit of the Ronin

Subtitle: The Ronin Trilogy, Book 3

Author: Travis Heermann

Narrator: David Doersch

Format: Unabridged

Length: 13 hrs and 46 mins

Language: English

Release date: 02-26-16

Publisher: Bear Paw Publishing

Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 28 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

In 13th-century Japan, the ronin Ken'ishi's fondest wish has been granted - he has found service with a powerful samurai lord.

But the underworld crime boss known as Green Tiger lurks in the shadows of Lord Tsunetomo's retinue, and Ken'ishi's honor is tested when learns his new master is married to Kazuko, the only woman he has ever loved. His unknown lineage holds dangerous secrets that could destroy him, and his sword, the magical relic called Silver Crane, holds the key to his past...and his future.

With enemies, temptation, and strife assailing him on all sides, Ken'ishi's very soul falls into jeopardy - even as Khubilai Khan's Mongol hordes plot their next attack. Can Ken'ishi defeat Green Tiger, defend his homeland from the barbarian invaders, and remain true to his heart, his lord, and his honor? If you love romance, intrigue and action on an epic scale, don't miss this stunning climax to the Ronin Trilogy.

Members Reviews:

My review is bias

The final book to one of my favorite trilogies, from one of my favorite authors. Honoring both the spirit of the Samurai and the many other wonders found in ancient Japan, still honored by the modern.

Fantastic adventure with alot of heart!

What did you like about this audiobook?

Samurais, Ronins, princesses, magical creatures and abilities. A hero with a destiny struggling to find his place in a world full of conflict and still holds true to his values.....what's not to love!!?

How has the book increased your interest in the subject matter?

The fantastic adventure that Travis Heerman creates truly inspires you to think about destiny and what defines us as individuals. This book is a great ending to an awesome trilogy.

Does the author present information in a way that is interesting and insightful, and if so, how does he achieve this?

The events and settings Travis Heerman discribes in this book gives you enough imagery to help you imagine this world while allowing you to paint the pictures of this world and its characters to fit your own minds ideas and preferences.

What did you find wrong about the narrator's performance?

The narrator was truly prefound, articulate and moving. Which allowed me to experience the highs and lows these characters go through. You could tell he also was enjoying this book.

Do you have any additional comments?

I love this series. I was fortunate enough to find the first preformed version of book 1, Sword of the Ronin, in podcast form and since that day I have been hooked. This now completes my Ronin collection and I can't wait to see what other imaginative adventures this amazing author comes up with for us.

War, magic, a love triangle, an evil villain...

Kenishi is forced to face his past: his love of Kazuko, the dark secret of his Ronin past and the evil Green Tiger who haunts him still. He is able to join the ranks of Lord Tsunetomos warier, where he rises quickly to samurai and trusted officer. He is caught in a battle of inner honor between his loyalty to his master and the love of Kazuko, his masters wife. Kenishi proves his bravery and honor over and over, but still the guilt and doubt remain.

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Title: The Silk Merchant's Daughter

Author: Dinah Jefferies

Narrator: Eliza Parkes

Format: Unabridged

Length: 11 hrs and 29 mins

Language: English

Release date: 02-25-16

Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Ratings: 3 of 5 out of 3 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

From the number-one best-selling author of The Tea Planter's Wife. Penguin presents the unabridged, downloadable audiobook edition of The Silk Merchant's Daughter by Dinah Jefferies, read by Eliza Parkes.

Dinah Jefferies' stunning new novel is a gripping, unforgettable tale of a woman torn between two worlds....

French Indochina, 1952. Since her mother's death, 18-year-old half-French, half-Vietnamese Nicole has been living in the shadow of her beautiful older sister, Sylvie. When Sylvie is handed control of the family silk business, Nicole is given an abandoned silk shop in the Vietnamese quarter of Hanoi. But the area is teeming with militant rebels who want to end French rule by any means possible. For the first time, Nicole is awakened to the corruption of colonial rule - and her own family's involvement shocks her to the core....

