The Japanese Lover

My first negative review

I have listened to hundreds of Audible titles and have had very few disappointments. Or at least I should say that I've had some less than good experiences but perhaps those were expected. So that is why I feel impelled to write this review. I had high expectations for this book that just were not met.

The book deals with huge themes - the Nazi extermination of Jews, the internment of Japanese in America during WW2, child pornography. And other themes. But I found myself detached, my mind wandered as I listened. Why? Because I could not empathize with Alma the protagonist and supposedly the touchstone for the rest of the characters in the book. Yes, she suffered a tremendous blow as a child when she was separated from her parents but she went on to live a privileged and self-absorbed life. Even the love affair with the Japanese lover was unconvincing and lacked passion. Nothing she had done could or should have invoked such enduring devotion from him. The devotion showed to her by the other characters therefore suffered the same lack of credibility and empathy. The narrator also disappointed. She had a fairly flat affectless delivery. All in all a very disappointing listen.

46 sur 49 personne(s) ont trouvé cet avis utile.

Oh Isabel...What happened?

Would you try another book from Isabel Allende and/or Joanna Gleason?

I would try another book by Isabel just because I respect her previous writings so much - will never purchase a book read by Joanna Gleason. I am halfway through this book and it is the first time in a long while that I am forcing myself to listen to the end. Her narration is horrible, no modulation, no change in character's voices (when they do speak). Very, very amateur.

Any additional comments?

None of the characters are of any interest to me since they are written so poorly. I am sure in better hands the story would come alive and we could root for them but, as is, the story is plodding. I was so looking forward to reading this latest novel of Ms. Allende knowing how beautifully and movingly she can write. Not sure what happened with this one but it needed major revisions.

35 sur 38 personne(s) ont trouvé cet avis utile.

❤️ Allende's writing & characters

Even though I am a huge fan Allende's books, this story was quite disjointed. And a bit depressing toward the end. Still though, her characters are memorable & her descriptions lovely. I wouldn't recommend it...

11 sur 12 personne(s) ont trouvé cet avis utile.

Terrible on All Counts

This book wasn’t for you, but who do you think might enjoy it more?

This book was not written well at all.

Would you ever listen to anything by Isabel Allende again?

I was not impressed by the author or her storytelling. This story had great potential and big themes, but the writing was so flat. The story is just told, not shown, if that makes sense. There is almost no dialogue, and it just reads like an overly long summary.

How could the performance have been better?

The performance was also flat, with no voices given to characters when there WAS dialogue.

What character would you cut from The Japanese Lover?

I can't even remember her name (that's how unmemorable she is), but the Moldovan girl who is supposed to be important in the story just isn't.

Any additional comments?

I do not recommend this book, at all. I really wanted to like it, and from the synopsis it sounds right up my alley. I love history and peoples' stories, but this book was just terrible on all counts. Poorly written, uninspired narration, and very flat overall.

18 sur 21 personne(s) ont trouvé cet avis utile.

Disappointed

A very boring story. No heart. Poor character development. Disjointed. Predictable. Glad when it ended.

8 sur 9 personne(s) ont trouvé cet avis utile.

Thoughtful

If you're looking for fast moving action, this isn't the book for you. It's a thoughtful analysis of the theme of loss and love deferred. Each of the characters faces a love they desire but cannot or will not have for whatever reason. But they live fulfilling and thoughtful lives. A treatise on love and the end of life beautifully rendered.

2 sur 2 personne(s) ont trouvé cet avis utile.

Interesting love story

Amazing love story full of surprises. Allende's great talents brings you back to so many different time lines. Truly amazing.

2 sur 2 personne(s) ont trouvé cet avis utile.

Reality

This story is so real. The people have problems and find others to help and support them. There are surprises and twist and turns. I listened to it twice because after on time I felt I had not understood the first half. Then as I listened the second time it all came together. A great story.

1 sur 1 personne(s) ont trouvé cet avis utile.

Narrator Ruined the Book

What a horrid narration of what should have been a good book. I'll avoid Joanna Gleason as a narrator, for sure.

Overall the book was not nearly as well done as other Allende masterpieces, but it's kind of unfair to judge after hearing the book read so poorly.

1 sur 1 personne(s) ont trouvé cet avis utile.

Did not like narrator or story line.

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

Better story and character development.

Would you ever listen to anything by Isabel Allende again?

no

What didn’t you like about Joanna Gleason’s performance?

It was terrible. But then again maybe it's because of the way the book was written

Any additional comments?

not worth it

1 sur 1 personne(s) ont trouvé cet avis utile.