Mark

Massively Enjoyable

Reviewed: 11-01-25

I listened to this wonderful book on audible and enjoyed it so much that I bought the hardback as well so that I can dip back into it whenever I like and also use his recipes. The greatest pleasure, for me, with the audio version is that Stanley himself narrates it making it authentic as it comes from the great man himself. I like to listen when walking or driving and for just under eight hours it felt like I had Stanley alongside me giving me a one to one performance. So my advice is to buy, listen and enjoy.

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Exceptionally Good

Reviewed: 03-01-25

'James' is a powerful and shocking novel that appals and entertains in equal measure. I felt howls of outrage at the way James was treated by an unjust world. I loved his dignity, wit and determination as he made his way to find his family. This is first class literary fiction.

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Enjoyable Pulpy Crime Novel

Reviewed: 18-12-24

I think my headline just about covers it all. The story is great, the characters are fascinating and the narrator is very good. I'll definitely be listening to the follow up novel 'Screwed'.

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Sweeping Love Story

Reviewed: 08-12-24

This is a big book covering seismic events in Russian history with a very moving love story at its heart. I enjoyed it all but struggled with the way the narrator spoke the Russian dialogue which gave me more than a whiff of Meerkat Sergei. I don't mean it completely undermined my pleasure in the book but it was very noticeable. I also bought the hard copy and followed that as well at times which helped. Once again, Boyne succeeds in reimagining an alternate version of history as he did with 'Mutiny on the Bounty' which I loved. Next I'll try 'The Thief of Time'.

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Astonishingly Good

Reviewed: 18-11-24

This is a superb book that blends known history and characters with the novelist's imagination which is why it is both astonishing in its revelations and astonishingly good in the writing. The whole package is compelling and beautifully narrated. It also explains the origins of WW1 in a concise and understandable manner.

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Dark, Very Dark

Reviewed: 11-11-24

Like a flame taking hold, this novel will engulf you in the nature - nurture nightmare world of gifted burns surgeon Freya. In four and a half short hours you will be shocked, horrified, mesmerised and hugely entertained. Anna Friel narrates with a cool, clinical precision that is pitch perfect. Horror has rarely been so beautifully delivered.

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Best Yet

Reviewed: 09-11-24

Connelly has really pushed this series forward with great character development, excellent storylines and seamless narration.
I think the whole package is excellent and I look forward to the next one.

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Witty and Engaging

Reviewed: 03-11-24

From the opening explanation of 'The American No' it is clear that this is no ordinary collection of short stories. They are drawn from the author's experiences and frustrations in his life and career as well as from his incredible imagination. I particularly enjoyed the LA Agent tale; the account of a long lost ex - pat in India and the story of 'ten pound poms' en - route to Australia. It's the sort of book you need to gift to your very best friends.

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1 person found this helpful

Authentically Original and Impressive

Reviewed: 22-10-24

There's a lot out there in the crowded leadership and self help market so we have to choose to invest our most valuable resource wisely. Fortunately this is time very well spent in the company of the charismatic and insightful author, Steven Bartlett. He is a natural communicator, full of wisdom and insight and I recommend this to all who aspire to success in business or life.

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Gripping Story with a Cracking Twist

Reviewed: 16-10-24

I really enjoyed this book but was underwhelmed by the narrator so I bought a paperback of the book and combined the two. That seemed to work for me. Tonally, the small town personalities and depictions of life felt a little like Stephen King (minus the horror). That's a compliment. I loved the characters and didn't see the jaw - dropping twist at the end so I had to go back and re-read/listen to that several time. I'm confident that, in the right hands, this will make an excellent long form streaming series.

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