A joy to listen to!

It was a pleasure to listen to this novel. I particularly loved the fact that it was read so beautifully by the author himself. I sometimes think that the author must be the best person to read his own work as he knows exactly what feelings and emotions need to be insterted in exactly the right places. The story and his narration made me laugh and cry. Several sections were so delightful to listen to that I went back a few times for the pleasure of hearing them again. I particularly loved his rendition of Roberto's Italian accent - I happen to know a couple of Italian's who live in London and talk exactly like that!
If at times the philosophising on certain subjects became a little to intense, I found that doing another activity at the same time as listening, such as making a cup of tea, or filling the washing machine, made all the difference! ie: if you don't concentrate on all the apects of it all the time, it doesn't ruin the story!
This said, please don't think that the story is too difficult to tackle its completely accessable and rewarding. An unusual tale filled with warmth, humour, sadness and a fabulous portrait of relationships between fathers, sons, friends and lovers. I was sorry to reach the end.

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3 people found this helpful

Breathtaking

I had to review this audiobook as it is so amazing. Beautifully written and read by the author. A story from the heart about the heart and soul.
I put off listening to this audiobook which I downloaded in July purely because I was in the mood for something more light hearted.
I wish I hadn't. As heart rending as this story is it also provides hope and joy for those who have loved and lost.
Took 8 months to start listening, couldn't stop until it ended.
Thank you so much Danny for sharing your wonderful story with me.
Do not hesitate to download and listen to this, go on, what are you waiting for.................

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1 person found this helpful

Beautifully read by the author

Would you listen to Random Acts of Heroic Love again? Why?

I seldom listen to a book twice but would recommend the audio book to friends

Who was your favorite character and why?

I liked Leo and his note book, his relationship with his girlfriend, his ants and his newly established relationship with Hannah

What about Danny Scheinmann’s performance did you like?

I think he read the story from the heart and put in all the right emotions, so good that he knew what the author felt!!

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I never want to read a book as a one off. I get too distracted after a while but I was always pleased to return to it and get that feel at home feeling!

Any additional comments?

I was very happy that the story came together at the end and had a satisfactory conclusion. On reflection that made the book for me. There had been times during the story that I felt quite frustrated by not seeing any connection in the 2 story lines but towards the end it all made sense!

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My favourite audiobook so far

When I started listening to this book I thought I'd made a mistake. How wrong I was.

The first chapter or so seemed overly descriptive and went into fine detail of the surroundings of a hospital down to the peeling paint and countless other details, I had the horrible sinking feeling that I'd embarked on a flowery self indulgent piece of literature. So often I've got half way through a beautifully piece of literature and been bored rigid by the actual story that it's trying to tell, and by the end it's a chore.

This book however holds your attention. It's a story that is both beautifully written and engaging. It slowly builds and grows, and picks up pace and then continues right though to an ending that doesn't disappoint ... and just when you've heard the story and you sit back in the glow of an enjoyable “read”, you get the Epilogue and your jaw drops.

The fact that it’s read by the author adds a dimension to it as well. You get all of the feeling and emotion as it was intended, and not the interpretation of someone else, the effort and emotion that clearly went into the writing flows from the author’s voice.

I think it might be a while before I enjoy a book as much as this one.

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A Brilliant Book

This book is absolutely brilliant - one that I couldn't stop listening to. Written and read with finesse and tenderness. A touching story expertly told, don't listen without a hanky...

I want to read more from this author

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4 people found this helpful

Two stories intrinsically linked

The two stories although very different are so lovely and I so so enjoyed this book and as others say stay with you long after the book is finished. I enjoyed the fact that the author was the narrator. This being a debut novel makes it the more enjoyable. It is interesting that the authors grandfather made a similar trip across Russia as a young man and Scheinmann has similarly experienced deep personal loss at a young age. I would highly recommend this book.

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1 person found this helpful

Glorious

Loved the book and loved this audiobook equally. It is definitely one of my favourite love stories, beautifully told and beautifully narrated ❤

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