Great story, distracting naration at times

I thought this book was lovely, i’m sad it’s finished. The story is exciting, heartwarming and tearjerking. Really grabbed my attention from the beginning and held it all the way to the end. The characters are three dimensional and you feel like youre getting to know them well.

The naration is distracting at times however, the beginning dialogues especially. The narator frequently goes from whispering to shouting and it gets so bad that i almost switched off and returned the book, glad i didnt though. (I will add that the dialogue does call for a lot of emotion but the volume changes are extreme in my opinion and could have been reduced in post editing).

Saying that, this problem is only very bad in the first few chapters and only pops up again infrequently, so if you experience the same discomfort as i did, it is worth sticking it out.

Would recommend! :)

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3 people found this helpful

Stay with it

I had 3 attempts to get into this book. I made the mistake of starting it when tired and fell asleep several times. I only gave it another try because I was out of credits. I am so glad I did. Once the first few chapters were over, I was gripped. I needed to be awake to grasp the storyline properly and once I had, I became fond of the character Sophie and it was that which kept me hooked. Well worth a listen. If you're struggling on the first chapter, persevere for while. It's worth it :)

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2 people found this helpful

Beautiful story with a painting at the centre stage

I did enjoy the book. Didn't read any reviews so didn't know what to quite expect. It was very interesting how the painting connected lives of so many lives across a few generations. Very moving and positive story.

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Really worth reading .

The narrators are both excellent. The story is interesting, at the end it twists and turns, you think Ah! that's what happens, but with still time to go it changes direction several times. If you can, read honeymoon in Paris first, only 2 hours but with a credit as sets the scene well. Try "me before you" slow start but really good.

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Oh my word

A truly beautiful book. It jumps straight in with the story. It's makes you sad and angry and happy and relieved. This has it all. I'd give it six stars if I could.

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Amazing book

Such a beautifully written and narrated book. A fantastic story about love , loss and loyalty. would definitely recommend.

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Beautiful

This book was brilliant was so sorry when it ended did not stop listening to it

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Spellbinding

What did you like most about The Girl You Left Behind?

I loved the fact that I was completely drawn into the two worlds: the current day world of Liv, and the war-torn world of Sophie. In spite of being exasperated by most of the decisions of the two women, by their stubbornness, blind faith or an inability to let go of the past, I was completely transfixed by their stories.

Which scene did you most enjoy?

The climax and the revelation about the painting in the courtroom took me by surprise.

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

I found myself looking forward to listening to the next chapter any time I had a few moments to myself over a busy festive season.

Any additional comments?

The performances of the two narrators - particularly the woman reading Sophie's story - are outstanding. I thoroughly recommend this audio book.

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Recommended

I've read a lot surrounding the WWs both fictional and non-fictional. Thoroughly enjoyed the stories particularly the story & narration of the French character. I want entirely convinced by the second narrator, particularly because of the awful American accents which all sounded like the same character. But nonetheless a good listen.

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Beautiful

I have been a member of Audible for over 10yrs. This is the first time I have felt so strongly about a book to write a review.
I thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience of this book. Shed many tears, the story will stay with me for a long time.
Beautifully narrated.

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