The Queen of the South

Monotonous, inaccurate narration

What disappointed you about The Queen of the South?

A very long book, which seemed ten times its length thanks to the stultifying monotone of the narrator! It was one of the most robotic readings I've ever heard, and I listen to books continually. To add to the irritation, it's full of Spanish words, and about 40% of them were mispronounced. I cringed every time Don Epifanio's name had to be mentioned again-- epifa-NEE-o, as she interpreted it. Some repeated words got different pronunciations as she went along. Absolutely no characterization of the zillions of characters-- they might have all been the same person- with the exception of a couple of characters toward the end, who suddenly sported unplaceable accents. Just one of the worst audio experiences I've had! I would've given up after the first couple of hours, but I found the book itself unpleasant enough that I knew marooning myself in the car with it was the only chance I had of getting through it-- I was reading it for a bookclub. I do NOT recommend this performance-- and while I'm not a fan of the book, I wonder how much of my antipathy stems from the performance. If I were the author, I'd ask for it to be re-recorded with a superior narrator.

What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

least interesting: endless descriptions of speedboats and motors and other technical things. Perhaps it was an homage to MOBY DICK's famous pages of whaling minutiae!

How could the performance have been better?

I fear that reader may be a hopeless cause. That sort of monotone in an adult doesn't just go away! however, she, or a director, could've made sure they at least got all the Spanish right.

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

Bitter disappointment! Also, irritation at the number of hours squandered listening to it.

6 sur 6 personne(s) ont trouvé cet avis utile.

excellent story unfortunate narratio

The story is excellent, I love this author and have read several of his books, however the narration on this particular book was beyond bad. The narrator's pronunciation of the Spanish words made it impossible for me to listen to, I wouldn't expect excellent pronunciation but this was just horrible. I never finished it, I bought the book and read it. I would not recommend the audible version.

12 sur 13 personne(s) ont trouvé cet avis utile.

Awful Job by Narrator

Sorry I ever listened to this in translation. The narrator was absolutely the worst. Not even close: a bracelet worn by La Reina is made of "centenarios," a centennial coin. The narrator called them "seminarios" (seminaries!) throughout. She appears to think if she gives it a bit of "flair" it will sound good. It would be laughable but for the fact I assume this person is a professional. I could have done it better in my sleep.

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

Fascinating Life of A Woman Trafficker

The character portrayals are rich and colorful. The action is plentiful and exciting, but the detailed descriptions of the inner workings, methods and 'protocols' of drug and contraband trafficking are truly impressive. The personalities of the main characters felt 'real' psychologically, especially Teresa, the trafficker despite herself. The story kept me involved right to the end. I need to find more by this author!

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

Excellent Book!

What did you love best about The Queen of the South?

Love Theresa, she is an amazingly smart woman. Also liked her relationship with the Russian.

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

Yes.

Have you listened to any of Lina Patel’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No, and she did great.

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

Love it!

Love the story. Kept me hooked .Would love it if they had more books about her.

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

what a wonderful book it never stopped being excit

what a wonderful book you never wanted to end you want to know what happened to Teresa Mendoza you want there to be a part 2

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

Great Story, Poor choice for narrator

I loved the story, but it was absolutely frustrating to listen to the butchered Spanish.

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

very intriguing

Loved it. Kept me interested til the very end.
the intricacy of how they moved the drugs and the learning that she had to do was admirable.

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

Interesting transformation

It's hard do you understand how the author came to some of the descriptions of Teresa Mendoza. However, the story is so fascinating. My only negative comment is that the story is told from the point of view of the male author and read by a female. It underscores the dichotomy of woman's point of view man's point of view, a theme that is throughout the story. One of the interesting aspects of the story is the independent minded lead character. It feels as if her strong personality and notorious behavior overshadow any other characters. Perhaps that is true with life, when there is a strong woman. The men in her life fade. It is interesting to see how the author piece together the transactions and the flow of drugs and money. It is also fascinating to see the growth of the business at the time. It is easy to understand why, and Mexico's current culture, this has become such a lightning rod. Obviously, the character of Teresa is far removed from the average woman.
The way that the story is told the auto pays close attention to creating suspense riveting attention not boring with details and bringing a whole lot of personal intuitive knowledge of the characters to make the story so interesting. It is also quite the path, from the young girl to the woman at the end of the story. It is a fascinating book

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