Fat yarn

I listened to the end probably as I need to lose weight and I hoped it would inspire me. Maybe. What I didn't enjoy were the voices playing the leads. They didn't seem a good match to me and I found the female leads voice had weird intonations. The story was ok. Predictable I guess. I wouldn't recommend it.

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20 people found this helpful

Fat chance!

If you could sum up Fat Chance in three words, what would they be?

Amusing, predictable, ok.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Fat Chance?

Quite liked the description of the dress incident at M&S although the staff response annoyed me as working there none of my colleagues would have reacted that way!

Who might you have cast as narrator instead of Heather Wilds and Napoleon Ryan ?

Narration absolutely appalling. Anyone else cast would probably have been better. Heather Wilds' voice was nothing like I imagined Zoe's to be and had an irritating lack of emotion and odd intonation.

Any additional comments?

Wouldn't listen to it again because of the narration but would like to read it on my kindle.

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The worst performance I have ever heard

The story is passable and I could forgive the few casual homophobic references but the performances are just plain awful. Particularly the Zoe character, not an ounce of delivery. I've listened to a lot of audio books and this is by far and away the worst attempt at a reading.

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Funnyish...

There were certain chapters I really enjoyed over others, mainly I have to say Greg's chapters and that is largely to do with the narrator's voice. I found the female narrator sounded like someone reading a script, as she brought little or no character to the part and with her higher, perfectly modulated voice just didn't seem to fit the character. Irritating to listen to. I did enjoy the male voice. The chapter with Greg on the various army/air force diets is definitely the high point of the humour. Worth a read.

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brilliant

light read with a difference. so funny, accurate and interesting, I would really reccomend it to anyone. Great if you need a pick me up.

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great story

I loved story good ending great believable characters heart warming feel good inspiring good read

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Excellent and witty writing let down by narration

A brilliant, laugh out loud account of the struggle to lose pounds in the hope of winning ‘Fat Chance’ and £59k.

The writing is fab, absolutely on point and I enjoyed - and identified with - Zoe’s journey.

The narration particularly the female was really disappointing and at times annoying. The comic timing - and intonation - was a beat off every time. Greg’s narration was better but I’m not sure I’d have chosen either.

Once you get past the narration and immerse yourself in the writing the book is absolutely great. Well observed, witty and yet kind. I was laughing out loud. Highly recommended - I’ll read more Nick Spalding but probably not via audible next time. I’ll buy a physical book with pages and narrate it in my own head!!

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excellent read

I really enjoyed this book. It had me laughing out loud at times great book.

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Very very enjoyable.

At the beginning, I wasn't a big fan of the female voice. By the time Alice Pithering made an appearance, I couldn't contain my laughter. Very funny book. Anyone who struggles with their weight or have gone on "diets", will also find it relatable. Lots of laughs, few tear jerker moments and an overall feel good listen.

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Well written and very funny!

Would you listen to Fat Chance again? Why?

I don't tend to read or listen to a book again since there are 'so many books, so little time'. However, this a a cheerful, funny, easy read/listen, so maybe!

What did you like best about this story?

It was 'laugh out loud' funny at regular intervals, but at no time did it engage in the socially acceptable, but reprehensible, passtime of laughing at, and being judgemental and patronising to, fat people.

Which character – as performed by Heather Wilds and Napoleon Ryan – was your favourite?

My favourite was probably Greg, but I loved Zoe too.

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

I was driving when listening to the chapter in which Greg had been drinking copious amounts of coffee as part of the Russian Airforce diet. It made me laugh so much that I fear I looked like a completely crazy women to other motorists!

Any additional comments?

Napoleon's narration was spot on. Heather Wild's was a bit wooden in style. I checked some of her narration in samples of other books. No problems there, so I think it was her interpretation of telling the story in diary exerts. However, some sentence breaks were just wrong and it did mar the listening experience a little. That said, she has a lovely voice and was pleasent to listen to.

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8 people found this helpful