Excellent indeed

I listened to this and was transported to a world I hadn't thought of much previously. I felt I was there with the characters experiencing their world alongside them.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Great story and film.

Enjoy this story about english history and the people who worked on the site. will visit the museum to see the treasure one day.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

Like a hug

Beautiful narrative. I was totally immersed in the story, diary style. Utterly beautiful book. If you need a gentle read, this is it.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

A joy

I thought this would not add much to the film I enjoyed but it’s very different. The book’s characters seem so much more engaging and real.

A gentle and subtly beguiling story which will be loved by every fan of “Time Team”, “The Detectorists” and Michael Wood.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Excellent

This audible book is better than the movie. I really enjoyed it and would recommend it highly.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Who Needs the Film Version?

This audiobook and its hardcopy should not be missed. I first read ‘The Dig’ several years ago, enjoyed it thoroughly and passed it on. The memory of it stayed with me, but inevitably merged with all things archaeological in newspapers, books and on TV. Then along came the film adaptation which I watched and enjoyed - to an extent, but felt it a compromise, and in some instances indelicate. So, I decided to buy another copy of the book, and audiobook as alteratives, and have been so pleased and rewarded that I did. The novel is written with 4 narrators and the audiobook deploys 4 voice actors. This is what makes the books so much better for me. There is more to learn and to enjoy about the characters from their view point and it reminds that this is a book of fiction and why fiction is fundamentally important. The narrations of Edith Pretty and Peggy Piggot are at the heart of this novel (as they should be) as this is about people first and foremost; an exploration of loss, disappointment, the wheel of time, and what of us we leave behind. The male narrations have their place, but the women make the book special. The audio book is very good, but I have to say I am not a fan of Simon Vance. His portrayal of Basil Brown is the least enjoyable of the four performers. Kate Reading shines out for me as Mrs Pretty in her convincing understanding and character understatement. Her description of her first impression of Basil Brown is a peach. Fiona Hardingham provides good voice contrast though equally able to reveal depth of feeling as well as disappointment and hesitant sense of worth. I thought long and hard about what seems something of an abrupt end to the book and it actually fits. It is no surprise and no loss that there are no narratives from the professional archaeologists. I am now ‘digged-up’ and what I hope will remain in me are the individual narratives of the four characters. (For those intrigued by the nightingale story, which is true, just Google for a wealth of information and clips.)

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

3 people found this helpful

Not quite

Loved the book. Shame the film wasn't nearlyy
as good.
Great narration and compulsive listening.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Beautiful story

Sure a simple and beautiful story. It's a good example of the simple but beautiful life of living in Suffolk. I am glad Mr Brown finally got the recognition that he fully deserved.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

History and a great listen

This book is brilliant. A gentle listen and beautifully read A credit very well used. Highly recommended.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Excellent listen

After watching the film I thought the audible would be a bit flat, but how how wrong was I?
It is a beautifully written book, transformed into a spectacular listen, different voice overs keep you entertained throughout and the story line is a never dull moment.
Personally, I found it is a welcome addition to the film.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

5 people found this helpful