Brilliant story, shame about the narrator

I've loved this book since it first came out. Over the years I have had various paperback copies of it due to lending it to friends and they ask to keep it. I love the modern day mixed with history. I recently discovered the Matilda and her husband did stay where my old school was. Anyway, I signed up for Audible because I saw the book was on it. Settling down to listen to it I was stunned within the first few minutes. The narrator was absolutely dreadful. She sounded drunk; mumbling and slurring when she read the male parts. I'm so disappointed in it. I'd willingly rerecord it in a heartbeat. I would recommend folk buy the book and avoid the audible version as the narrator ruins the story, puts you off it. Shame.

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Quiet sound excellent story

I read this book 15 years ago (ish) and I had to read it again.

It is a scary ghost story with some challenging topics. Well written and fascinating historical references.

The sound was very quiet, even with my phone and speaker volumes at max it was a challenge to hear the narrator in my works van.

I really enjoyed the fact it was written based in the 1970s and the lack of mobile and computer technology were refreshing.

I am old enough to remember home phones and typewriters and to have a story where a character is not instantly contactable added to the suspense and the realism for me.

I would definately recommend this book. Just do not be in as noisy an environment as I have to suffer.

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2 people found this helpful

Wonderful story

I read this book many years ago and loved it, thought I try Audible . The narration was absolutely terrible, overacting and weird pronunciation, it spoilt it for me. Don’t the authors check on the narration. Wasted one credit on this .

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Audible version is so disappointing

I’ve read and enjoyed the book several times, but found this Audible version so difficult to listen to. The rhythm of the narration doesn’t reflect the sense of the words, so much so that I’ve given up and returned the audiobook for a refund. I’ll stick with the printed version in future.

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1 person found this helpful

Highly recommend!!

This book was recommended to me by a friend and I must say it did not disappoint.

I just love the history of it all, the characters, the romance. The way Barbara describes the scenes makes you feel you’re almost there - just observing from a distance.

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Excellent story but narration is off putting

I love the story but find it difficult to listen to it because of the narration. Just frustrating listening to the intonations of the sentences which is unusual. I would prefer if the narrator had some more pauses for breath in the long sentences.

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8 people found this helpful

I loved this book!

I didn't want it to end! from start to finish I loved every moment would definitely recommend.
I also enjoyed the narration and different accents. really helped with getting a feel for the characters.
5*!

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1 person found this helpful

Interesting storyline

The story was a little confusing in places.. mainly due to the narrators character voices sounding very similar. In my opinion the story ending didn’t really tie up any of the loose ends nor really clarify whether Jo was experiencing a past life, was deluded or being manipulated by one of the ‘many men’ in her past or present life. Some characters seemed superfluous and seemed to disappear out of the story without explanation. Overall I kept waiting for a meaningful & better ending.

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Read this book years ago and loved it

A lovely reading of a very well loved book. Thoroughly enjoyed it. This book made me fall in love with this author so many years ago and is still probably my favourite.

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Epic and Gripping Story but…

I read this book years ago and loved it so thought I’d buy the Audible version for my holiday listening. Many times I nearly gave up on it. The extraordinary overly dramatic delivery with strangled sounds and vocal squeals at regular intervals was very off putting. I was always taught to keep your powder dry for when you need it but this narrator makes offering a cup of coffee sound like a life or death event. For me it was a very unsettling and unpleasant listening experience - I just hope others aren’t put off in the same way and miss an excellent novel.

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6 people found this helpful