A great book for those long journeys.

This is definitely a book I could not have read. However, as an audio book it is eminently listenable, although I do have to admit to having zoned out on the odd occasion. The language is very Victorian in tone and, therefore, very flowery – using several words where one might do (by today’s standards). Having said that the story is gripping and the ending somewhat unexpected (I need to watch the film again). The characterisation is wonderful, the settings lavishly described and the plot compelling. If I do have one criticism it was the series of chapters where some of the main characters disguise themselves in the skin of a bear – it was simply too implausible. The narration by Stefan Rudnicki is wonderful, if somewhat soporific at times. This audio book is definitely a recommendation for those long journeys, unless you cannot cope with verbose Victorian-style prose.

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Not the story I was expecting but a good listen

I chose this book because I love the film and wanted to know more about it. After reading previous reviews, I was expecting the archaic language and found it rather lovely but I was surprised by the relative importance of characters in the book. This isn't a love story between Cora and Hawkeye at all and if you've ever wondered about the significance of the title, that makes a lot more sense after listening to the book. I really enjoyed the story and I hope someone will make a truer adaption one day even if there are aspects relating to race that will have different resonances to modern audiences.
The narration is fine and it can't have been easy delivering some of the Victorian phrases but I did find it portentous in places.

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1 person found this helpful