Oh dear

I perserved to the end of this book but really don't know why The narration is terrible - it is read like a Famous Five book I think this went a long way to explaining why it failed to grab my attention However, I never felt involved in the story lines or the characters I found the climax didn't The whole thing just petered out to a boring finish to end a boring middle and beginning

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2 people found this helpful

Boring book make worse by a weak reader

I always find it harder to listen to books that have been translated. I have difficulty getting my head around the names of the characters and trying to remember who they are.

In this case it has a very weak story line not helped by the reader at all.

I had to replay large sections numerous times and really, having just finished it, I still have no idea or really care what it was all about. Save your credit or money for a better buy

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1 person found this helpful

SLOW

I'm sorry but I've given up on this book. I think it was originally a 100 page crime story that has been padded out with hours of background in order to make it a worthwhile audio book. I feel as if I've listened to about 100 hours and am still not closer to a single clue. I'm sure the ending is good but I'll never find out, sorry Kjell.

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Not for the fast action seekers

Kjell Eriksson is never mentioned in the top division of Nordic crime writers. Some say he is too literary for the genre, others blame translations. It is certainly true that his books concentrate on characterisation and procedure rather than fast action. I see that as a plus when too many of the other Nordics seem to be writing with one eye on the potential of a film option, which requires them to include ludicrous murder methods and villains that would be laughable in the Halloween movies. You doubt me? Think about Jo Nesbo's 'Snowman' where someone is going to hang when the snowman they are standing atop, indoors, melts. Dr Phibes would be embarrassed.



Instead of that type of nonsense Eriksson links multiple threads and eras with a sensitive touch. A lot is told through the thoughts of characters. This one starts in the past and then moves between three distinct time periods. It is worth staying with it even if you find the beginning a bit slow. I also find it interesting when the war time affiliations of the Nordic countries are touched upon. The aforementioned Jo Nesbo novels for instance were much more interesting when he put the effort into that kind of research (Redbreast) rather than being 'fiendish'.



The one reservation I have with Eriksson, or any other male author writing as a female character, is when they voice the sexual thoughts and desires of the woman. I always feel that it is the author's fantasy we are being fed.



On a related issue, narrator Julie Maisey does a solid if unspectacular job considering that the majority of the characters she has to voice are male.

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3 people found this helpful

Truly Dreadful

Finally got around to reading this and rather wished I hadn't. Chapter 3 and so far nothing has happened except pushing snow off a barn roof having collected some firewood and sometime many years later wandering around Bangalore. Not recommended and if Audible is reading this can I have my credit back please.

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Dire

If this book wasn’t for you, who do you think might enjoy it more?

I don't know who could. I've tried for a second time to listen to this and have given up. The synopsis and the reality are still poles apart after nearly four hours and I am yet again defeated.

Would you ever listen to anything by Kjell Eriksson again?

No

Did Julie Maisey do a good job differentiating each of the characters? How?

Not really,but she was up against it!

You didn’t love this book--but did it have any redeeming qualities?

No

Any additional comments?

First time I've been unable to finish a book.

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24 mins in and it is nothing like the description

Twenty-four minutes of my life that I will never get back... that's how I feel after listening to this... it is nothing like the description... just a turgid description of someone collecting firewood. The worst book I've ever listened to.

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5 people found this helpful