Not perfect, but so original I’ll give 5 stars

This book is wildly imaginative and darkly engaging. I found the progression of the narrative and the self awareness (and lack of it) of central characters really intriguing. Raises lots of important themes in a novel and blackly humorous way. People with a taste for visceral and edgy anthropological satire like DBC Pierre will enjoy.

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Bizarre. Unique. Uncomfortable.

I won't say I didn't enjoy this book because I did, I did but... It left me uncomfortable for the fact. A wonderful story of hidden natural wonders sandwiched between some very teeth clenching events of extreme taboo for our society underwritten with the questions of how such things are perceived by other societies - a questioning of moral values which no one wants to face.

Uncomfortable stuff, by the end, but none the less magical in parts.

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6 people found this helpful

At times uncomfortable but a great story

Interlaced throughout this great and original story there are some very uncomfortable issues regarding child abuse and animal experimentation. These are not dwelt on in a moralising way or addressed they just form part of the story. This does therefore challenge the 'enjoyment' of the story as I was always waiting for another horror to make me cringe or to come to a conclusion. However, this aside the storyline is ambitious and engrossing and very thought provoking. I can't say I enjoyed this book but i'm glad I have read it.

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2 people found this helpful

colourful book

really enjoyed listening to this original idea of a story
well read and captivating. the voice is kind of neutral but also believable as if he's a scientist without putting to much emphasis into it and detecting from the story.

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Intelligent and Interesting

What did you like most about The People in the Trees?

Absorbing story, good unusual and plausible characterisation, interesting ideas.

What other book might you compare The People in the Trees to, and why?

Similar book? (question has changed for some reason!) The Heart Broke In by James Meek. Both have scientific themes, and both feature a strong character as scientist who is not conventionally sympathetic.

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

Jeff Harding's performance was good - clear and well-timed - and impressed with how he used different voices to convey different characters.

Any additional comments?

The story is presented in the form of an edited journal so the reader gets to hear the editor's and the main main character's point of view. I liked the juxtaposition of the two. It was a good way of presenting information.

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2 people found this helpful

Hard Listen

This book is compelling despite its central character being thoroughly unlikable. I was invested in Perina right up until the end which made me feel sick. Hanya Yanagihara is certainly an incredible writer and a unique and challenging storyteller but her work isn’t necessarily enjoyable. Excellently read.

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Wow what a shocking book !

Incredible book ,very uncomfortable to read at times but very well written . A very original story and far from being boring if you finish the book . Jeff Harding does a great job narrating this book (as always ) .

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1 person found this helpful

Uncompromising tale

If you’re looking for a romantic tale of early scientific exploration this is not the book for you

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1 person found this helpful

the intricate details of the islanders and their way of like . I was quiet shocked to realise the ending was about abuse

the science the tale woven into a tapestry not knowing the end till the end

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Em - Harsh, but well written

Crikey – this is a skwirmingly, harsh, hideous and brutal story. But it is extremely well written although the content is somewhat indescribable. In some places, in particular at the beginning of the book, the drawn out and unnecessary barbarity of the story teller, Norton Perina’s entrance and background beginnings could probably have been watered down, as in my view it added nothing and left me feeling quite sick. I found him a dislikeable fellow. However, as we approach the middling of this tale the story becomes awkward and yet you are compelled to continue with it having struggled to get thus far. I was intrigued as to where the story was going to take me and at this stage began to like the main character and find him a person of substance. On coming to the end of this indescribable tale the story was again getting back to the uncomfortable and having felt sympathy for Perina, I had been duped by an abuser and had I known the book would take the turn it did, I probably wouldn’t have listened. Take on board a few reviews before making a decision as to whether you might want to spend your money on this story.

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6 people found this helpful