Andrew

Interesting stories if an iconic aircraft

Reviewed: 09-11-24

Really enjoyed this series of tales about the many varied actions that the C-130 has been involved in with the RAF. Also interesting to hear about Scott’s journey to becoming a pilot. I did feel that some of the stories were a little over dramatic at times - however that’s possibly in contrast to other things I’ve listened to more recently which were more specifically related to military action with a high threat level. That said - any of the stories would be considered pretty dramatic alongside “normal” life. Some sad parts too as there are also recollections of tragedies and the impact they had on crew, friends and family.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Slightly more than the sum of its parts...

Reviewed: 04-10-24

Unlike Service Model - which I found to be superb, and narration by Adrian Tchaikovsky entirely appropriate and a positive element - not so much with And Put Away Childish Things. Tchaikovsky produces an impressively diverse range of output - my absolute favourites being the Tyrant Philosophers series (books 1 and 2 so far) and also Service Model (his SF is, for me, more variable.) This title falls more in the fantasy/escapist genre and I think AT was not the right reader for it. A better narration may have lifted it significantly.

I am not sure why authors do their own narration. In many cases, it's excellent - for example David Mitchell is the only person who should ever narrate his own books - but of course he's a performer anyway. Generally speaking (no pun intended) if you're not a performer or the title is not a personally biographical rendition - better leave it to the professionals. Having said that, my previous positive comment about Service Model (story and narration by AT) stands - perhaps as the exception.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

The sum of the parts...

Reviewed: 25-07-24

My first hour with this audio book was accompanied by a sense of irritation. Not having seen any of Chris Broad's YouTube videos I was experiencing him (audibly in this case) for the first time. Initial impressions were that he complains a lot - and that his delivery (he is also narrating) was jarringly up and down in bursts of over enthusiastic delivery as he found yet another thing that was not to his liking.
However... I stayed with it - and the end result was actually an enjoyable listen to his extensive time living and working in Japan. As things move along the complaining dimishes and it's apparent that he takes a deep pleasure in being in Japan and immersed in the culture of what is really a fascinating society and country. His journey from day one as a non-Japanese speaking teacher of English in a large school away from any of the large urban centres through to his later years as a successful YouTuber making serious documentaries is really pretty amazing.

He is also honest about the things in Japan he found hard or does not particularly like - whilst obviously respecting the country and the people and giving credit and appreciation where it is due.

In summary - I really enjoyed his story and will now be looking for some of the material he referred to in the book - online.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Interesting theme

Reviewed: 18-07-24

I found the story harder to engage with than other Tchaikovsky novels I have listened too recently. That said the writing is excellent and the concepts unusual and thought provoking. Quite a lot of thinking behind things from a scientific and a political perspective.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Brilliant...

Reviewed: 09-07-24

I often begin a new audiobook missing the one I've just finished (I've a bit of a habit). This was no different - and my first feelings are often - "not sure I'm going to like this", "wrong narrator", "perhaps I should just move on to something else..." All of these things were true of the first ten minutes of Service Model. After that... I was hooked.

What a brilliant, intriguing and interesting story - excellent characters and beautifully painted and evocative scenery. I genuinely wish I not listened to it so I could do it all again. It also carries a message or two about the direction humanity is travelling in.

Is Adrian Tchaikovsky only one person...? The variety in the range of his writing is amazing. This story is so different from - for example - City of Last Chances (also excellent) and his sci-fi writings.

If your a fan of Douglas Adams, enjoy sci-fi and love a great tale - I recommend this.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Compassion and Endurance

Reviewed: 17-03-24

I sometimes wonder at the beginning of a new audio book, what I’ve let myself in for. The story, the narrator, the subject. This was no exception and for a while I was dubious that I would continue. How glad I am that I did. I have much admiration for Rory Stewart. Much as I like walking - the sheer distance and conditions he endures would floor me. Furthermore - in this case - the people he meets, the food he eats, the sanitary and sleeping arrangements would finish me off in a few days. Yet endure he does - and with a large amount of compassion for the circumstances of the many people of Afghanistan.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Captivating tale...

Reviewed: 16-03-24

A very entertaining and "cozy" story - at a relaxed pace, without a lot of excessive drama. A story rich with characters and somewhat enigmatic goings ons. I did find it confusing in a couple of places for a while - but things generally become clear again. The whole experience is massively enhanced by the excellent narration from Juliet Stevenson.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Surprising Pleasure

Reviewed: 16-03-24

In all honesty I bought this book as a "drifting to sleep" book. It looked uninvolved, long, and it wouldn't matter if I lost the plot a few times. That's how I began listening to it - but it didn't last long. Soon it was my "main" book and I enjoyed it all. There are a series of stories, running through time from early times to contemporary. Whilst the tales are like independent vignettes, they are generally linked by people and place - where references to ancestors link back to earlier stories. There is little in the way of dramatic action - but plenty of characters, a real feel for the New Forest and its environment and plenty about trees, wildlife and the way of life of people earlier. Whilst pretty gentle, there is plenty of dramatic tension to keep you paying attention. A very enjoyable listen - perfectly narrated by Roger Davis.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

It just doesn't work for me...

Reviewed: 20-02-24

Though I like the idea - and it's not terrible (just look at other reviews - it's popular) i just couldn't get on board with this. Too many references to "main frames" (it's not the 70s...) and all sorts of tech abuse that amazingly isn't tracked or has security that can just magically be penetrated. At least one of the characters is really irritating - and somehow, even the excellent Colin Morgan could not lift it enough for me to enjoy. Some good ideas - but a little more effort with the world building would have made it more enjoyable - for me.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Fabulous

Reviewed: 06-02-24

What a brilliant tale - based to some degree on historical fact (I don't know how much) it ranges across a number of years and a wide cast of characters - though at its centre there are a smaller group that we follow through their journeys - in particular one Robert FitzRoy. He was an admirable man - who did what he believed to be right - sometimes at some cost to himself. The story is exciting and involving and really brings home (to me at least) how amazingly hard life was on the sea during the 19th century (and, obviously, at many other times). The experience is only improved on by Colin Morgan who is an extremely captivating narrator - he brings a great story to life and I will seek out other books he has narrated.

I was surprised to discover that This Thing of Darkness was published in 2005 - I'd assumed much more recently - and saddened to find that it was Harry Thompson's debut and final novel, as he died soon after it was published. Very sad - because he was a very talented man who died far too young.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!