Listen to Top 100 Audiobooks in Fiction, Historical

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Title: The Painted Girls

Subtitle: A Novel

Author: Cathy Marie Buchanan

Narrator: Cassandra Campbell, Julia Whelan, Danny Cambell

Format: Unabridged

Length: 12 hrs and 15 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-10-13

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 466 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Paris, 1878: Following the death of their father from overwork, the three van Goethem sisters find their lives upended. Without their fathers wages, and with what little their mother earns as a laundress disappearing down the absinthe bottle, eviction from their single boarding room seems imminent. With few options for work available for a girl, bookish 14-year-old Marie and her younger sister Charlotte are dispatched to the Paris Opera, where for a scant seven francs a week, the girls will be trained to enter its famous ballet. Their older sister, stubborn and insolent 17-year-old Antoinette, dismissed from the ballet, finds herself launched into the orbit of Émile Zola and the influence of his notorious naturalist masterpiece LAssommoir - and into the arms of a young man who may turn out to be a murderer.

Marie throws herself into dance, hoping her natural gift and hard work will enable her to escape her circumstances, but the competition to become one of the famous étoiles at whose feet flowers are thrown nightly is fierce, and Marie is forced to turn elsewhere to make money. Cripplingly self-conscious about her low-class appearance, she nonetheless finds herself modeling in the studio of Edgar Degas, where her image will forever be immortalized in his controversial sculpture Little Dancer, Aged 14. Antoinette, meanwhile, descends lower and lower in society and must make the choice between honest labor as a laundress and the more profitable avenues available to a young woman in the Paris demimonde - that is unless her love for the dangerous Émile Abadie derails her completely.

Set at a moment of profound artistic, cultural, and societal change, The Painted Girls is ultimately a tale of two remarkable girls rendered uniquely vulnerable to the darker impulses of "civilized society". In the end, each will come to realize that her individual salvation, if not survival, lies with the other.

Critic Reviews:

The Painted Girls is historical fiction at its finest, awash in period details of the Paris of Degas and Zola while remaining, at its heart, the poignant story of two sisters struggling to stay together even as they find themselves pulled toward different, and often misunderstood, dreams. Cathy Marie Buchanan also explores the uneasy relationship between artist and muse with both compassion and soul-searing honesty. (Melanie Benjamin, author of Alice I Have Been)

Sisters, dance, art, ambition, and intrigue in late 1800s Paris. The Painted Girls offers the best of historical fiction: compelling characters brought backstage at lOpera and front and center in Degas studio. This one has book club favorite written all over it. (Meg Waite Clayton, author of The Wednesday Sisters)

Will hold you enthralled as it spools out the vivid story of young sisters in late nineteenth century Paris struggling to transcend their lives of poverty through the magic of dance. I guarantee, you will never look at Edgar Degass immortal sculpture of the Little Dancer in quite the same way again. (Kate Alcott, author of The Dressmaker)

Members Reviews:

Only a Pastel Version of the *Beautiful Era*

A beautiful carving is made at the expense of all that is thrown away...a thought that describes this story of the young *ballet rat* that poses for Edgar Degas's sculpture, (Little Dancer of Fourteen) her family, and the Belle Epoque period of France.

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Title: Mistress of My Fate

Author: Hallie Rubenhold

Narrator: Moira Quirk

Format: Unabridged

Length: 17 hrs and 37 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-08-13

Publisher: Hachette Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 20 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Set during a period of revolution and turmoil, Mistress of My Fate is the first audiobook in a trilogy about Henrietta Lightfoot, a young woman who was abandoned as a baby and raised alongside her cousins, noble children of a lord and lady. At just 16 years old, circumstance and a passionate love affair tear Henrietta away from everything she knows, leading to a new life fending for herself on the streets of 18th century London as a courtesan, gambler, and spirited intellect of the city.

Members Reviews:

Very boring book!

