Excellent book

I struggle with audio books and stop listening to most of them because they're dull or the narrator's voice isn't right. I get really irritated at the voices and tones and if the emphasis is all wrong. This book, though, is fabulous and I'm glad I've found Dan Stevens, the narrator, with his wonderful expressive, posh Radio 4 voice. I will be listening to all of the books he's narrated.

The story is engrossing and well written. It's the first book I've enjoyed since The Help.

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Outstanding

This was one of my first audible downloads which I got on a whim and I'm so glad I did. When I finished listening to it I gave it a round of applause. I definitely think it was helped by the narrator, Dan Stevens, who really brought it to life so vividly that I cried so many tears throughout, but also learned a lot. I cannot think that there is a better way to read this book. Highly recommended by me.

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Hair -raisingly good

I had trouble listening to this book because it was so graphic and pulled no punches but it was worth it. Not for the squeamish!

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An exceptional book.

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

This is an outstanding story, You are transported back in time, the cast of characters are rich and well written, likeable and you can't help but care about them. The war time scenes are of course harrowing in their accuracy but it is the best story of it's era I have ever read / listened to.

What did you like best about this story?

It's honesty and the depth of each character, it is precise and exceptionally well written, it does not waffle and is not over long. I found myself unable to stop listening, it kept me gripped from start to finish.

Have you listened to any of Dan Stevens’s other performances? How does this one compare?

After listening to this story I downloaded the sequel. Dan Stevens is a wonderful narrator, he brought each character vividly to life in my minds eye, I would go as far as to say he is the best audible narrator in my library.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

There are of course very few laughs in this book, I did shed a tear at the loss and trauma sustained by what was an innocent and naive generation, on the cusp of huge social and developmental change.

Any additional comments?

This is an evocative, emotional roller coaster of a book, exceptionally well written and edited which will move and stay with you long after you have finished listening.

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A fine example in the art of storytelling

When I first read the novel I was intrigued enough by it to finish it, but I felt that it was more about exploring contemporary theories on the social aspects of the First World World then actually telling a story and that the characters were just metaphors. This is something that I think many modern novels exploring the First World War suffer with, I have similar issues with Sebastian Faulks Birdsong. But the narration of this book has completely changed my mind and the story lingered with me a lot longer than it did when I read it. Dan Stevens is fast becoming my favourite narrator always engaging and superb, really bringing the sense of time and place to life and you feel more for the characters. For instance I felt much more sympathetic to Julia's situation then I did when I read the novel. As mentioned the novel does explore themes and ideas of how the The First World War changed not only society but people's roles in society especially women's and that is Julia's predicament. A woman once groomed for being a supportive and beautiful wife suddenly finds that in the outbreak of war that her virtues are useless and is left somewhat adrift. This is just one theme address in the novel. But overall I found the audio book thoroughly enjoyable and would eagerly listen to it again. The main criticisms I have are to do with the story itself rather than the narration. For instance in the last half of the book when Riley has been injured the pace of the story slow, but you can forgive this because of the excellent narration. So I highly recommend, especially if you were lukewarm towards the novel this may just change your mind.

On a side note the only other gripe I have is to do with the splitting of the audio into two parts, which I know is done to improve download ability. But do to it practically in the middle of a sentence rather than at the end of chapter is somewhat jarring as you get the audilbe sound bite at the end of it, does take you somewhat out of the story

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Absolutely perfect.

The first time I have been moved to post a review. I couldn't stop listening to this - the story was so compelling & so beautifully told. Excellent narration, I really cared about so many of the characters. I felt bereft when it was over.

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A Beautiful Love Story

I've just listened to this for the second time and I if anything, I enjoyed it more than the first time around.

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My Dear I wanted to tell you

If you could sum up My Dear I Wanted to Tell You in three words, what would they be?

Historical WW1 fiction

What was one of the most memorable moments of My Dear I Wanted to Tell You?

Right at the very end when it all sorted out :)

What does Dan Stevens bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

He has an excellent voice for 'period' listens.

Somehow without silly voices you can 'hear' the different character's voices much as I do in my own head when reading.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I almost did as I was decorating a room ;) It really helped me get on with the work in good time.

Any additional comments?

This book IS historical, also a romance almost, but nothing like chick-lit which I really do tend to avoid at all costs! It was recommended to me by a slightly older man who I have a lot of respect for so may appeal to men as well as women.

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Skin deep

Where does My Dear I Wanted to Tell You rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I judge my audiobooks by whether I would listen to the story a second time.

The title - My dear. I wanted to tell you, had me at my dear.

What other book might you compare My Dear I Wanted to Tell You to, and why?

This book belong to the rainy/romantic/emotional afternoon which everywomen enjoys at least once a week.

Which character – as performed by Dan Stevens – was your favourite?

The author presented two aspect of plastic surgery in the early 19th century. One to enhance the appearance in comparison to the second by improving Riley's physical function. I found I wanted to research this further. What a long way we have come in this field.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I found the narrator performance comforting and sympathetic to the essence of the story.
Would listen too again.

Any additional comments?

I have already listened to this book twice.

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Very engrossing tale

What other book might you compare My Dear I Wanted to Tell You to, and why?

Reminiscent of Birdsong and The Night Watch by Sarah Waters, a very strong character led narrative made this gripping from start to finish.

What about Dan Stevens’s performance did you like?

Dan Stevens is a very clear and easy to listen to narrator, he did a great job of bringing the author's somewhat unusual use of short, clipped sentences to life.

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Gripping tale of love amidst the horrors and aftermath of WW1

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