Moving and memorable

It took me awhile to get into this book as the first few chapters dot about among different characters whom I needed to get to know or be reacquainted with those who figured in the author’s previous book Life after Life, but soon I was utterly riveted by this powerful and memorable novel. I was drawn into the lives of the main characters as the narrative time-travelled back and forth over the 20th century and into the 21st. Much time is spent with the bomber pilots during the second world war: their heroism is well-known but the book really brought home to me the horrors they endured. These are emotionally draining scenes which are, thankfully, counterpointed by some lighter scenes.

There is a long epilogue to the book in which the author explains her approach to the novel and how it dovetails with Life after Life. I think it would have been helpful to have this at the beginning of the recording.

Kate Atkinson is a fine, imaginative writer and has has maintained her high standards in this book.

Alex Jennings is one of my favourite narrators and has done a wonderful job of bringing this book to life.

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11 people found this helpful

Should be required reading

A truly devastating and uplifting and tragic and inspirational novel whose characters captivate and whose actions explain an extraordinary time in our history and development. The narration was spectacularly good.

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A master storyteller

This is a truly wonderful book by a genius. It's so emotionally engaging. There were scenes that were hard to read but were so beautifully written you had to. My only (tiny) criticism is that I felt a little depressed by the end, no-one has a really wonderful life, or even long periods of happiness.

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Only one credit left? Buy this. Now.

Sublime pretty much sums up this novel. It's thrilling, heartbreaking, mundane and hilarious. Everything a novel should be, in short. It's also one long rumination on the human condition. I hope - for humanity's sake - that Kate Atkinson's entire oeuvre is put on the school syllabus soon.

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I would say a must read/listen

Read Life after Life a good few years ago and was utterly mesmerised by it, thought it was beautiful, imaginative, sad, hopeful, everything that makes you read on. It was beautifully crafted and spectacularly well written. Love how the author describes A God in Ruins as a companion, it really does feel like that and it possesses the same qualities as described above. Strongly recommend both.

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absolutely loved it

the characters, the story, the journey all made this one of the best books I've had the pleasure of listening to.

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Is there life after life?

Not as gripping as Life After Life but it gently sweeps you in. I enjoyed revisiting some old friends and getting to know some new ones.

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Absolutely excellent!

Where does A God in Ruins rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I've been an Audible member for some time but this is the first book I've been prompted to write a review for, although I've enjoyed the majority of them. I would say it's definitely the best, even ranking above Life after Life.

What did you like best about this story?

Everything was good! It was touching, enthralling, funny at times, extremely well researched and you could empathise with the characters, even if you didn't particularly like them (Viola). Also, the narration was excellent and not at all patchy which you can sometimes find, especially when different accents are involved.

Which scene did you most enjoy?

I thought the part where Teddy was moving into the sheltered housing was both poignant but had laugh out loud parts as well. This may be because I have gone through the process with my own parents so could appreciate the different emotions evoked, but I think it was probably just because it was so well written.

Any additional comments?

This book can easily be read without reading Life after Life first, but if you have already read that one I think it gives greater depth to each character and quite honestly, it's a treat to read any Kate Atkinson book!

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Another brilliant read from late Atkinson

What a brilliant read had I been a Waf I would have fallen for Teddy lots of interesting likeable and unlike able characters and a cleverly woven story I'm sad to say of a generation of true gentlemen will sadly never see the like of again.

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A very affecting novel

Beautifully read and a wonderful mixture of detailed history, almost up to present day, with many twists and turns.

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