A great Listen

What did you like most about The Goldfinch?

I loved the sensitivity of the writing, the childhood time of the main character, written with such beauty and realism in my view. I loved the way the story grew through the chapters and how there was such great depth to it. Full of great characters and I learned a lot about art too! Bonus, the descriptive writing of the painting was poetry to me.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The main character, he was flawed and believable.

Which character – as performed by David Pittu – was your favourite?

the lead character, but a close second was his best friend.

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

Very much so it, made me laugh and cry. I didn't want him to grow up, I wasn't sure the author could hold my attention with the character as an adult, but there was no need to worry, he was just as captivating.

Any additional comments?

A superb listen. I highly recommend this book to both male and female readers. Great author, I look forward to reading more of this authors work.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

3 people found this helpful

Way too long!

What did you like best about The Goldfinch? What did you like least?

I loved the way Hoby was portrayed - he came across as very cosy and comforting. I hated the length of this book - no need and the story could have easily been told in half the time while still maintaining lots of good prose.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

There is no ending - I wanted to know how it all worked out, but instead we got a bit of a preachy end I'm afraid. Very unsatisfying after hanging on in there for so many hours.

Which character – as performed by David Pittu – was your favourite?

Hoby

Was The Goldfinch worth the listening time?

No - it was far too long. I started to enjoy it after about 2 hours, but by the time I got to 10-12 hours in, I was a bit bored. There is just too much unnecessary detail.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

Great writing, great reading

Would you consider the audio edition of The Goldfinch to be better than the print version?

The characterisation achieved by the reader is amazing.

Who was your favorite character and why?

All the characters stand out and are perfectly portrayed by author and narrator

Which scene did you most enjoy?

At the scenes of highest tension, I had to steel myself to carry on listening. The outcome for characters becomes very real!

Any additional comments?

Tartt's writing is incredibly evocative across a wide range of characters, settings and events. Loved the sections set in New York, particularly. The narrator could not have done a better job in bringing it all alive: I can see almost every scene clearly in my head.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

Far too long.

I understand that this book is a bit of a cult classic. While I can understand people enjoying the fine writing (and the performance of the narrator is very good indeed), it is about 25% too long.
It just goes on and on when it really should have concluded, for me.
A shame because the first 75% are enjoyable.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Fabulous!

I can’t recommend this book enough. Yes it’s long, but it twists and turns, gripping the listener throughout.

I heard someone in passing say this was their favorite book of all time so I thought I’d give it a go. What I didn’t expect was a story full of love, loss, hope and sorrow. It explores all of the above through the relationships in the life of one boy and then as a man.

It’s tender and brutal and I absolutely loved it!

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

prose before all

this is a titanic book, the narrator saved me from drowning! great performance by the narrator. I loved the prose and the journey into art and furniture. the unspoken love between theo and Pippa as sad as the hidden picture. With a guiding editor this could be a masterpiece. somebody needs to rescue the writer from her own Vegas imprisonment. skim reading needed but worth it for the Pippa love story alone.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

A work of genius

Tremendous. I can not express how good this book is. Please listen. Best book I’ve listen too for a long time almost as good as the book thief.
The narrator was also excellent

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Brilliant

This will not disappoint.
Beautifully characterised and constructed. I loved this book and will keep it in my mind for a long time.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Fantastic story, enthralling narration.

Utterly fantastic story with a fabulously absorbing narration. I couldn't put it down and will listen to it again and again.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Sooooooo long

This book is beautifully narrated but unnecessarily long. Lots of paragraphs of very detailed text that doesnt add anything.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!