ReviewSaurus
- 2
- reviews
- 2
- helpful votes
- 4
- ratings
-
The Jeweler of Stolen Dreams
- By: M. J. Rose
- Narrated by: Tavia Gilbert, Caroline Hewitt
- Length: 10 hrs and 15 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars 26
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 24
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 24
A captivating tale of two passionate women separated by decades but united by a shared vision. One, the famous jeweler Suzanne Belperron, fighting to protect her company and rescue the man she loves. The other, a young auctioneer whose exceptional gifts reveal a secret that endangers her very life.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Entertaining
- By ReviewSaurus on 02-09-23
- The Jeweler of Stolen Dreams
- By: M. J. Rose
- Narrated by: Tavia Gilbert, Caroline Hewitt
Entertaining
Reviewed: 02-09-23
An entertaining historical novel, I enjoyed, despite feeling it has been grossly misclassified as belonging to the mystery, thriller & suspense genre. It would be more accurate to describe this novel in one/all of the following categories: WWII historical fiction, historical mystery, historical romance, historical fiction inspired by true events.
The novel is heavy in historical facts both recited by the characters as well as the narrator. The historical facts were dry at points and almost crossed over into annoyance. The story contained much more romance than I anticipated based on its classification and much more romance than I personally care for in a book and I’ll admit to fast forwarding through some of the long uncomfortable romance scenes (both the primary characters over analyzing/musing about true intentions and the reminiscing of intimate moments).
I did not realize prior to listening that this novel was in part inspired by Suzanne Belperron, a jeweler of historical repute, and references to significant dates, addresses and events are historically accurate. Had I known this I may have been more patient in areas I thought were overdeveloped/fact heavy.
This novel is a continuation of the author’s Daughters of La Lune series and includes the involvement of the fictional Midas Society, featured in other works by M.J. Rose. Having previously read other books in this series but not having made the connection till it’s conclusion I found my mind wondering at times (to some frustration) trying to make connections to books I’ve previously listened to.
The narration is good. There are a lot of French people, places and things referenced to - making it a semi difficult text to narrate. The narrator does a good job traversing through the languages but at moments throughout she sounds like she is “over” the foreign language and is tempted to start narrating a translation. At just over 10 hours this book is not too long nor is it too short. It is well paced, keeping the listener engaged and provides the information needed to reach conclusions, tying up any loose threads in the final chapters/epilogue. This method is preferred over being kept in the dark the entire read and have all the answers revealed in the last few chapters.
I’ve been an avid audiobook listener for more than five years with 700+ listens in audible and more across other platforms. This novel kept me entertained and provided some interesting historical information. The narration didn’t distract from the story. However it is not one of those books that will cause my thoughts to linger or be featured on any of my top ten lists.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
2 people found this helpful
- Length: Not Yet Known
-
Overallout of 5 stars 0
-
Performanceout of 5 stars 0
-
Storyout of 5 stars 0
Ruined by Narrator
Reviewed: 02-15-22
I love John Grisham. I’m soooo disappointed that the novel was ruined by the narrator. How does such a high profile author get such an awful narrator? Perhaps the narrator is a family member or friend of Grisham, why else would they release such a horrible recording. It’s so bad, someone involved should have spoke up, selected a new narrator and re-recorded. This is the only review I’ve ever posted - a member since 2016, I’ve listened to well over 1000 audiobooks- I felt compelled to do so to warn others of how terrible the narration is.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
135 people found this helpful