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

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

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.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

An unforgettable story!

One of Rose Tremaine’s best books. A wonderful, gripping story, which leaves you bereft but satisfied when it ends. If this book were a film, it would get an Oscar.
Have you ever wondered what you would do, if you got to London with just enough cash to pay for one night at a b&b? So you follow Lev’s journey in London with trepidation-delighted when he gets work, makes friends, finds love.
Beautifully read. So important, as often a great book like this one, can be ruined by poor interpretation. We, Audible ‘readers’ know that only too well!

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Powerful.

Had me listening every moment possible, wonderful story with great narration as always from Steven Pacey. Don't miss this one.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

When better 2nd time ( read first from Library)

The narrator was excellent, the characters and story line so clear and there were bits l had missed or forgotten from first read . Ofcourse l just love Rose Tremaine’s style and detail of character and story development that accurately captures the period.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

A churned out piece

This is a just-about-bearable listen, the unfolding of Lev's journey should keep you interested enough to continue but as the spool of the tale unwinds, you will encounter such bizarre character shapes and conversational set-pieces so at odds with anything resembling reality, that it starts to jar the narrative flow. Such a hotch-potch and baffling set of characters who behave in ways unlike how they have been presented There's many Idiot Abroad situations, bafflingly juxtaposed with decisions so at odds with the character traits the author has supplied us with.
A glaring example happens when Lev suddenly develops an ability to negotiate a higher rate of pay. Given his previous obsequious behaviours this was thoroughly unbelievable and felt like a rushed way into the happy ending.
Thus because of the lack of character depth and understanding, the book comes across, in the end, as a hastily researched churn-out piece. Another couple of months fleshing out believable characters would have resulted in a much richer and more meaningful book.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

2 people found this helpful

I loved this so much!

This is a wonderful story, beautifully read and brought to life by the narrator. I enjoyed every moment and was sad to finish it. Tenderly written but not sentimental, it's impossible not to become absorbed by Lev and the people he meets on his road home. Brilliant, funny, and intimate. Highly recommended!

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Once upon a time -Russian princess-man in London

Badly written book...sorry...
Where about you find Russian man in London acting as this one and in such a progressive niceness.
Everything about him is rosy pinky glittery.Brits are not so glossy...
Silly silly book....

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Conflicted!

I don’t usually wrote reviews for books, only for those I find either superb or dreadful. So why ‘conflicted’?
Because this book is almost superb - well crafted and written, beautiful characterisation, an absorbing and uplifting story yet not without some of the messiness and difficulties that real life brings with it, in all a lovely find. But there were also a few small vignettes that were, frankly, unpleasant that just stopped this being a five star book and made me drop a star.
They were few and brief ,and it could be argued that they were necessary to the story but, for me, a little unnecessarily detailed. However, all in all a lovely book!

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

A wonderful story

I was nearly put off by the swearing but I am glad I persevered. Not only was it a good story but it really made me think.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!