It didn't work for me...

I know this is on a lot of must-read lists, but I really struggled to get into it. The performance was excellent, and what allowed me to finish, but I won't be seeking out the author again.

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Enthralling

I loved this book, in no small part as a result of the narrator's captivating tone.

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traumatically beautiful

the idea of choosing to be traumatised through a book or film has often confounded me, but through reading this beautifully traumatic book for a second time I realise that it is as the narrator describes the human need to order that led me through the book desperately searching for someone to blame for the trauma bestowed on two 8 year old twins. I think I have found them ...

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3 people found this helpful

An interesting tale

I could not get into thos book at the beginning. it was confusing to me and was disjointed. I also didn't like the crass language, I'm a bit prudish, but I just felt like it was unnecessary. The author writes poetically, so I just didn't see why she didn't keep the language decent, esp as sometime it was just random. Eventually I was hooked on the story and I needed to know what this story was building up to. It is such a sad story, heartbreaking, covering many societal issues. listening to the beginning helped me move the story along, I finished this book by a combination of reading and listening, reading hiked me understand the story better, bit listening got me through the boring ish bit!

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Telling the story of human stupidity with such beauty

By half way through I decided the struggle to overcome the confusing disjointed narrative wasn’t worth it. Then a friend assured me it will be. So I started from the beginning again. I’m now grateful to my friend and Roy. Such heartbreaking beauty.

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A beautiful mixed bag

There were large sections that bored the hell out of me, and other sections that had me gripped. It’s undoubtedly a work of art, but at times unnecessarily ornate with its endless use of similes; at others, I could appreciate the poetry. I appreciated its educational aspects and moral message too. I’m certainly glad I read it.

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Just wonderful

Having previously read this fantastic novel twice I couldn’t resist the Audible version - although didn’t expect it to be anywhere near as good as the book. I was wrong. Beautifully narrated, making the authors eloquent, multi descriptive and flowing words a pure delight. I could listen over and over. One of the best books I have ever read and probably the best narrated as well.

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2 people found this helpful

punch drunk

Poetic boxing. This story is brutal in its honest depiction of how jealous and inequality breed a snake of revenge which travels across generations.

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1 person found this helpful

Beautifully written and stunning narration

This is such a well written book; I highly recommend it. The narration is also excellent.

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Predictable but poignant

There were some very lovely moments which kept me wanting to read more and I was interested in what would become of the twins. But the disjointed narrative was somewhat confusing at times and didn't fit with the story, if you can say there is one.

The story doesn't really end. It's displayed very matter of factly which is perhaps the point. I didn't cry, I didn't sigh, the book ended and probably won't stay with me at all.

The story book lover in me didn't enjoy this but the literature student appreciates the closure that we never really seem to get.

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