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Title: The Bloodletter's Daughter

Subtitle: A Novel of Old Bohemia

Author: Linda Lafferty

Narrator: Carrington MacDuffie

Format: Unabridged

Length: 13 hrs and 57 mins

Language: English

Release date: 09-12-12

Publisher: Brilliance Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 476 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

In 1606, the grand city of Prague hides an ugly secret: the emperors bastard son, Don Julius, is afflicted with a madness that pushes the prince to unspeakable depravity. Banished to a remote corner of Bohemia, Don Julius comes under the care of a bloodletter who works to purge the vicious humors coursing through the young royals veins. When the prince meets the bloodletters daughter Marketa, his madness sparks a frenzied - and dangerous - obsession. He believes Marketa embodies the women from the Coded Book of Wonder, a priceless manuscript from the imperial library that was the young princes only link to sanity. As the prince descends further into the darkness of his mind, his acts become ever more desperate, and Marketa, both frightened and fascinated, cant stay away.

Inspired by a true murder that rocked the Hapsburg dynasty, The Bloodletters Daughter is a dark and richly detailed saga of passion and revenge.

Members Reviews:

Compels you to look up it's history

I have to say, as soon as I finished with this book, I went straight to Google to look up the actual history of Don Julius. It's all there too, the castle to tour, along with facts on Don Julius, Marketa, and the White Lady. Very interesting stuff, that I would never have ran across, if not for this book. Looking things up after reading is best, if you aren't familiar with these characters, cause knowing the outcome would ruin the ending.

The book tends to put everything in fairy tale proportions, but in this case maybe that's for the best.

I switched back and forth with kindle and listening, as I didn't care too much for the narrator. She wasn't bad, I just didn't like the way some of the voices sounded.

Interesting Story of an Era and Place I Never Knew

As soon as I finished this, I had to look up the details of Don Julius, the mad son of King Rudolph II and his relationship with Marketa . . . best done AFTER listening to The Bloodletter's Daughter. The 1600's was a fascinating time in history, when a great debate between Christianity and Science began, as well as one between Catholics and Protestants. While some listeners think the book long and wandering with unneeded content, I found the discussions of astrology, medicine, potions, changing thoughts on bleeding patients, and the great battle between the priest and the physician to be critical to the story and time period . . . and a great foundation for modern medicine and science. Without wavering on faith in God. In the beginning, I was put off by the acts in the bath houses, and very much so by Marketa's mother . . . but now I have researched, and I find that the bath houses were common during this period in history. I'm saddened that children could have been used in this way. The book is fiction, written very much like an old Grimm's fairy tale, mixing historical facts with some "magic" and taking some liberties . . . the legend of the white lady exist and are expertly woven into the book . . . It was a long listen, expertly woven and the end was worth the wait.

TMI - Great Research/Poor Editing

This book is set in a period (early 17th century) and place (Bohemia) that is fascinating and has been little used for historical fiction. That combined with good ratings motivated me to give this book a try.

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Title: The Eagle in the Sand

Subtitle: Eagles of the Empire, Book 7

Author: Simon Scarrow

Narrator: Russell Boulter

Format: Unabridged

Length: 11 hrs and 32 mins

Language: English

Release date: 06-14-12

Publisher: Headline Digital

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 163 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

If you don't know Simon Scarrow, you don't know Rome!

Judaea in AD 46. Roman centurions Cato and Macro have been posted to Judaea for a 'hearts and minds' operation. The Empire needs to win over the locals after some of their religious figures have started revolts - and since the Romans crucified the last charismatic Judaean leader, the natives' rebellions have become bolder.

Not only are these small villages causing trouble, but there are also thousands of Parthians eager to fight Rome. With the threat of suicide attacks and even all-out war, Cato and Macro have their peace-keeping work cut out....

Critic Reviews:

"Scarrow's [novels] rank with the best." (Independent)

Members Reviews:

Entertaining Romans in the Field

What did you love best about The Eagle in the Sand?

So glad this was not abridged. The friendship between the two centurians welds this story together and provides a good adventure. Although the author does not delve into Roman camp life as much as I would like, the story is still cohesive and the characters believable. All together a good story and fine narrator. I'd like to see more non-abridged works by Simon Scarrow.

If youve listened to books by Simon Scarrow before, how does this one compare?

Better than any of the abridged books.

Have you listened to any of Russell Boulters other performances before? How does this one compare?

Solid performance.

Any additional comments?

More non abridged books by this author.

Well done

Excellent read all around. Its difficult to find an author with the love of historical accuracy and detail, while being imaginative enough to spin a good yarn.

Could have been set any time up to modern era

I havent listened to the first 6 books. This one stands on its own, so doing so isnt essential; mostly they arent available from audible at the time of this review.

Ive listened to 5hrs and I just dont care. The plot is unsophisticated; predictable. It seems to be written for teen readers. The characters, reading and story dont draw me in; and Im a fan of this style of book: Falco series, Medicus Ruso, Ship of Rome, etc.

The characters seem unfleshed and they behave with inconsistency; both within their own development and the Roman setting. This could be due to the reading; voices that I can see in a TV series (Spoiler? I think Sean Bean would play Macro in the style of Sharpe), but detract from the drama for me. They frustrated me.

Im Australian so the voices chosen probably are less satisfying because the accents havent resonance although that hasnt been a problem with other books readings. The best voices are of the non-Romans.

Could have been set any time up to modern era French Foreign Legion?

The volumes between the narration and the dialogue vary quite a bit, so listening with head phones might be a problem.

MORE!

Any additional comments?

I want more Simon Scarrow! Stop messing about with the abridged versions and make available the unabridged!

Great

Narrator is incredible, and story is just as good as previous titles in the series

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Title: Big Stone Gap

Subtitle: A Novel

Author: Adriana Trigiani

Narrator: Adriana Trigiani

Format: Unabridged

Length: 11 hrs and 25 mins

Language: English

Release date: 05-15-12

Publisher: Random House Audio

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 433 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, the tiny town of Big Stone Gap is home to some of the most charming eccentrics in the state. Ave Maria Mulligan is the town's self-proclaimed spinster, a thirty-five year old pharmacist with a "mountain girl's body and a flat behind." She lives an amiable life with good friends and lots of hobbies until the fateful day in 1978 when she suddenly discovers that she's not who she always thought she was. Before she can blink, Ave's fielding marriage proposals, fighting off greedy family members, organizing a celebration for visiting celebrities, and planning the trip of a lifetime - a trip that could change her view of the world and her own place in it forever. Brimming with humor and wise notions of small-town life, Big Stone Gap is a gem of a book with a giant heart....

Critic Reviews:

Delightfully quirky... Chock full of engaging, oddball characters and unexpected plot twists. (People)

"As comforting as a mug of chamomile tea on a rainy Sunday." (The New York Times Book Review)

Charming... Readers would do well to fall into the nearest easy chair and savor the story." (USA Today)

Members Reviews:

Laughs, Tears & a Place I'd Like to call Home

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

Absolutely. I would for my friends who love peaceful journeys, who enjoy meadering down the path to see what each day brings. This book was a pleasure.

What other book might you compare Big Stone Gap to and why?

Jan Karon's Mitford Series. They are similar in they are about small town life, the characters who live, love, laugh, and pass into and out of your life. These are the type of books that refuel me.

Which scene was your favorite?

One that made me laugh outloud was the scene at the football games Halftime activies in front of the visiting dignitaries Elizabeth Taylor and her husband, Senate hopeful, John Warner.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Yes, and I leave that to the reader/listener to decide for themselves. I don't want to give anything away.

Any additional comments?

Yes, I was very concerned with the author being the narrator. In most cases I have found that doesn't work, but I wanted this book quite a lot so I gave in. Adriana Trigiani has won me over. She is perfect for the part. She IS the book. In fact, I was so please with this book & narrator I imediately purchased the next two in the series. I would have purchased the 4th but I ran out of credits.Thank you Adriana Trigiani for an absolutely delightful stroll through Big Stone Gap, a place I'd love to live.

Italy meets Appalachia . . . Gotta Love It!!!

There's nothing more country than mountain folk, and Big Stone Gap is all that and more. When thirty-five year old, Ava Maria, the town pharmacist, who's considered an old maid by mountain folk standards, loses her mother, her world goes into a tail spin. Everything she thought she knew changes. She's always known her mother was Italian, but when she finds a picture and letters in her mother's room, she's in shock. She doesn't even know herself anymore. I absolutely love this story . . . being a hillbilly myself and having married very young (still married 42 years later), I can easily relate to all the "goings on". The narration is spot on.

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Title: The Secret Crusade

Subtitle: Assassin's Creed, Book 3

Author: Oliver Bowden

Narrator: Gildart Jackson

Format: Unabridged

Length: 10 hrs and 58 mins

Language: English

Release date: 03-30-12

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 185 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Altaïr embarks on a formidable mission - one that takes him throughout the Holy Land and shows him the true meaning of the Assassin's Creed. To demonstrate his commitment, Altaïr must defeat nine deadly enemies, including Templar leader Robert de Sablé. Here, for the first time, Niccolò Polo, father of Marco, shares Altaïr's remarkable story: his ongoing battle with the Templar conspiracy; a family life that is as tragic as it is shocking; the betrayal of an old friend; and a journey that will ultimately change the course of history.

Members Reviews:

Amazing!

I'm a long time fan of the franchise and I am amazed at how closely the books fallowed the game! I also loved how it covered altiairs life. there were a few things left out that Revelations (the game) covered that were not included completely in the book, but no big deal. overall, I highly recommend it!

For Assassin Creed Lovers

What made the experience of listening to The Secret Crusade the most enjoyable?

This is based on the game, and the game is a fantastic story, thrilling to play. The problem with the book is at many points it seems to summarize rather than tell a story.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Secret Crusade?

Altaïr learns the his Master's secret.

What do you think the narrator could have done better?

The narrator could have used a little more drama, acting in his storytelling.

If you could take any character from The Secret Crusade out to dinner, who would it be and why?

Altaïr

Any additional comments?

Great plot.

Amazing Story, Good Narrator~

The story is great! (I LOVE it!) The narrator reads really well too. Although, sometimes his voice sounds a bit robotic...

Wonderful

The narrator at times sounded as skilled and epic as Tim Curry! The book sweeps you into the shadows of secrecy greater than the legends of the CIA!

A great historical fiction

Gildart Jackson weaves a richly textured historical fiction that is the 2nd installment of Assassin's Creed : The Secret Crusade. Characters are wonderfully developed as is the plot. Thank you for a great story.

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Título: Antes de Ser Libres [Before We Were Free]

Autor: Julia Alvarez

Narrador: Maria Siccardi

Formato: Unabridged

Duración: 6 hrs and 26 mins

Idioma: Español

Fecha de publicación: 02-20-12

Editor: Listening Library

Calificaciones: 4.5 de 5 de 32 votos

Categorías: Fiction, Historical

Resumen del editor:

This is the story of Anita de la Torre, a 12-year-old girl living in the Dominican Republic in 1960. Most of her relatives have immigrated to the United States, her Tio Toni has disappeared, Papi has been getting mysterious phone calls about butterflies, and someone named Mr. Smith and the secret police have started terrorizing her family for their suspected opposition to the country's dictator. While Anita deals with this frightening series of events, she also struggles with her adolescence and her own personal fight to be free.

Please note: This audiobook is in Spanish.

Crítica Comentarios:

Alvarez proves as gifted at writing for adolescents as she is for adults. A stirring work of art. (Publishers Weekly)

Opiniones de los miembros:

Antes de ser libres

Excelente libro , Julia Alvarez es una excelente escritora. He escuchado y leido todos sus libros.

bien hech

Muy informativa y entretenida y la narration hecha muy bien con expression y claridad. mi primers experiences con in line leido en espanol.

A great follow-up to En el Tiempo de las Mariposas

If you could sum up Antes de Ser Libres [Before We Were Free] in three words, what would they be?

gut-wrenching, heroic

What was one of the most memorable moments of Antes de Ser Libres [Before We Were Free]?

when the family first learned of the confirmed death of their father

What does Maria Siccardi bring to the story that you wouldnt experience if you just read the book?

I loved her child-like voice - added to the To Kill a Mockingbird feeling of the narration

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

Another perspective from the author of En el Tiempo de las Mariposas

Any additional comments?

I have been listening to these books (also the Cuando era puertorriqueno series by Santiago) to practice my Spanish skills. I was not prepared for how absolutely delightful and thought-provoking they would be. I wish you had dozens more like them!

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Title: Wonderland Creek

Author: Lynn Austin

Narrator: Kate Forbes

Format: Unabridged

Length: 15 hrs and 13 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-20-12

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 523 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Six-time Christy Award winner Lynn Austin has won a loyal following for her inspiring historical fiction. In Wonderland Creek, young Chicago-area librarian Alice Grace Ripley is left heartbroken when her fiancé breaks up with her just as the Great Depression forces her out of a job. To escape the local gossip, Alice volunteers to deliver donated books to a library in rural Kentucky. There she discovers that God still has a plan for her after all.

Members Reviews:

Depression Era Kentucky as a Librarian

This is a different sort of Lynn Austin book than the others I have read. It clearly fits into the "inspirational" category with many references to prayer, God, and faith. It is a very long story (over 15 hours) that plods forward as a shallow, over protected outsider makes a new life for herself during a visit to poverty stricken rural Kentucky. The story is not a neat and tidy one. There are many loose ends and miraculous twists and turns. I enjoyed the book very much over all. I thought Kate Forbes did a great job narrating the different voices. At times I thought the book rambled on a bit too long-- but at the same time I kept on listening with great interest. It was a positive story and worth a listen.

Grand Journey

I was deterred by the beginning of this book, wondering if it was for a younger crowd and if it would be relatable to me. However, I hung in there. I'm very glad I did. I feel as though I have been on a journey myself, after watching the events unfold for Alice. The characters were very endearing and I fell in love with them, even though I had the same reluctance Alice did at first. The ending left me crying - sad, satisfied tears; as well as smiling, completely fulfilled by a book well written, characters so well developed I feel as though I know them personally, and a plot fully traversed by pen and heart. I will be reading more by this author and listening to more by this narrator. Both were exceptional!

Great!

Lynn Austin did it again. I love reading her books because she does such a great job of researching her material. Her stories inspire me to review different parts of my faith and to grow. I also feel like I have received a valuable history lesson when I read one. I probably would never have heard of the depression-era traveling library services in Kentucky if I hadn't read this book. Kate Forbes did an excellent job of making the characters come to life.

Amazing story!

Lynn Austin is one of my favorite authors! Wonderland Creek is suspenseful and riveting! If I didn't have to work I would have read this book straight through! I love how Miss Austin weaves God into the characters lives. I love how this book, and all her works, teach of listening to people, being with people, being present to God and his miracles! Good book with good values!

Story of Contrasts During the Great Depression

Wonderland Creek is an amazingly truthful look at Christianity and humanity. I enjoyed it from the beginning, identifying with Alice Grace Ripley's love of books and libraries. I remember carrying home 8 to 10 books a week from our school library when I was in middle school and escaping into them, one at a time. I also understood the order and peace of working in a library, since I volunteered in the school library, getting first pick over all the new and returned books.

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Title: The Prague Cemetery

Author: Umberto Eco

Narrator: George Guidall

Format: Unabridged

Length: 14 hrs and 24 mins

Language: English

Release date: 11-08-11

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 387 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Whether its a critically acclaimed novel or provocative collection of essays, every work from best-selling author Umberto Eco is a highly anticipated publishing event. The Prague Cemetery is set amid conspiracy-rich 19th century Europe, where intrigue aboundsand where a lone, evil genius may be pulling all the strings.

Critic Reviews:

This work of teasing historical pseudo-reconstruction combines an intriguing philosophy of history with an elaborate set of reflections on narrative and the nature of fiction." (Times Literary Supplement)

"A whirlwind tour of conspiracy and political intrigue...this dark tale is delightfully embellished with sophisticated and playful commentary on, among other things, Freud, metafiction, and the challenges of historiography." (Booklist)

"He's got a humdinger in this new high-level whodunit...a perplexing, multilayered, attention-holding mystery." (Kirkus Review, starred)

Members Reviews:

Umbrage and Umberto; Peanut Butter and Jelly

I love/hate Umberto Eco. "Do I contradict myself? Very well then I contradict myself..." There are very few authors as complex and knowledgeable; there are even fewer that can challenge and inspire as Umberto Eco. I have re-read, cross referenced, and researched, as much while reading his books as when writing my dissertation--but isn't that what great writers do for us? They expand us. And, while I always feel a bit obtuse reading Eco, I always come away enlightened. His mind is an encyclopedia, all-encompassing, his wit is delightful and at the same time biting and hilarious.

Prague Cemetery's plot is intricate to say the least--19th century European espionage, conspiracy theories, Freemasons, Jesuits, Illuminati, Hitler, Dumas, Hugo, "Froide", Satanists, the New World Order and the Elders of Zion. All the more fascinating because of Eco's background in Semiotics, and the VERY interesting "A Note From the Author" wherein Eco personally explains the characters actually existed! [*see Amazon.com site to read this letter to the 'Dear Amazon Readers']. The story is told by a vitriolic schizo character with "a soul so dark as to cast a shadow in hell'; he could easily be a monster straight out of Eco's On Ugliness. Within 30 min. the mystery narrator ("pleased to meet you, hope you guess my name, woo woo.") offends, criticizes, disgusts, and outrages every race, nationality, ethnicity, sex, and religion--his only complimentary words used to describe the gourmet dishes he savors. Perhaps my only complaint: with such powerful elements and such an engrossing storyline, I'd have appreciated less venom--but I hope Eco never conforms to my personal predilections! (And wouldn't a recipe companion be too fabulous!)

Undeniably a difficult read (for me at least), and not meant for people that tend to be easily personally insulted. It's meant to be disturbing, it's meant to agitate some brain cells. Kirkus review probably summed it up best with this one word: HUMDINGER. While The Name of the Rose remains my favorite Eco novel, I found Prague Cemetery absolutely fascinating and will enjoy the personal prerequisite second, possible third, listen.

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Title: Someone Named Eva

Author: Joan M. Wolff

Narrator: Rachel Botchan

Format: Unabridged

Length: 5 hrs and 42 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-28-11

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 24 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

M. Wolf traveled to the Czech Republic, birthplace of her great-grandmother, for further insight into this remarkable story. Someone Named Eva is the devastating tale of a young girl whose identity is threatened by the all-consuming sweep of Nazi aggression. Before she loses everything, Milada is a normal, happy girl. But then come the Nazis, tearing her from her familys arms and leaving her with little but her grandmothers lingering words: Remember who you are.

Critic Reviews:

Honest heartbreaking. (

Booklist)

Members Reviews:

Book recommended to me by my son

My 12 year old son wanted me to read this book after he had read it for school. I appreciate how the book conveyed so much about the Nazi era and brought me into a town in Czechoslovakia that I was not familiar with and an aspect of the era I was not aware of. It was heartbreaking to realize how families were torn about and children adopted out, but the story of Miladaâs resilience and reunion with some family was uplifting. An important and interesting story.

Wonderful

Just when I thought I knew everything about the Holocaust I come upon Someone Named Eva. I had no idea that Hitler was interested in collecting pure white children, brainwash them and turn them into Nazis.

Although the story of Eva is fictional, it is based on real facts. In 1942, children were taken by Nazis from Lidice, Czechoslovakia to a center in Poland to be trained indoctrinated into being proud German citizens. Once their training was over, they were giving over German families who adopted them.

This is the story of eleven-year-old Milada who after her "training" becomes Eva.

The story is a breeze to read: quick a lovely. It reminds me of Number the Stars in that they are both fiction works based on real events.

At the end of the book Wolf writes a little about the real events surrounding her story which makes it all more real and powerful.

Intriguing Holocaust story

Intriguing Holocaust story about a village in Poland and its experience under Hitler's Nazi regime. Told as historical fiction, the reality was one I had never before now read or knew about. For one who appreciates stories of the Holocaust, this is an excellent choice, well researched and written.

Unable to put this one down.

Stunning disturbing heart wrenching story, it is captivating from start to finish and all the more shocking knowing it is based on reality. I am still feeling the effects of reading someone named Eva.

Well-written historical fiction about a Czech child's harrowing experiences during WW II

Life in the tiny Czech village of Lidice was not easy in the year 1942, but Milada was happy, surrounded by a caring family and her best friend Terezie. Then her life was irrevocably changed on the night of her twelfth birthday - the Nazis came to her village and rounded up her father and brother and all the other men in the village and took them to an unknown destination. Milada, her beloved grandmother, mother, and baby sister, together with all the other village women and children were taken away to a nearby town where they were kept for a couple of days, presumably to be interrogated.

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Title: A Town Like Alice

Author: Nevil Shute

Narrator: Neil Hunt

Format: Unabridged

Length: 12 hrs and 25 mins

Language: English

Release date: 07-22-11

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 1020 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Eight hundred women and children begin a 1,200-mile journey on foot across Japanese-occupied Malaya. At journeys end, only 30 will still be alive. This is the story of one woman, of her ordeal, and of how she was saved by the sacrifice of an Australian soldier. It is a story of rare individual courage in the face of certain death, and hope in the face of despair.

Members Reviews:

Classic and still entertaining

Although this was written in 1950 shortly after WWII, it still a great story. It is really so much a war novel, but a love story. The writing is excellent as well as the narration. It does start a little slow but picks up the pace. It will be enjoyed by both men and women. Another book I found very similar was the Potato Factory which is another great book set in Australia and England.

I would also recommend this to Teens, especially girls since the major character and heroine is a woman. Jean Paget shows both courage, wisdom, and dedication. English by birth she is captured in Malaysia during WWII as must march hundreds of miles with other women as prisoners of the Japanese Army. This part of the war (malaysia) is often overlooked because it involved the British more than America. It was also a mini series at one time. I remember seeing it on TV a decade or so ago. Another similar book set in the same time period is Empire of the Sun , which is another great read.

A Story of Courage and Commitment

Initially, I was totally captivated by this story of Jean Padgett, a young English woman working in Malaya who became a Japanese prisoner of war. The hardships that the women and children endured during their trek to one nonexistent prison camp after another and the alternating kindness and inhumanity of their captors kept me reading (well, listening; this was an audiobook) at a rapid pace. Under such an unlikely circumstances, one wouldn't expect to fall in love, but we do sense that it is happening to Jean when she means a resourceful Australian named Joe Harmon. But the war intervenes . . .

The novel opens with the narrator, a solicitor, tracking down Jean to tell her that she has just come into an inheritance, and it is to Noah that Jean tells her story. After hearing all she endured, he could hardly be more surprised when Jean tells him her plans for the money: to return to Malaya.

I won't spoil the book by telling what happens next, but there are quite a few surprises in store. I have to admit that the last third of the novel--the part that reflects the title--was somewhat less interesting to me. Still, this is one of those books whose title was familiar but about which I knew nothing, and overall, it was worthwhile.

Very well read by Neil Hunt. He does the accents well and isn't roo heavy-handed in reading the female roles.

Loved this!!

Where does A Town Like Alice rank among all the audiobooks youve listened to so far?

Top 5. I loved everything about this book and presentation!

What was one of the most memorable moments of A Town Like Alice?

When Jean begins to think about making shoes.

Which character as performed by Neil Hunt was your favorite?

The "Trustee" who narrates the story.

Any additional comments?

Neil Hunt did a fabulous job on this. I would listen to this again!!

A Classic

If you could sum up A Town Like Alice in three words, what would they be?

I really enjoyed this book and was surprised that it was written long ago. A good book to listen to while children are in the car.

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Title: Pavilion of Women

Author: Pearl S. Buck

Narrator: Adam Verner

Format: Unabridged

Length: 15 hrs and 20 mins

Language: English

Release date: 07-15-11

Publisher: Oasis Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 235 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

On her 40th birthday, Madame Wu carries out a decision she has been planning for a long time: she tells her husband that after 24 years their physical life together is now over and she wishes him to take a second wife. The House of Wu, one of the oldest and most revered in China, is thrown into an uproar by her decision, but Madame Wu will not be dissuaded and arranges for a young country girl to come take her place in bed.

Elegant and detached, Madame Wu orchestrates this change as she manages everything in the extended household of more than sixty relatives and servants. Alone in her own quarters, she relishes her freedom and reads books she has never been allowed to touch. When her son begins English lessons, she listens, and is soon learning from the "foreigner," a free-thinking priest named Brother Andre, who will change her life.

Pavilion of Women is a thought-provoking combination of Old China, unorthodox Christianity, and liberation, written by Pearl S. Buck, a Nobel Prize winner born and raised in China. Few stories raise so many questions about the nature and roles of men and women, about self-discipline and happiness. At the center is the amazing Madame Wu - brilliant, beautiful, full of contradictions and authority.

Members Reviews:

Horrible narration!

Is there anything you would change about this book?

The narrator! I'm not sure what else because I had to stop it after a while. I couldn't stand anymore.

What did you like best about this story?

It seemed as wonderful as Pearl S. Buck's other work, from what I could hear. I'll definitely just buy a hard copy and read it for myself.

What didnt you like about Adam Verners performance?

First of all, why have a man narrate a story told from a woman's perspective? I guess it still could have been okay, but he was very monotone and sometimes I felt that he enunciated words in really strange ways, putting emphasis on random syllables and sounds. Sometimes I also felt that he was trying to add a mild version of a cheesy chinese accent. It almost seemed like he was being snide about the characters, like he didn't like them. I may try again and see if I can get used to his style, but it's doubtful.

Meh...

I'm a fan of Pearl S. Buck and very much enjoyed the Good Earth, but this book just didn't do it for me. The premise was intriguing to me, but the story is so flat and the reading so monotone, that I find myself just tuning it out and having to re-listen to whole chapters. I never finished it.

Not as good as expected

Interesting insight into the rural high class pre-revolution China, both in their every day lives and their strict cultural structure.

Started confusing but engaging, getting to know the different characters and personalities.

Madame Wu started as a wise, kind head of the household, only to turn into an overly exaggerated fountain of goodness and wisdom. Could not understand the origin of such deep love for Andre, considering the limited time the novel puts them together. Andre is another over the top wise and generous soul. Her constant thoughts of him ended up boring me and couldn't wait for the book to end.

The narration was fine, but I might have enjoyed it more narrated by a woman.

Flawlessly beautiful!

A flawlessly written story of how tradition, age old ways and upbringing mould our lives and can change the course of them so quickly.