I miss Arkady Renko.

What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you?

Nothing. Every book in the Renko series, from Gorky Park to Wolves Eat Dogs, was brilliant, IMHO. I felt like I knew Renko as a human being. I think that Polar Star may be the best audiobook ever written, and listening to Frank Muller was one of life's purest pleasures. In addition to the character of Renko, the books were all so thoroughly researched that it was truly impossible to tell fact from fiction. And so forth. This book is so far away from that level of creativity that it is almost not credible that Mr. Smith has written it. The narrator was irritating. The pace of the book is jerky. I didn't find Cenzo to be particularly appealing, and, as other reviewers have commented, it doesn't seem likely that a "simple fisherman" could also be a brilliant artist. I also found it hard to believe that the Nazis would devote all those resources to the chase after one eighteen-year-old Jewish woman, particularly at a time when they were getting beaten on every side of the war. Certainly the little fishing village was quaint, and the affection among the people was touching. The hatred between Cenzo and his brother, I thought, was well drawn, but almost nothing made me want to keep reading.

Has The Girl from Venice turned you off from other books in this genre?

No. I have probably heard enough about WWII, as I have said in other places, but mysteries and thrillers are still my favorite genre. One book will not change that.

What didn’t you like about Zach Appelman’s performance?

I didn't like his voice at all. It is harsh and not pleasant to listen to. He certainly has a fine ear for how other languages are spoken, which is quite a useful talent here.

What character would you cut from The Girl from Venice?

There are so many characters that I couldn't begin to keep them all straight. There are so many political/national divisions, so many narrative paths to follow and keep track of, that I gave up trying after a while.

Any additional comments?

It is possible that Mr. Smith has set such a fantastically high standard for novel writing that he may never approach it again. This is sad. I will read whatever he writes, but I don't think that Renko will reappear. This is much sadder. If you haven't read the Renko books, you are in for a wonderful time. Even if you have no Russian blood or genes, or any interest whatsoever in Russia, its history or its people: the Renko books will delight you. I could go on and on on this topic, but I won't. Please don't let this be your only taste of Mr. Smith's enormous talent. In the past fifty years or so, he has been one of the very best novelists anywhere.

11 personnes ont trouvé cela utile

Brothers...War....and a Girl

Would you listen to The Girl from Venice again? Why?

No...I have too many other books on my list to listen to The Girl from Venice again.

What does Zach Appelman bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

The story really came to life with Zach Appelman's reading. He does a very good German accent, too. He was able to help me visualize scenes and people by the tone and inflection of his voice.

4 personnes ont trouvé cela utile

If you like fish you'll like this book

This thriller about a reluctant spy who wants nothing more than to go back to his small fishing village in the end of WW2 era Italy, is fascinating and beautiful all the way through. The reader of the story had a rich and relaxing voice and gave the main character a charm I enjoyed throughout. If you like fishing and WW2 this is definitely a book you'll enjoy.

2 personnes ont trouvé cela utile

no surprises, but it will keep your attention

What made the experience of listening to The Girl from Venice the most enjoyable?

It's a pretty fast-paced story, and not the typical story set during WWII. This one is set in Italy, and the historical aspects of it (so the rise and fall of Mussolini) are particularly interesting. The romance is a foregone conclusion, but the twists and turns of who is friend and who is foe make this book a captivating listen.

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Too bad I can't give it more stars

Where does The Girl from Venice rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Easily the top of the list. Cruz Smith is the master of creating a vibrant, living scene with sympathetic characters. Amazing story all the way around. similar to December 6 purely in period, but creates a uniquely Italian tone rather than the distinct Japanese tone of the other book.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

Enough tension from start to finish to keep you riveted. Enough twists from left field to avoid predictability. Takes a time period with natural tension and creates a slice of life.

What does Zach Appelman bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Every character can be easily distinguished by his portrayal. Nailed the subtle differences between the brothers.

Any additional comments?

Perhaps the finest author of this genre practicing today. Too bad they don't have his best effort - Rose - available on Audible.

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Great start, mediocre middle, predictable end.

I can't quite pinpoint my disappointment, but the story didn't really grab me. Too many moving parts mixed in with what seemed like the author was trying show off as knowledge about an array of random subject matter. The end result being padding for what could have been a shorter, more to the point book.

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Wanted to like this more but...

I wanted to like this more. There was just something missing. Pieces of great story but sewn together crudely.

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Terrific great Characters

His depiction of Mussolini is so close to trump / guess humans never learn. Love this author! Narrator exceptional !

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Great Story

Would you consider the audio edition of The Girl from Venice to be better than the print version?

That is how I listened to it, and yes, I would definitely suggest listening to it.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Girl from Venice?

The end

What does Zach Appelman bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Good voice, which some readers do not have

Who was the most memorable character of The Girl from Venice and why?

Chenzo

Any additional comments?

No

1 personne a trouvé cela utile

tedious and trite

it is hard to believe this is a book by Martin Cruz Smith. It is barely more than a sketch for a screenplay. the characters are two-dimensional and unbelievable and the storyline is formulaic. If you love Mr. Smith, do yourself a favor and skip this book.

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