fantastic

This was a great audiobook, I loved the changing voices! and the swift movement through the book. I really recommend this audiobook!

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1 person found this helpful

Climatic final quarter ruined by weak narration

In a few years, I think I'd be willing to give the physical book a try. I loved the story and the writing and whilst it was slow paced I found it really colourful and interesting with vibrant carachters.
However, like so many other reviewers I felt the narration - the final narrator in particular - really let down the telling of the novel. I missed a lot of the climactic last quarter... purely because my mind had wandered. It took me ages to finish because whilst I wanted to hear what happened, the knowledge I had to endure another hour of that narration kept me from coming back - I listened to two other audiobooks before finally returning to this one.
If you are in two minds, I would suggest you buy a physical copy and read it with your eyes, for the sake of your ears.

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mixed feelings

it took me 3 attempts at reading this, I found it quite hard to get through and I felt it went off at a tangent a few times, but i downloaded it as an audio book and found it easier to follow by listening than reading and actually at the end when it all tied together and came to an end I enjoyed it, i think if i read it again I'd appreciate it more.

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Wow best book I have listen to in ages.

This is a fantastic book performed brilliantly by all the narrators. The character are interesting. Funny, thought provoking, emotional and sad.

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not exciting

the book is all about characters not so much story. for some people this is great. for me I am dyslexic so need a riveting tale to follow and enjoy. was just a bit tooooo slow for me

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How have I missed this?

What an amazing book which nearly escaped me - 22 years too late! Absolutely loved it.

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Spoiled by Final Narrator

Unfortunately the whole book was ruined for me by the last narrator who was emotionless, shouty, and constantly confused me due to his monotone voice.

The other narrators were great though.

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7 people found this helpful

brilliant

brilliant story. my first audio. second reader threw me with archie but small point!

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Excellent book

This is a book that I wish I had read 20 years ago. It is a rich tapestry of culture with a strong cast of unforgettable characters comparable to a 20th century Dickens. The only downside to the reading was the 4th narrator. To be fair he had a hard act to follow as the brilliant Lenny Henry had started the book off but his characters all sounded alike and sometimes it was a struggle to work out who was speaking. However, this should not detract from the book itself which is a masterpiece of multi cultural Britain at the end of the 20th Century.

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why did I wait so long to read this.

I was lost in the story, the characters and how it unfolded.
It's a long time since I've been so absorbed.

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2 people found this helpful