Absolutely loved this book.

I read/listened to countless books in 2918. This has to be the best one for me. Loved everything about it. Narration was superb - thank you

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Left Too Long Before Reading/Listening

This is a full and rewarding listening experience. There are so many reasons to buy this novel to listen to: the performer in Stephen Pacey is first rate with great intelligence, empathy and skill in realising the characters; Rose Tremain is a gifted and wholly reliable author; the journey of the main character is well drawn, and - above all else involves the reader; there is much humour as well as some sorrows. It is a touching and rewarding near fifteen hours of listening. Some may think the characters are drawn in broad brush-strokes; not for me. I have thoroughly enjoyed entering and inhabiting the world of this book. And luckily, I have more Rose Tremain novels to relish, and ‘Islands of Mercy’ will soon be published.

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exceptional

I am a fan of Rose Tremain and this wonderful book was made even better by the performance of Stephen Pacey as the narrator.

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15 people found this helpful

An engaging story, expertly narrated

This is a story all about characters and circumstances. You really get to know the characters, and care about what happens to them. The narration is first class - so many accents to navigate and each so believable as a character.

It is easy to get into quickly and keeps a good pace throughout.

I would listen again.

Caution: it has very explicit language, particularly relating to sex.

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An unexpected pleasure

What a lovely surprise this book was. I bought the audiobook on a whim because it was a special offer and didn't know anything about it other than it was a prizewinning novel. Although there were parts of the story that were a little predictable and other parts I could have cut out, overall I found the story of Lev's experiences in England and the flashbacks to his former life very enjoyable. The characters are what really made the novel come alive for me - Rudy and Christie in particular. As ever, Steven Pacey's narration is first class.

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Beautifully performed.

Lev's story feels astonishingly real. The characters are diverse and utterly believable as presented by the wonderful Steven Pacey. His variety of tone and accent bring them to life; the female voices are particularly good, which so often spoils an audible book. Rose Tremain is at the top of her game. Absolutely compelling from start to finish.

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Great story that mirrors our time

This is a wonderful story, contemporary and thought-provoking. Tremain really has a great eye for the smallest details that say so much.

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Unconvincing

Beautifully narrated but I found the book itself unconvincing. A cozy English view of what it might be like to be an immigrant to London.

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Brilliant

Wonderful book. Love Rose Tremain as an author each book so original. The reading was fabulous. All the characters vividly portrayed. I had read this book years ago but so enjoyed the listening

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Great Narration, Good Story

It is a story of an Eastern European migrant, who comes to London to make money and send back home for his family. You witness the struggle that the central character, Lev, goes through to gain a job, learn English and make friends. There are many colourful charachter that Lev meets in his time in London and with the excellent narration, you are hooked to see how Lev?s life pans out and if he ever goes back home!

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29 people found this helpful