A light read that could've been much more

What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

I wanted to read this book for ages because I think a lot of people wonder if there's something different, better or more meaningful out there, but unfortunately I found it didn't live up to expectations. The start was slow and I found it tricky to sympathise with Anna and to understand her motivation to run off to Peru to see a Shaman. The story and language was superficial and the questions Anna constantly asks the Shaman made it feel like a book written for teenagers as there was no subtlety to the prose. I did enjoy the descriptions of Peru, the ruins and the jungle and warmed a little to the character in the second half as she seemed to get more confident in persuing her own path rather than chasing after the Shaman.

What do you think the narrator could have done better?

The narrator was fine for the voice of the main character, Anna (her natural voice) but the other voices had really silly fake accents to the point of irritation, especially the voice of Maximo who is supposed to be Peruvian. In the end, I imagined Anna was telling the story to a group of friends and doing the voices herself. In this way it became funny rather than irritating.

Any additional comments?

A light read, maybe something for holiday but overall not a deeply meaningful look at life choices or a very well written book. No beautiful prose to describe such amazing surroundings as the Peruvian jungle and Mayan ruins.

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Disappointing

Would you try another book written by Anna Hunt or narrated by Antonia Beamish?

I don't think I'd rush for another Anna Hunt book but I thought Antonia Beamish did a fantastic job.

Has The Shaman in Stilettos put you off other books in this genre?

Given that I'm not entirely sure what the genre was, I can't say I've been put off.

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

This was my first Beamish experience but I shall certainly seek her out.

Do you think The Shaman in Stilettos needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

I found this book dragged on and on without arriving anywhere. No follow up book for me, for sure.

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Amazing story full of teachings

having delved into the world of shamanism myself in recent years, I was intrigued by someone else's journey and I loved Anna's personal account from beginning to end. Her writing mixed vivid personal feelings as she evolved with the help of other characters, and simple explanations of shamanic teachings (some I had heard and many I had not) making this a truly compelling listen.

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Beautiful and Powerful

This is a revelation of what is real in us all, particularly women who struggle to find Truth in today's repression of innate feminine power.

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super 1st person account of the shamanic path

I loved the British angle on learning Peruvian Shamanism. Totally recommend this to other shamanic students!

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