Tran, a notorious Vietnamese insurgent, seems to offer the perfect escape from her troubles, while Mark, a charming American trader, is the man she's always dreamed of. But who can she trust in this world where no one is what they seem?

The Silk Merchant's Daughter is a captivating tale of dark secrets, sisterly rivalry and love against the odds, enchantingly set in colonial era Vietnam.

Members Reviews:

Thoroughly enjoyed

I really enjoyed this story set in Vietnam in a time of change. The narration was excellent too, would thoroughly recommend.

Boring

What disappointed you about The Silk Merchant's Daughter?

I usually like these kind of books but just could not engage with the story.

How could the performance have been better?

Not sure faster pace or different narrator

Pleasure reading.

An excellent read again.thoroughly enjoyed it. Shall read more of her books in the future.

Quite enjoyable

After listening to the Tea Planter's Wife I was looking forward to this book. I was slightly disappointed as I felt the story was more like a Mills & Boon, with no real intrigue. The characters were unremarkable and the love story was predictable. I did not feel pulled into it as much as the previous book. A lot of the action seemed to be superfluous and only there to fill more pages. I quite enjoyed it, though wasn't emotionally affected, and won't be rushing to read another of her books.

Passes the time of day

Quite repetitive language in places, weak main character throughout. Nice imagery of Vietnam. Smooth recording

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Title: Chickamauga

Subtitle: A Novel of the American Civil War

Author: Blair Howard

Narrator: M. G. Willis, Laura Willis

Format: Unabridged

Length: 12 hrs and 25 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-05-16

Publisher: Blair Howard

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 8 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Chickamauga - A Novel of the American Civil War - is the story of a great battle of the Civil War and the people who fought it, many of them real and some of them the product of the author's imagination. Chickamauga is a story of the heroism, selflessness, and frailty of the men whose deeds are etched forever on the fields and forests at Chickamauga, the River of Death. Chickamauga is the story of the generals who planned the grand strategies that would be played out by lesser but braver men, and it's the story of heroism, desperate deeds, and death and destruction on a scale the like of which had never been seen before.

Chickamauga is the story of Jesse Dixon and Patrick McCann, two boys in blue uniforms who must grow up before their time, and of Billy Cobb, a Confederate soldier who found himself at war, not only with the Union enemy, but also with his conscience. And it's the story of Sarah Bradley, the daughter of a Southern farmer, and Blake Winter, the Yankee colonel who fell in love with her. Chickamauga is the story of ordinary people in extraordinary times.

Members Reviews:

Absolutely the best Civil War novel I have found!

Any additional comments?

I will start this review by saying I love Blair Howard's work and have read or listened to six of his books to date. I find him to be an entertaining and knowledgeable author and "Chickamauga" is no exception. The book is incredibly well-researched and historically accurate. But the addition of Michael Willis as the narrator makes this audio book even more exceptional. To say "reader" or "narrator" does not adequately describe the work. Michael's performance is nothing less than spectacular! Blair has given us a detailed look at the Battle of Chickamauga from not only the generals and soldiers points of view but also from a civilian perspective. Michael Willis and his wife Laura flesh-out the characters with a skill I have never experienced in an audio book. I live near the battlefield and I visit there often but this work has changed the way I think about the conflict and the participants. My thanks to both the author and the performers for an unforgettable experience.

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Title: 4 Counties: The Story of the Last King of Texas

Author: James Wayland Long

Narrator: James Wayland Long

Format: Unabridged

Length: 5 hrs and 30 mins

Language: English

Release date: 12-10-15

Publisher: James Wayland Long

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 12 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

4 Counties: The Story of the Last King of Texas is the first novel in a series based on the runaway lifestyle of rodeo cowboy, rancher, and oilman Kenny Wayne Harris. Follow the fast track of Kenny's early life as a star high school athlete, his rodeo career, then his thrilling adventures as head of the iconic Harris Ranches, among the most famous pieces of property in the state: one of the original Republic of Texas, 300,000-acre land grants gifted by Sam Houston to each of his original Texas Rangers. Kenny Wayne inherited his seat as the head of the historical ranch, bet big, and parlayed it into an empire. 4 Counties takes you on the roller-coaster ride of a man who went from poor to rich, from bad to good, while we get to watch him find himself in a place as big as Texas.

