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Bronwyn R

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Not what I hoped for

Overall
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
3 out of 5 stars
Story
3 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 30-10-2021

After reading some reviews of this audiobook, I was hoping for a very entertaining experience, however, it wasn't what I had expected... I couldn't help feeling that this was targeting fans of 'reality shows' like 'Real Housewives of Beverley Hills' (or whatever it's called) and similar, as it seemed to me to be presented in this kind of format...I persevered, to find out what this 'amazing' ending constituted, but won't be recommending it to any of my book loving friends. It's probably just that it's not to my taste... all rather shallow and catty. Notwithstanding, there were some 'interesting' twists and turns in the complex web of relationships, although some, I never did entirely manage to completely unravel...

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Beautiful Experience

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 11-10-2021

I began listening to this story with no expectations, but it wasn't long before I was totally absorbed by the dual perspectives of the two worlds this mother and daughter combination unravel and explore.... This is a truly beautiful path to understanding and better appreciating some of the profound yet simple long-held practices of our First Nation's people. I have been quite overwhelmed at how well it was woven into the pair's individual interpretations of the literary tour of England undertaken together, where comparisons between the Western world's 'progress' and perspectives measures up against the lives and history of our Aboriginal people. The philosophies the mother probably didn't even realise she instinctively held within her, her naive interpretations of so many new experiences, compared with her tertiary-educated and professionally qualified daughter's observations, are incredibly thought-provoking, and I am very grateful for the opportunity to share this truly beautiful reading experience.

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Stunning

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 01-10-2021

I read a lot of crime thrillers, and often end up following authors who particularly impress me, and Stuart Turton has joined the ranks (sad to see only one other book available but I am reading that immediately on the tail of this one).... The plot is particularly elaborate and utterly intriguing from start to finish. I was extremely impressed at the constant shifting of identities - if occasionally having to stop and think about what meant what to whom, but that's part of what makes it such an impressive experience. Highly recommended!

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Working Class Boy cover art

WOW!

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 14-07-2021

Being the same age as Jimmy Barnes, living in Adelaide in the early days, and seeing Cold Chisel performing around the traps, I have been exposed to their 'story' much of my life, and I was aware he had a tough start in life, but never 'appreciated' how truly tough it was, and for how long! I think it makes a massive difference that he relates his own story, given what he went through... it could never come across anywhere near as intensely and genuinely, presented by an outside 'party'. Thanks to Jimmy for sharing these often extremely painful memories, and full on admiration for where he is at now, considering the odds. Gutsy and from the heart, this presentation really knocks your socks off!

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Best yet in this series

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 03-02-2021

My confidence in this new series has increased with each volume, and I enjoyed this one more without reservation compared with the first two, and I hope that there are plenty more to come in this series.

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Nostalgia Trip

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 12-11-2020

Plot notwithstanding, for me personally this was a bit of a trip back to my childhood when my family lived in Nth Bondi, so a lot of the reminiscences struck a chord for me, which was certainly part of the reason for my enjoying this tale. It was also good to read a very recent tale incorporating the Covid shut down scenarios that Sydney has endured this year, tied in with a very credible story line. Thank you! An enjoyable listening experinece.

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Very Entertaining

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 01-11-2020

I very much enjoyed reading this 5th instalment in the Rivers of London series.. while I foiund I struggled to remain focussed on the previous volume, this one was a lot of fun and made me smile plenty... which is a good sign! The interpretation and research into this potential 'other world' to such detail is very impressive, and helps to present an extremely believable scenario as the tale unfolds. I hope the next volume is equally entertaining! Keep up the good work, Ben and Kobna!

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Fun Entertainment

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 19-10-2020

While some of the content can be rather gruesome, it is all woven in in a very acceptable manner, and the interaction and dialogue generally is extremely entertaining. It's great to see the main characters supporting each other and not dwelling on the 'bad side' of their experiences, and the twists and turns keep the reader enthralled from cover to cover. I am enjoying this series and shall continue to work through it as long as it makes me smile as much as it does already... Also, I love 'travelling' around London, and occasionally locations further afield, with them. In the current Covid world, it is a nice way to get the nostalgia fix I need until I can be there again. I admit I do struggle with the 'current day' grammar (".... me and Lesley...." eg) but I must forgive Peter, or abandon an otherwise great saga.

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Jolly Entertaining

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 10-10-2020

I very much enjoyed this introduction to Ben Aaronovitch's storytelling prowess. It was certainly entertaining, and great fodder for a lover of British history (however rapidly it was covered, backwards) and London itself. From go to whoah... I was very happily entertained by the humour woven into the tale of wizardry mixed with every day London. I definitely look forward to continuing my discovery of this series.

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So Welcome!

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 11-09-2020

I was so thrilled to see another Gamache volume appear in early September, and surprised but only slightly concerned at some of the less enthusiastic early reviews. Personally, and much as I absolutely adore his spending so much time based in his beloved Three Pines, I feel it works very well to every so often set his adventures in logically alternative locations that have been factored in as an extended part of his life in past volumes. I didn't find it protracted or boring, perhaps partly because I adore Paris, and every reference to places I have known personally delights me, and this even extends to St Paul de Vence, in Provence, where I have been on more than one occasion (a truly delightful hilltop village where I would certainly be thrilled to live, myself!) . To me, the reader is invited to share the warmth and interaction of the Gamache family unit as though one was in fact one of the family, which is perhaps part of the particular appeal I have never encountered in any of the other crime thrillers I have read over the years, regardless of how impressive I thought they were overall. Not for the first time, I found myself choking up towards the end as certain events unfolded, and this means I was totally 'in the moment' - casting aside the inevitable reminders to self that - hey, this is just a story - remember!? Loved it, as always!

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