Excellent , a must read

chose The Last Rights as my audiobook selection having read this author's last novel, Deaf Wish, which I thoroughly enjoyed to the extent that I found myself reading it and absorbed in the tale without realising it was 3am in the morning!

The Last Rights most certainly did not disappoint. It is an unusual construction of two stories spanning seven decades from the forties until the present day. The author cleverly weaves the two stories together with a chain of historical events surrounding the chaos in Nazi Germany at the end of the war through to a major fire in the centre of Lisbon in the eighties.

The first section of the novel deals with the life of a Holocaust survivor, Rita Krakowski, as recorded in her diary of recollections from her incarceration in a concentration camp at the age of thirteen into adulthood as she flees as a fugitive from justice together with the SS officer who entrapped her. The author subtlety leads you from the reactions of a young girl through the stages of womanhood, reflecting both her changing approach to life and the dependent relationship between the two fugitives. By the time I had reached the end of the first part, I felt a great deal of sympathy and sadness for the principal character.

The second part of the storyline is contemporary and revolves around the closure of a Lisbon bank's safe deposit facility which has been in existence for over eighty years. As a neutral power during the war, Portugal was a safe haven for both sides of the conflict and provided a refuge for secrets and stolen treasures, many of which remain unclaimed. Without providing a spoiler, I'll just say that you are introduced to a number of interesting characters and a storyline which is complex and thoughtfully conceived, leading to a climax where the fate of the main characters hangs chillingly in the balance as the truth is revealed. It was a long listen, but I could have happily stayed around for a sequel.

The narration is very easy to listen to and the variety of languages and characters reflects an experienced storyteller who knows her stuff. You also get the distinct impression that the narrator really enjoyed and was committed to her assignment. Let me know when the sequel is ready.

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I loved this book

Last Rights had me hooked from the start . It is a tragic story of a young Jewish girl named Rita. Her journey through the horrific Natzi occupation of Poland & how she catches the eye of a German General , her life is shaped from this event . I was engrossed at the way the story developed & various characters who came to play in her story. The start of the book is nearing her end of life , over the years she logged her extraordinary life in a notebook which she knows will bring about her demise. There are different elements to this tale with some historical fact weaved in too. It certainly held my interest and I would recommend it as a great way to while away the hours.

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Gripping tale

For large parts of this book, I thought it was a none fiction book as it is so well researched. Following Rita through her life is horrifying, brave and heartbreaking. I thought it was clever joining a Jewish prisoner to witness a robbery during the 1940s and to bring it up to date with the secrets of today was brilliant. The narration was calm and comforting in a truly heart felt tale of love, greed and tragedy.

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Detail, drama and disturbing

A very detailed novel that certainly takes you through the ages and makes you think (and pay attention).
I loved the narration, the use of accents and language is sublime. Amanda Parrott is fast becoming one of my favourite narrators.

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a deep account

a deep account of one woman's story
fascinating historical novel.
Well written and narrated beautifully.

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Good listen

I was given this free review copy at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Good listen

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I would have given it 6 stars if possible

Such an incredible story, with wonderfully drawn characters. At one scene, I wept. The story is incredibly moving, whilst cruel and unjust. Read it. It does not disappoint.

Narration made for easy listening.

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Great listern

I found this book very enjoyable and interesting listen
Great narration with easy on the ears voice

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The last rights

I really struggled with the story line. The narrator was brilliant but I just couldn't get into the story.

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