The power of words.

Thought provoking - How words / stories can be used powerfully for good or twisted for bad. Barbara Kingsolver tells a story linking USA Mexico and communism Powerful true historical characters all connected by a quiet observer and habitual recorder, fictional -Harrison Shepherd.
Post war fear and misinformation in USA post war believed by the masses makes outcasts of the innocent So much can be reflected today and perhaps every period of history.

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Maybe not a writer for me

An interesting story line and the book deals with some important historical issues, but I found the very full and detailed descriptions of characters and places too much for me. If you want to remain in, and savour the moment, this type of writing is for you. Also I don't deal too well with the Americanisms, maybe, I as an English person, would do better to physically read rather than listen to the author as I need more time to absorb how this undoubtedly erudite author tells her tale. I feel I want to know what she has to say but I cannot bear the wait.
I did however enjoy the ending and the fact that she really makes you think about the difference between reality and public perception and how the latter is manipulated and by whom.

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Authors are not actors

What a pity that the author chose to narrate this novel. She is not an actor and her reading is stilted and monotonous. I did not even finish listening to the first part - the narration was a barrier to listen to the story. The story itself was of limited appeal with little character development. This is a pity because Kingsolver came highly recommended.

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5 people found this helpful

sad but true

Excellent story, great narration. learnt loads, esp. that there wasnt a time USA was 'great'

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A wonderful, fascinating, epic story.

Brilliantly written and brilliantly read. So very imaginative. Thank you for this delightful book, Barbara Kingsolver!

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The Lacuna

I absolutely adore this book. I have read it previously with great enjoyment but really appreciated listening to it again. This version is read by Barbara Kingsolver herself. She reads wonderfully and has a very evocative voice ;she makes the characters really come alive. Barbara has a melodious voice and her accent adds to the richness of the listening experience. There is no comparison with versions of her novels that have been read by some one else.I will now only buy Barbara Kingsolver audio books she has read herself. This is fabulous.I have recommended it to my friends

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17 people found this helpful

Very enjoyable book

I really enjoyed this complex, flowing story and wasn't put off by the narration. Can't wait to listen to the Deadwood Bible.

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Lovely writing. Terrible narration

What a shame that a literary, historically interesting book is spoiled by low quality narration. I normally find audible narration of a very high quality. This book has simply been read on one note. There is absolutely no characterisation and the result is soporific at best. This is my last purchase of a brilliant novelist on audible due to the narrator.

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A book of prose and biology

Barbara has become my favourite author. Her books are so beautifully crafted - full of prose and information and a wonderful story line. I have just listened to this book for the second time and will, no doubt, return to it in the future. Each time, finding something that had been missed the time before.

If you are looking for an out of the ordinary book, or author, look no further than this or one of BK's other books. You won't regret it, if you have a poet's soul and crave new knowledge.

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1 person found this helpful

Enjoyed the story but not the narrator

I really enjoyed this story but found the narrators voice really quite annoying. I believe it is narrated by the author and she speaks with a sing-song voice that got on my nerves and impeded my enjoyment of the book.

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1 person found this helpful