Fake deep with a side of bland

Whomever compared this to The Secret History doesn't deserve anymore books. I was so excited for something even nearly comparable to my favorite Donna Tartt novel that I leaped into this with reckless abandon. The story is just meh and the characters are shallow. The only two adjectives the author seems to have stocked up for female characters are slim & curvy.

18 personnes ont trouvé cela utile

Way too long a tease

I was so frustrated with this book I almost didn't finish it. It's over 12 hours but there is about 6 hours' worth of novel in it - the rest is filled in with bits of Shakespeare plays. At first I was delighted because I am a Shakespeare buff but it got old that the students were always quoting, even when they were "drunker than I had ever seen him." The premise of the novel is a tease: we know right away a crime has been committed but we don't know what the crime was or when it occurred or "who dunnit." The first "reveal" took WAY too long and so did the second. If this had been a physical book I would have thrown it across the room. I was disappointed in the ending - it didn't seem plausible to me.

This author can really write - the language is beautiful - but IMO the book needs some serious editing.

The narrator was wonderful - his voice sounded just the right age for college students and he varied it nicely among the characters.

12 personnes ont trouvé cela utile

If I Were a Numb-Skulled Nelly-belled Nincompoop

Might Have Been Entitled

If I Were a Numb-Skulled Nelly-Belled Nincompoop ...
(But Alas, I Shan't Spoil It for You.)

2.5 bumped up to 3 for debut novel.

The book was heavy on histrionics for narrative fiction (as opposed to a play); too predictable to be a mystery novel; definitely too hokey for literary fiction. For example, without warning, the characters in the midst of regular dialogue tend to break into pages of lines from Shakespeare.

Plus, I just never connected with any of the characters.

Nevertheless, the story should much please Shakespearean "folly-fallen, foot-lickers," and all fans of soapy suspense.

11 personnes ont trouvé cela utile

I never write reviews, but...

What would have made If We Were Villains better?

This is a ZERO star story! The characters are terrible, self-involved people and the story is even worse...I just wanted it to be over. I can't get my time back, but I will most certainly ask for my credit back. Nothing can save this book, it belongs in a literary dust bin!

Would you ever listen to anything by M. L. Rio again?

NO!

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of Robert Petkoff?

No one, not even Jim Dale, could fix what is wrong with this story. It's not the fault of the narrator, the writing is terrible!

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

Anger, disappointment and sheer boredom.

11 personnes ont trouvé cela utile

Narration OUT of this WORLD

The Masterful narration managed to make a full emotional story even more believable. I found myself immersed fully .

7 personnes ont trouvé cela utile

Slow building tragedy

The narration by Robert Petkoff absolutely makes this story emotionally compelling. The plot itself is quite reminiscent of "The Secret History", using Shakespeare and theatre as a backdrop. I found the story a little over-long, especially as the outcome was signaled well before the end. Excellent character development, and Robert Petkoff gave each character a recognizable voice.

5 personnes ont trouvé cela utile

Wow

I loved this roller coaster of a book. The word choice kept me captivated. I don't go crazy over fine art and Shakespeare, though this book had a spell over me with all its passion that made me want too! I highly recommend listening to this gem!

4 personnes ont trouvé cela utile

Enjoyed it!

Here is the thing... Yes, this book had to have been influenced by The Secret History. There were moments when I thought ... oh dear ... that's very similar. But, after reading The Secret History sooooo long ago, I spent years yearning for another book LIKE The Secret History. Having a lot of space between that book and this and generally being disappointed in most new gothic-y novels ... I rather enjoyed this one quite a bit. And I was surprised! It was well written - not Iris Murdoch but better than The Maidens or others of that ilk. I hope this author has another good one in her!

I had looked at this book several times but the bad reviews put me off, so that is why I am even writing this review; to offset the bad reviews. I suggest giving it a try. Now, I would say don't listen to it right after having read The Secret History. Wait awhile.

Another reason I may have actually almost loved this book (well, liked it quite a bit) was because I was a theatre major and I am a bit of an armchair Shakespeare detective. Also, I attended a school in central Illinois with a bang up theatre department and I was able to really relate to the characters. I even wondered if this author may have been somewhat acquainted with my alma mater. In any case, if you are or were a theater major, this book will be a fun listen. It isn't high literature, but it isn't low brow either. It is good. And you want to keep going.

I do wish Audible would request to re-record The Secret History. Donna Tart is an amazing writer ... but her vocal rendition of the book ruins it a bit. I did listen to it, but it was not up to snuff. I will go back to re-reading it periodically.

I also want to give a shout out to the excellent narrator. I really do like him.

I do wish there were more books in this genre. So, if any of you want to be influenced by The Secret History, and if you are a decent writer ... go for it!

2 personnes ont trouvé cela utile

amazing

I really enjoyed this audio book. the voice was prefect the plot and characters really suck you into this world. I would recommend this to anyone.

2 personnes ont trouvé cela utile

slow start for a non-thesbein but great story

I have never read Shakespeare but have a new perspective. Well worth a listen.

2 personnes ont trouvé cela utile