I wish I would not have wasted my credit for this book. I have had to suffer through it and it puts me to sleep. Don't waste your credit for this book.

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Title: Most Secret

Author: Nevil Shute

Narrator: Roger May

Format: Unabridged

Length: 13 hrs and 47 mins

Language: English

Release date: 11-23-12

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 109 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

It is the Second World War and France has fallen. In their trusty fishing boat, Genevieve, armed with only a flame-thrower and limited ammunition, a small group of officers and men take a stand against the might of the German army. This is classic Shute: a thrilling adventure about the heroism of ordinary men that will keep you on the edge of your seat, cheering them on.

Critic Reviews:

"A magnificent thrill; it is also a tale of character, for every member of the little ship's company is worth meeting. A book that should not be missed." (Daily Telegraph)

"Mr. Shute's style is ideal for this kind of book. He revels in incident and he draws his people with loving care. Here, he's reminiscent of H.E. Bates at his best; that same ability to make you passionately interested in anything he's interested in, and to make the most outlandish happening seem credible his characters are so real." (Monica Dickens)

"Mr. Shute always has good things to offer...the power to convey the springs of heroic conduct in the lightest and least assuming of tones." (Times Literary Supplement)

Members Reviews:

Censored for 3 years

A most interesting earlier Shute. Written in 1942 and kept under wraps till the end of WW11. Britian (and the Commonwealth and Territories) were 'on their own' and I expect it was written to inspire hope.

In this story Britian is getting ready for a German Invasion, many European people had escaped to England to support the war effort, and the German Army was heading into Russia.The Air raids on London had started.

This is a story of a commando raid proposed by a couple of Navy blokes who really want to do more and are supported by a third man (Army Intellegence) who privately wants to give hope to the people of Brittany.

It is a good story and, although perhaps based on Shute's knowlege and experience to some extent, it is written as popular fiction.

While Nevil Shute is better known for his later stories, 'On The Beach' and 'A Town like Alice' , this one sits well along with his 'Pied Piper' as good war time stories about individuals.

Inimitable Nevil Shute Style

One of my favorite witers, Nevil Shute unfolds his story in an intelligent and unique manner. His historical and technical understanding and accuracy are superb as always.

I am a sucker for Neville Shute

If you could sum up Most Secret in three words, what would they be?

Best Shute Ever!

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

Neville Shute is a master of plot. You can feel the tension the war engendered in the English people. He masterfully weaves together sub plots which converge with great dramatic tension.

What about Roger Mays performance did you like?

Wait, What? ONE person narrated this? Every character was so distinctly voiced that the "narrator" disappeared.

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

I heard ut awhile ago, and now don't remember the names. The young woman driver, though, seems very appealing.

Any additional comments?

Bravo!

Neville Shute knew how to tell a story

I have to admit I I am a huge Neville Shute fan. Great literature? No. But he unselfconsciously tells compelling stories about decent, ordinary people doing extraordinary things.

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Title: The Red Chamber

Author: Pauline A. Chen

Narrator: Grayce Wey

Format: Unabridged

Length: 16 hrs and 35 mins

Language: English

Release date: 07-10-12

Publisher: Random House Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 99 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

In this lyrical reimagining of the Chinese classic Dream of the Red Chamber, set against the breathtaking backdrop of 18th-century Beijing, the lives of three unforgettable women collide in the inner chambers of the Jia mansion. When orphaned Daiyu leaves her home in the provinces to take shelter with her cousins in the Capital, she is drawn into a world of opulent splendor, presided over by the ruthless, scheming Xifeng and the prim, repressed Baochai. As she learns the secrets behind their glittering facades, she finds herself entangled in a web of intrigue and hidden passions, reaching from the petty gossip of the servants' quarters all the way to the Imperial Palace. When a political coup overthrows the emperor and plunges the once-mighty family into grinding poverty, each woman must choose between love and duty, friendship and survival.

Critic Reviews:

"Pauline Chen's boldly imagined retelling of The Dream of the Red Chamber is a literary wonder. An epic yet intimate account of palace intrigue and political tumult that dazzles on every page. Heartbreaking, exhilarating, and impossible to put down." (Julie Otsuka, author of The Buddha in the Attic)

"Rarely does a cast of beloved literary figures from another culture and time come alive on the pages of a modern writer's work. Pauline Chen has reimagined the characters from my very favorite novel to make a compelling new version of China's great literary masterpiece. I highly recommend The Red Chamber. It will transport you into an altogether new world." (Arthur Golden, author of Memoirs of a Geisha )

"In Pauline Chen's transporting interpretation of the Chinese classic The Dream of the Red Chamber, the byzantine machinations and behind-the-screen politics of the Jia family are so skillfully rendered as to bring to mind a delicate ink painting suddenly and vividly brought to life. A remarkable achievement." (Janice Lee, author of The Piano Teacher)

Members Reviews:

excellent story, of chinese origin

as i understand it, this is an interpretation of a classic chinese story. although some take issue with the accuracy of the translation/depiction, for those of us who are not as well versed, this is simply a beautiful story ... exotic and far removed from modern life. i give this book 5 stars.

Good Story

If you like ancient Chinese literature, this is a book for you. Despite the difficulty of strange names, it is easy to follow the players. Three young women's lives come together by way of family connections. Times go from plenty to poverty. The women have no power yet they are the ones to strategize their survival. Narration is well done.

The Harrowing Story of Generations

A sweeping tale of family intrigue, fabulous wealth, and destructive love. Pauline Chen merges historical beauty with a classic portayal of emotional family drama.

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Title: Leaving Cecil Street

Author: Diane McKinney-Whetstone

Narrator: Saidah Arrika Ekulona

Format: Unabridged

Length: 9 hrs and 11 mins

Language: English

Release date: 07-06-12

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 6 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Best-selling author Diane McKinney-Whetstone has won such prizes as the Zora Neale Hurston Society award for creative contribution to literature. Set in 1969, Leaving Cecil Street takes place in a proud neighborhood of West Philadelphia. The block has just thrown a summertime street party. Joe and Louise have been married for awhile, and Joe loves his wife. But sometimes he wonders what might have been if he had pursued some of those dreams he left behind.

Critic Reviews:

Diane McKinney-Whetstone is an immensely gifted writer who seamlessly weaves a rich tapestry of desire and discontent in this engrossing tale of working-class Philadelphians coping with change and each other. (

Essence)

Members Reviews:

Leaving Cecil Street, Diane McKinney-Whetstone

Bought the audio version to pass my time in the car. Though I had heard of her, this is my first encounter with this author. The book started a little slow and I was not sure I would stay with it. However, as I continued to listen to the early backgrounds of its characters, they became endeared to me. Once that happens, I need to find out what becomes of them.

Growing up in that era of 1969, I could identify with all the fashions, events, the slang, and especially the music.

The story unfolds in layer after layer of revelation, like peeling an artichoke or onion. The closer you get to the core, the more you understand the how and why of the characters decisions. I am glad I stayed with this one.

I have books I read and pass on, and ones that touch my heart and become keepers. This one is a keeper. I am looking forward to reading more of Ms McKinney-Whetstone. She knows how to tell a story.

Small World

Very good book, that kept you interested. The characters were realistic. As the story unfolds, you really get into how everyone is connected and you get drawn in more and more with the character's pasts. What a twist to find out how Alberta and Louise were connected, helped explain the friction between them. As you learn more about the character's past, you start to really understand their present.

Definitely a good read. I purposely try to be vague so as to not give away the story.

It gets going and is really good. Always enjoy books by this author

Starts kinda slow but just hold on. It gets going and is really good. Always enjoy books by this author !

All can say is Wow. An excellent book from beginning to end.

All I can say is Wow. An excellent book. From beginning to the end. It was like being there. Wonderful

Leaves Indelible Prints Upon Your Heart

When I read the story last summer, I missed the richness of it all. The second read left me soooo satisfied that I couldn't read ANYTHING immediately afterwards.

Diane McKinney-Whetstone is masterful for her art of bringing characters, places, and sounds to life! On Cecil Street, you will meet the residents who are so real. The introductions are intense and animated - enabling you to feel their pain, their joy, and their sorrow.

The soulful music that moves from the pages into your heart will create a beat that you never imagined - a heartbeat for Joe, Louise, Shay, Neet, Alberta, and Deucie. These characters will etch indelible prints upon your heart - endearing you to them forever.

Leaving Cecil Street is a MUST read... a MUST hear... a MUST see... a MUST feel... a MUST have. It is sure to soothe your literary soul.

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Title: The Legacy

Subtitle: A Novel

Author: Katherine Webb

Narrator: Clare Wille

Format: Unabridged

Length: 16 hrs and 18 mins

Language: English

Release date: 05-22-12

Publisher: HarperAudio

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 29 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

When they were children, Erica Calcott and her sister, Beth, spent their summer holidays at Storton Manor. Now, following the death of their grandmother, they have returned to the grand, imposing house in Wiltshire, England. Unable to stem the tide of childhood memories that arise as she sorts through her grandmother's belongings, Erica thinks back to the summer her cousin Henry vanished mysteriously from the estate, an event that tore their family to pieces. It is time, she believes, to lay the past to rest, bring her sister some peace, and finally solve the mystery of her cousin's disappearance.

But sifting through remnants of a bygone time is bringing a secret family history to light - one that stretches back over a century, to a beautiful society heiress in Oklahoma, a haunting, savage land across the ocean. And as past and present converge, Erica and Beth must come to terms with two shocking acts of betrayal...and the heartbreaking legacy they left behind.

Members Reviews:

I really wanted to like this book

I really wanted to like this book, but alas; I did not. This type of book is the kind of book I usually go crazy for (I love British Historical drama and I love America pioneer life so I thought it would be perfect. I thought it will get better so I kept listening.but it just became more disappointing!

First, the story is not very convincing, or believable but only continue cause you want to know the secrets. Once its revealed you've already put the pieces together and know everything (granted there is 1 twist I didn't see coming). Second, the characters are irritating, especially the sisters. Third, the story is repetitive and just long and paced out badly. The narrator was good except her male voices were very annoying.

Great read

This was a complex book in the sense that there were several generations of events being discussed throughout. I made a family tree just to keep people straight.

Fabulous character development and storyline. I could have listened to this book for at least 10 more hours. I love the mystery of "what really happened, here "!

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Title: The Cove

Subtitle: A Novel

Author: Ron Rash

Narrator: Merritt Hicks

Format: Unabridged

Length: 6 hrs and 28 mins

Language: English

Release date: 05-01-12

Publisher: HarperAudio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 102 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

The New York Times best-selling author of Serena returns to Appalachia, this time at the height of World War I, with the story of a blazing but doomed love affair caught in the turmoil of a nation at war....

Deep in the rugged Appalachians of North Carolina lies the cove, a dark, forbidding place where spirits and fetches wander, and even the light fears to travel. Or so the townsfolk of Mars Hill believe - just as they know that Laurel Shelton, the lonely young woman who lives within its shadows, is a witch. Alone except for her brother, Hank, newly returned from the trenches of France, she aches for her life to begin.

Then it happens - a stranger appears, carrying nothing but a beautiful silver flute and a note explaining that his name is Walter, he is mute, and is bound for New York. Laurel finds him in the woods, nearly stung to death by yellow jackets, and nurses him back to health. As the days pass, Walter slips easily into life in the cove and into Laurel's heart, bringing her the only real happiness she has ever known. But Walter harbors a secret that could destroy everything - and danger is closer than they know.

