Thrilling listen!

It's not often you discover a book that covers a subject like international development and is also a thrilling fictional read. This is a fantastic listen, combining excellent character development and a brilliant storyline. The book is also exceptionally interesting, playing dutiful testament to the real story behind smallpox eradication.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Brilliant

If you could sum up The Kennedy Moment in three words, what would they be?

moving, entertaining, thought-provoking

What did you like best about this story?

the amazing characters who seem so life like you go on caring about them after the book is over and you can't help wondering how much of it is true!

Which scene did you most enjoy?

almost impossible to talk about without spoiling

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

definitely both - out loud

Any additional comments?

The Kennedy Moment is a truly gripping tale that at times made laugh out loud with the outrageous plausibility of the central idea, at times weep for lives unlived and the injustice in the world, and overall warmed the heart by drawing you in to a group of old friends, old loves and youthful ideals lost and found again. Its one of those novels that stay with you long after you’ve gleefully turned the final page; partly because of the thought-provoking way the issues are covered, partly because you come to care about each of the characters and think fondly of them as if they are really out there somewhere, and partly because it is just so beautifully written. Often you have to sacrifice great writing for a great story, but Peter Adamson manages to effortlessly combine both in The Kennedy Moment. I highly recommend this book along with Facing out to Sea and the Tuscan Master by the same author – brilliant.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

You'll be hooked

If you could sum up The Kennedy Moment in three words, what would they be?

Exciting, original, thought-provoking

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Kennedy Moment?

When the slightly awkward college reunion turns into an unusual forum for "radicalisation" (also of an unusual sort)

Which scene did you most enjoy?

It would spoil the plot to answer this

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

Yes - but am limited to audio books in the car so had to find excuses for pointless journeys

Any additional comments?

This is a very original novel, it works on several plains, not least in that it pulls the reader in constantly in terms of both judging the actions of the protagonists whilst calling on the reader to evaluate their own stance on important moral and political issues. Adamson has pulled off the late Le Carre trick of writing a work fuelled by anger that remains highly entertaining.The performance by the way is very good: Adam Sims gives a warm, somewhat "lived in" tone to his narration and manages the range of different english accents (US, Uk, Canadian, Aussie) with skill. The characters are well differentiated and developed in this reading.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful