Dark realism and slapstick humour

At first glance a comic and romantic road-movie type tale, this book also shows the darker side of the UK through the eyes of migrant workers, and reveals how easy it is for young people from other countries to slip through the net into some appalling exploitation. Fast moving, not afraid to go into some difficult places - you may never eat chicken again after the description of factory farming - it succeeds in blending dark realism with enough upbeat slapstick humour to keep you hooked and wanting to know what happens next. And something certainly will happen next!

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6 people found this helpful

So much life in one story.

A brilliant observation on life. I actually know some of the locations and this brought so many memories back for me. The author has a talent for making the plain and boring seem compellingly. I was so sad to find the end coming. I need to know much more about the characters I now know. All of the story was made so much more by the amazing narration by Sian.

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Fantastic book and really well narrated.

Such a delightfully funny book, despite that fact that it covers a host of really dark subject matter facing today’s society - slavery, prostitution,migrant workers, inequities of society, hazardous working scenarios and chicken farming. This book is written so well, it is defo worth reading. And I am in awe of the ability for the narrator to manage to portray so many diverse characters so expertly.

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The narrator is wonderful!

A bit brutal in parts, and an unexpected sadness at the end! But overall a delightful listen 😊

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Excellent

Where does Two Caravans rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

The best so far

What other book might you compare Two Caravans to, and why?

other books by the same author. Same style funny but poignant.

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

Excellent expression and dialogue.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Made me laugh and cry. Very funny but also shows the difficulties face by immigrants.

Any additional comments?

An excellent book. Light hearted in places,funny but sad too.

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2 people found this helpful

What an interesting story.

I have learnt a lot about the people who come to the uk to work and the hardships that they face. This story is told with humour

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Brilliant characters who invite you to understand

I've read the book before, but as I don't have as much time for reading these days absolutely love the audio book. The narrator is very successful at translating the finer quality of the characters which I remember from my first reading.

I've also ready 'A short history of tractors in Ukraine', and find both very inviting/welcoming. Some how the author is very successful at making you feel welcome in a world and culture which might not be your own. The author also doesn't shy away from difficult topics, and is brilliant at bringing out the best of humanity in her characters without making light of the reality they find themselves in.

Looking forward to reading 'we are all made of glue'!

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2 people found this helpful

We lovely this hilarious book.

What did you like about this audiobook?

Sian Thomas has a fanatic talent for reading any book by lewycka. She had us in stitches with this one. The story is gritty in places and a little sad but the characters and situation they get into are very entertaining. It certainly gives a different take on immigration and I'll certainly wash my strawberries well from now on.

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2 people found this helpful

fabulous

I loved this audio book! I had previously read the book but the performance of the narrator was just fabulous. She gave the accents I real believable quality and they didn't sound silly or distract from the story.

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