Though the war in Europe is near its end, patriotic fervor flourishes thanks to the likes of Chauncey Feith, an ambitious young army recruiter who stokes fear and outrage throughout the county. In a time of uncertainty, when fear and ignorance reign, Laurel and Walter will discover that love may not be enough to protect them.

This lyrical, heartrending tale, as mesmerizing as its award-winning predecessor Serena, shows once again this masterful novelist at the height of his powers.

Members Reviews:

Absorbing Backwoods Mystery

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

I rank this book among the top 5 I've listened to in the past 2 yrs.

What did you like best about this story?

The haunting and simple prose is remniscent of Carson McCullers' style. Characters are richly developed and you can feel their loneliness and longing. Detailed descriptions of the surroundings bring the settings to life.

What does Merritt Hicks bring to the story that you wouldnt experience if you just read the book?

I was impressed with how fluidly she moved between different voices; seemless transition between male, female, old, and young.

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

I felt breathless for the last 20 minutes. Surprising ending to the eerie mystery introduced at the beginning. Don't want to add a spoiler alert.

Any additional comments?

Beautifully written prose where backwoods mystery mixes deeply developed & flawed characters with anti-immigrant sentiment from WWI and desire to find a place to fit in. Well worth the credit.

Intriguing story distorted by bad narration

Would you try another book from Ron Rash and/or Merritt Hicks?

Ron Rash-yes. Merritt Hicks-NO

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of Merritt Hicks?

Merritt Hicks' interpretation of western North Carolina dialect was an auditory caricature which signified that she was altogether unfamiliar with the mellifluous, indigenous speech of that area. Her attempt with a German accent was even worse suggesting that she did not receive any coaching in the pronunciation of a foreign alphabet.

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Title: Leopard Sword: Empire IV

Author: Anthony Riches

Narrator: Saul Reichlin

Format: Unabridged

Length: 13 hrs and 49 mins

Language: English

Release date: 04-26-12

Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 87 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Britannia has been subdued - and an epic new chapter in Marcus Valerius Aquila's life begins. The murderous Roman agents who nearly captured Marcus have been defeated by his friends. But in order to protect those very friends from the wrath of the emperor, he must leave the province that has been giving him shelter.

As Marcus Tribulus Corvus, centurion of the second Tungrian auxiliary cohort, he leads his men from Hadrian's Wall to the Tungrians' original home in Germania Inferior. There he finds a very different world from the turbulent British frontier - but one with its own dangers.

Tungrorum, the centre of a once-prosperous farming province, a city already brought low by the ravages of the eastern plague that has swept through the empire, is now threatened by an outbreak of brutally violent robbery. A bandit chieftain called Obduro, his identity always hidden behind an iron cavalry helmet, is robbing and killing with impunity. His sword - sharper, stronger, and more deadly than any known to the Roman army - is the lethal symbol of his unstoppable power. And now he has moved beyond mere theft and threatens to destabilize the whole northern frontier of the empire.

Members Reviews:

Compelling read

Another great book in the series with an exciting story line and another great insight to the Roman time. It got the heart racing!

Superb

Loved it. Really good story.

The whole series is quite captivating. Cannot wait for no 5.

A LongMoment

Once again an brilliant story exceptionally delivered why someone doesn't make a movie of this series I do not KNOW

Q

His best one yet

this series has been outstanding, this latest addition is first class, the twists and turns of the plot keep you hooked right to the end

A grown up book

A really fun read. A good story. Which trips along nicely. A little too much strong language and battle details for a younger audience. Played it in the car on a long trip and my grown up boys enjoyed it immensely.

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Title: The Looking Glass

Author: Richard Paul Evans

Narrator: Barrett Whitener

Format: Unabridged

Length: 5 hrs and 29 mins

Language: English

Release date: 03-21-12

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 20 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

When I started to write The Looking Glass, I intended to create a story about the healing power of hope and love. But as this story developed, a message began to emerge that I had not foreseen, a message about the distorted mirror in which we view ourselves, binding ourselves with shackles of self-doubt and fear. The Looking Glass is aptly named, for it is about seeing the reality of ourselves: to see a true reflection of who we are.