Members Reviews:

What a great story!!!

This is a must read if you grew up in Texas on a ranch, in arena, or playing ball.

Great story

This story takes me right to Texas every time!! The author reading His own story really brings it home!

Okay,just okay

Not impressed with this one...it's okay but just not as good as what I had hoped when I used a credit to buy it.

I did like the authors reading voice, I thought that was the most redeeming part of the entire experience, but it will not inspire me to spend another credit on the next book in the series

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Title: The Birthright

Subtitle: Song of Acadia, Book #3

Author: Jeanette Oke, T. Davis Bunn

Narrator: Aimee Lily

Format: Abridged

Length: 3 hrs and 12 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-23-15

Publisher: Bethany House

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 4 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

The bittersweet reunion of the Robichaud family and the Harrows in the land of the Acadians has brought two mothers and two daughters full circle. They rekindle those early bonds and experience restoration of those lost years, but time and tragedy have left their indelible imprints on all who have endured the decades of separation and uncertainty. Moving forward with their lives now means further farewells - not as devastating as the one long ago but no less heart-wrenching. Their connection, which goes beyond that of sisters to best friends, will be tested by the coming revolution and the lure of England - parted again, then reunited, but for how long...? Can their friendship sustain the startling revelation concerning...The Birthright?

Members Reviews:

This is my second time reading The Song of Acadia series, and the story and characters are as compelling and rich this time as they were on my first reading. There is nothing lightweight or common in this series and this book. I'd highly recommend starting from the beginning and reading the whole story. It's informative about historical events, some of which are not well known to most readers, but there is nothing dry about the story it tells. The characters are real and I was easily drawn into the story from page 1.I love historical fiction and this is a wonderful read that I highly recommend.

This is my 2nd reading of the "Song of Acadia) series and the story and characters are as compelling and rich as they were on my first read. There is nothing lightweight or common in this series and this 3rd book. I'd highly recommend starting from the beginning and reading the whole series. It brings alive historical times and events that many readers won't be familiar with but does it through the eyes and hearts of those living through those events. I highly recommend this book and series if you love good characters and a constantly evolving plot within great historical contexts. I'm thoroughly enjoying my 2nd time in this series!

I enjoy reading historical fiction and this series has been no ...

I enjoy reading historical fiction and this series has been no exception. The story spans many years starting 20 years before the birth of the USA. It covers locations in Nova Scotia, England, Louisiana and Boston. The events are sometimes tragic, but also shows how faith can get you through the most difficult circumstances. The characters are well developed. I've read the first four in the series and started on the last. None have disappointed me.

As Consistently Good As the Preceding Books of this Series

Nova Scotia, Louisiana, Boston and now England at the start of the American revolution. This series really travels, but it does not falter in the quality of story that is told, nor of the faith that sustains it's characters. Here we find lessons on God's faithfulness in grief and seeking God's way even when it seems counter productive to ones personal interest. This epic tale continues to introduce new and varied characters, but does not abandon the characters previously known. It becomes woven into an ever richer tapestry.

Good Read

I really felt immersed in the lives that this story shared. The characters come to life right from the beginning. I take my hat off to the authors of this series.

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Title: We That Are Left

Author: Clare Clark

Narrator: Shaun Grindell

Format: Unabridged

Length: 16 hrs and 46 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-20-15

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 8 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

It is 1910. Jessica and Phyllis Melville have grown up at Ellinghurst, their family estate. A headstrong beauty, Jessica longs for London - the glitter and glamor of debutante life - while bookish Phyllis dreams in vain of attending the university. Neither girl questions that it is Theo, their adored brother, whom their mother loves best. Theo eclipses everyone around him, including the diffident Oskar Grunewald, who is a frequent visitor to Ellinghurst.

