Unfinished

Not a bad book, but it is part 1 in a chronicle and 6 years on, book 2 isn't available

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Wow. Should be a block buster move on this one

I have been listening to Audio books over many years. Never has one caught my attention so much that my wife became interested in in to the extent that we. Broth the iPad to the bath with us and listened for a few hours and the next day we stayed up till 1am to finish the book.

We loved the cliff hangers and the way we were drawn into the charters as the plot developed.
We were given many clues to keep our minds active.
The reasoning behind so many different philosophies of life, religion and thinking. Everyone seems to be right in his own mind about what they wanted to do for others.
I keep thinking where is this pestilence and imaging what the end would be. It took me by surprise, especially Victor.
I still have many questions about White, the little girl and the pregnancy. Of course what is Samuel going to do with his "new" life. What are all the healed going to do with the new situation. Plus other questions. Nicely set up for the sequel.
I would recommend this to anyone who is concerned about why the world is the way it is. Those who don't want to ignore there responsibility to help others.
If you are not concerned ask yourself why?
Because I am sure if we had the power - what would we do with it. Be a Samuel or a Victor?
I am looking forward to the movie. I can see the special effects even now.

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4 people found this helpful

wow

this was a great listen. enthralling different very entertaining. can't wait for the next part.

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1 person found this helpful

Mr Ansari - Just what have you done?

Normally when I get to the end of a book on Audible I know pretty much exactly what I think of it and what I’d like to write in my review, and I’ve covered a fair range of authors now. Anyway, along comes Mr Ansari and with what appears to be his first book has made me think rather harder than I have previously.

Firstly, this is a brave book. It gives the hard questions about society today a solid poke. These are the ones that are obvious but tucked away out of sight and out of mind despite being the most important ones that face us. These are the guilty secrets of our generation and the legacy we will leave behind us. It also shines a light on media culture and very believably highlights how even something divine would very likely be reduced to celebrity style gossip by the modern media, both social and journalistic. It casts even starker light on the modern self-righteous belief that we are all entitled not only to hold but also to broadcast opinions based on little genuine knowledge and regardless of the damage caused (says he writing a book review!). These are all brave things to be incorporating for a new author courting an audience for his fledgling writing career.

Secondly, the presentation is a little different. A dossier of information sources including e-mails, documents and phone transcripts intersperses the live narrative at frequent intervals. I found this very effective and Ansari avoids the pitfall of including too much “header” like email addresses that become very clumsy in audiobook format.

Thirdly, the characters. They are well detailed and act consistently within the events of the story, something I very much value. If I did find one thing a little hard to get to grips with it was the way that the characters took the miraculous events on board so quickly and with such equanimity. I would have liked the author to explore their psyche a little more because some of the things that happened would push at anyone’s sanity. Stefano’s reaction when he got “injured” was particularly spectacular!

Finally, the plot is well thought out and moves along at an entertaining pace. I think some of the timing is a bit unlikely such as the development of the “healed” organization and the pace at which the Chaput Foundation took shape and progressed. Readers should also be aware that this very much appears to be an ongoing series rather than a self-contained book which Audible doesn’t make clear.

When all is said and done though I genuinely admire an author that makes me think like this. Makes me question exactly what his book meant to me. Ansari pitches magic and the divine against the varied “terrors” of modern life. There is no black and white, there are only shades of grey. All actions have consequences including those that run counter to the original motives. Taking everything into account I would strongly recommend this book and I hope that it gets some prominence so that more can enjoy it.

I have little doubt that “Pestilence” will split opinions but I for one will follow Mr Ansari’s next move with interest. I’ll be fascinated to see how his thoughts on the human condition develop and where he takes this series next. In the meantime I heartily recommend it because I forgot to mention one thing. It’s a damn good story that kept me entertained from start to finish!

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15 people found this helpful

Excellent read - you won't regret

Very imaginative and singularly original novel. I would be curious to see this adapted to the screen as the scenes are grandiose in nature. It is an interesting reflection on our own mortality as well humankind. Highly entertaining.

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1 person found this helpful