It is the story of Hunter Bell, a Presbyterian minister turned gambler, and the founder of a gold camp named Bethel. (Which you may remember was Esther's hometown in The Locket.) He is running from the bitter memories of his past, his ministry, and ultimately, from his God.

Venturing into a blizzard to chase away wolves drawn close to his cabin by hunger, Hunter finds a beautiful young woman in the snow, wounded by the wolves and half dead with the cold. Her name is Quaye McGandley, and she is an Irish woman sold into marital slavery to a brutal husband who then brought her to America against her will. As Hunter nurses her back to health, he finds that his tender ministrations to Quaye have opened his heart to his greatest fear - that he might love again.

It is my hope that you, and those with whom you share my audiobook, might through its message better see the divinity within yourself and the reality of who you are worthy of love, gentleness, and grace.

Critic Reviews:

"This 'story of redemption' will undoubtedly find its audience." (Publishers Weekly)

"Evans whips up the sort of dramatic intensity he has perfected, and which his legions of fans seem to love." (Booklist)

Members Reviews:

refreshing

I love his books. deeply touching...and does not violate my spiritual foundation and my principals!

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Title: Kydd

Subtitle: Thomas Kydd, Book 1

Author: Julian Stockwin

Narrator: Christian Rodska

Format: Unabridged

Length: 9 hrs and 52 mins

Language: English

Release date: 03-03-12

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 184 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

1793 and Europe is ablaze with war. Thomas Paine Kydd, a young wig-maker from Guildford, is seized by the press gang to be a part of the crew of the 98-gun line-of-battle ship Duke William. The ship sails immediately and Kydd has to learn the harsh realities of shipboard life fast. Despite all that he goes through in danger of tempest and battle he comes to admire the skills and courage of the seamen - taking up the challenge himself to become a true sailor. Kydd is the first book in the acclaimed series, and is based on real events.

Members Reviews:

Intriguing storyline

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

I am a fan of all Nineteen Century sailing stories....Aubry+Maturn, Ramage, Bilitho, Dewey Lambert, Hornblower, etc......this well written book (performed by Rodska an excellent narrator).....is right up there with the best of the group....a little bit of a unexpected yarn....that of a landsman beginning a naval career.....but with enough twists and turns to make it interesting....I will go on to the next in the series

Good Sea Yarn

What did you love best about Kydd?

Interesting plot. You see life from a sailor's, not officer's, point of view.

What other book might you compare Kydd to and why?

Dewy Lambdin's series - although Lambdin is better.

An Excellent Tale

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

This story is a nice variant of the English naval fiction of the Napoleonic age. Most of those stories are told from the perspective of an officer, usually the captain. Telling the story from the perspective of a pressed landsman is an interesting variation.

Almost another Hornblower

Any additional comments?

I had almost lost interest in the Old Naval stories. This one woke up my interest again.

Thoroughly Entertaining!

Would you listen to Kydd again? Why?

Yes, I am anxious to start book two.

What did you like best about this story?

The adventure was exciting and engrossing - reels you in and keeps it interesting. Not too much "fluff", which seems to be prevalent in several of the books I've listened to.

What does Christian Rodska bring to the story that you wouldnt experience if you just read the book?

Excellent voices - great interpretation.

Who was the most memorable character of Kydd and why?

Thomas Kydd is the main character of course, and naturally the most memorable.

Any additional comments?

I enjoyed this book a great deal - but be forewarned - it contains a lot of sailing/nautical nomenclature of the period, and it does not go into what any of it is. As I was not familiar with those terms it made it a bit challenging to follow at times. Also, one other small criticism is that sometimes the scenes (or particular parts of the story) seem to get truncated leaving the listener wondering what happened. Don't let these things scare you off though, I'm a tough critic, and I enjoyed this book very much.