Not easy but worth the effort.

It took me a little while to get used to the 'voice' of this book. Very descriptive, reflective, introspective, I'm not sure how best to describe it. It conjured some rich word pictures but at times it seemed to require too much concentration and I'm sure I missed some of the detail. I don't want to be over negative; It did keep my interest and I really enjoyed the journey.

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18 people found this helpful

Thoughtful and insightful

Could have done without the literature review at the beginning (first hour or so) but once this is dispensed with the author explores the concept of "old ways" in a fascinating and literary manner. Part adventure, part travelogue, part natural science. Hard to define, very enjoyable.

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13 people found this helpful

A little tiresome at times

I had really high hopes for this listen, I am sorry to say I found it disappointing. The general concept is an exciting one, many British walks to explore and narrate an audible commentary on. Alas this book is more like a thesaurus at some points. I actually felt it to be pretentious. Some of the sentences are so long and the author has an irritating over use of adjectives. Also, it jumps around onto different topics which make it tricky to follow. He starts rambling about stuff which is nothing to do with what he started off describing. The narrator does a sterling job trying to make the 'strings' of words sound comprehensible. Another positive is that you get plenty of hours listening for your 1credit. I would say it's one of those Marmite books, love it or hate it.

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11 people found this helpful

Absolutely Brilliant. A book to be revisited

Would you consider the audio edition of The Old Ways to be better than the print version?

The audiobook was excellent. I have bought the print version - the first time I have done this after listening to an audiobook - because of the wealth of references and my need to revisit parts of this book.

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11 people found this helpful

Very poor

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

I haven't a clue. Anyone looking for a book about the old paths should stay away from this book in my opinion.

What could Robert Macfarlane have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

Write more about "the old ways" and less about the books he has read. Also avoid all the name dropping he seems to enjoy using. It seems he is trying to prove how many books and poems he has read.

Would you be willing to try another one of Roy McMillan’s performances?

No. I felt he reads too fast (I know I can slow it down if needed but should not have to).

If you could play editor, what scene or scenes would you have cut from The Old Ways?

All of them. All chapters of the book are the same.

Any additional comments?

This book does not live up to its' write up. I have read many books about old paths such as drove roads, green lanes etc. and this is not one of them. Maybe it should have a different title.

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9 people found this helpful

Evocative and inspirational

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes
Takes one out of the humdrum of daily life into a world that is on our doorstep

What did you like best about this story?

Very evocative in its description of the routes and the writers personal experience and emotion whilst on them.

What about Roy McMillan’s performance did you like?

Caught the mood perfectly in his narration, measured but not tedious

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Really enjoyed the routes and moments described for Scotalnd, the waterways round Skye and the Cairngorms

Any additional comments?

A great read and/listen

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7 people found this helpful

wonderful book

I am not a walker but thoroughly enjoyed this evocation of walks from Scotland (across the Cairngorms) to Palestine via part of the pilgrim trail to Santiago de Compostela. It is lyrically written and beautifully read by Roy McMillan. I will listen to this many times.

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6 people found this helpful

Fantastic book

I really loved this book, and have spent ages looking up the other books mentioned and also looking through maps seeing what I can find close by!

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6 people found this helpful

Most enjoyable

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Initially I found it a little hard to get into but once over the first 20 minutes or so, I couldn't stop listening. In fact, I found it mesmerising and fascinating at the same time. Would thoroughly recommend this book.

What other book might you compare The Old Ways to, and why?

I understand Robert Macfarlane has published a couple of other books; I wish these were available as audiobooks also.

What about Roy McMillan’s performance did you like?

The narration perfectly complements the book.

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

I listen to audiobooks whilst driving and found this perfectly acceptable to listen to in "chunks".

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6 people found this helpful

Loved it !

Where does The Old Ways rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I listened to this on one rainy weekend and it brightened my mood no end.

What other book might you compare The Old Ways to, and why?

If you have any interest in nature or walking or history you 'll love it too.

What does Roy McMillan bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

Really well narrated , his narration kept me listening

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5 people found this helpful