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Audible version needs demarcations

Revisado: 09-09-22

I listened to the Audible version and my only criticism is the short stories melded into each other without the narrator taking a breath. Each transition took me a few beats to realize they were onto a different story, requiring me to rewind and find the start. Eugenides’s characters and nuanced writing always satisfies. Especially enjoyed Cynthia Nixon narration. But a music interlude between sections would have allowed a bit of reflection rather than abruptly realizing “wait, that was the end?”

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Narrated way too fast

Revisado: 08-17-18

Being a clinician, I was drawn to this story. It is, however, written in terms that can be easily understood by a layperson. What cannot be understood is the fast pace at which the author reads her own words. I checked the speed on my settings thinking it was inadvertently dialed up. In particular, when she recites lists, which is often, the words run together to be indecipherable.
Also, the author frequently skips ahead and back in time, as well as medical specialities, which makes the anecdotal lines hard to follow.
She does make cognizant points about empathy in nursing and draws attention to strained resources and the UK’s failing health care system. Some possible solutions or changes would have been welcomed, especially coming from an experienced insider such as this writer

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Narrator Accent Unbearable in this ROMANCE Novel

Revisado: 09-23-17

What disappointed you about From Sand and Ash?

Rather than reading with an Italian accent, this narrator came off more like a Transylvanian vampire! Except for the one Irish character, EVERY part was read with an annoying upturn at the end of every line. It was like being read a story by Count Chockula.

What was most disappointing about Amy Harmon’s story?

Hard to decide what was more disappointing: the weary predictability or the over-dramatized, over-written story line. I even anticipated the statistically impossible conclusion. When I wasn't rolling my eyes, I was closing them and shaking my head. The dialogue was wooden and the similes and metaphors were atrocious

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of Cassandra Campbell?

An actual Italian

What character would you cut from From Sand and Ash?

Too hard to say---I did not care about the outcomes for any of the characters

Any additional comments?

I read and/or listen to about four books a month. I write reviews only for the books for which I have strong opinions, so I am not merely complaining here. I am in two book clubs, one of which I started 16 yrs ago. I am a past president of my local county library foundation. I have organized library fundraisers, bringing famous authors to speak at my events. I attend numerous book fairs, follow several online book sites, consult for publishers seaking book club input. I mention this so my opinion won't be considered lightly.

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Disappointing

Revisado: 02-17-15

Too many obscure coincidences that miss the mark on trying to pull off this story line.
Female narrators trying to imitate males and vice versa--very distracting and, at times, humorous. Stick with just reading the book. Also, consult a medical dictionary when pronouncing medical terms please!

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Hilarious and touching

Revisado: 02-18-11

I had read a review of this book and went looking for it. It was a touching, gentle story of family and relationships that span years. The characters are endearing and you find yourself rooting for them every step of the way. Pete Dexter manages to weave humor and irony throughout the various stories that make up this book. I found myself laughing out loud as I walked my dog, drove my car, and just enjoyed being told this tale. Excellent narration, totally absorbing.

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Why, oh why, Casey Affleck?!?...

Revisado: 02-18-11

This is a classic I always wanted to find the time to read. I jumped at the chance when I saw it featured on Audible. Unfortunately, it was difficult to appreciate Sinclair's timeless tale when narrated by Casey Affleck.
He had virtually no inflection and often sounded like he had a mouthful of saliva--the ending of words were difficult to discern in his coarse pronunciation.
I've listened to countless audio books over the years and there are so many good narrators out there practicing this craft, I fault the producers of this version for choosing an actor name over a quality reader.
Since the Lithuanian accent was so crucial to this story, why not use a narrator who has some understanding of this dialect?
Very disappointing recording.

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