Fascinated by the house but alternately tormented and ignored by the Melville children, Oskar seeks refuge in Ellinghurst's enormous library. Over the next decade, as the Great War devastates and reshapes their world, the sisters come of age in a country unrecognizable from the idylls of their youth. As they struggle to forge new paths in a world that no longer plays by the old rules, Oskar's life becomes entwined with theirs once again, in ways that will change all of their futures forever.

Critic Reviews:

"Vivid, layered, and provocative period drama about the trade-offs of backing tradition versus letting go." (Kirkus)

Members Reviews:

Obsessed

Read this as a library book but found i couldn't handle not owning it. Was on a list of 15 books to read if you love Downton Abbey-- definitely fulfills that. I have a couple degrees in English and am rarely wowed by current texts, but really loved Clark's descriptive language. Her detailing Oscar's romantic feelings towards [his love interest] are hauntingly accurate and have really left such an impression upon me. A linguistic classic even if the plot feels somewhat stagnant.

Odd and unusual!

This is an odd historical fiction novel. The characters are unusual. They are upper crust but without much money or input into society. The two sisters are odd ducks - one a book worm, nurse, then travels to Northern Africa to dig. She is cold, yet passionate. The other sister is selfish, cruel, and lazy. Other characters are odd too- father obsessed with the castle, mother is just awful, neighbors are users, and Oscar is... I found it fascinating. The novel includes lack of faith, physics, drugs, lies, betrayal, incest, and more. Frankly, it is an unusual story, and so deserves an A++++

A family of secrets...

I think that either British author Clare Clark is writing a sequel to her latest novel, "We That Are Left" or the reader's copy I have left a few pages out. Because the book ends literally in mid sentence. The novel, which is an English Great War family novel, is an adequate read. The Melvilles are a typical family in these novels. Full of secrets, the answers to which are carefully parceled out to each other and the reader. If you're curious, take a chance on "We That Are Left". (And shouldn't it be "We WHO Are Left"?

Another in a series of excellent novels that deal movingly with the effects of WW1 ...

Another in a series of excellent novels that deal movingly with the effects of WW1 on the English. The plot unfolds seamlessly until all the strands of the narrative are neatly, but credibly woven together.

... while longer and it proved to be a very great read and interesting tale

Almost gave up on this one when started but kept at it for a while longer and it proved to be a very great read and interesting tale. Am looking for some sequels now.

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Title: Bannack: From Gold Strike to Ghost Town

Author: Larry Hill

Narrator: Mark Carrell

Format: Unabridged

Length: 4 hrs and 24 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-19-15

Publisher: Larry Ray Hill

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 1 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

This book is a work of fiction that tells the story of the first gold strike in the Montana Territory along Willow Creek in 1862. The gold camp grew to over 10,000 people, and Bannack became the first capitol of the Territory of Montana. My story tells about the lives of the four gold miners that made the strike, and it recounts the many hardships endured by the men and women living in a gold camp in the high mountains. Bannack had a colorful history including an outlaw sheriff and a group of vigilantes that was 100 men strong. This is a story about the Old West and the men and women that settled the frontier.

Members Reviews:

it a good story if you like stories of the old west and and up north. Western readers will enjoy this book and the story.

I like the book, as I said it is an interesting story and has historical facts about the west and the north country. Good reading.

Good Read

I've been to Bannack, MT and can imagine the scenes. Good read for fans of Larry Hill. Highly recommend this book.

Poorly written!

Although I love the story of Bannack, Montana and the 1860s gold rush, this book, that I approached with interest, was truly a disappointment to say the least. There was apparently little research done by the author, but most of all, it was written in such a poor manner that I often chuckled out loud. For example, he overly uses proper nouns where simple pronouns like "he" and "they" would be much more appropriate. Perhaps he thinks the readers have very short term memories. There is also very much redundancy of subplots and quite a bit of unnecessary storyline. I do not recommend this book if you love history.