Brooklyn: A Novel Audiobook Review
Brooklyn: A Novel – An Audio Book Review
- Author: Colm Toibin
- Narrated by: Kirsten Potter
- Length: 7 hours and 37 minutes
- Unabridged
- Genre: Fiction/Contemporary
Download or CD available to BUY at Amazon.
Brooklyn: A Novel Audio Book Summary:
The story is set during 1950’s. Somewhere in Ireland, Ellis Lacey is one of the many graduates who is having difficulty landing a job in her hometown. However, luck seems to smile on young Ellis as she receives a job opportunity. The catch is that this job will force her to leave Ireland and search for her fortune in America. Although it is quite clear for both Ellis and her family on what she must do, it is still quite a difficult choice to make. Alas, Ellis heads to an unfamiliar land where she must start from scratch and live in a place far different from what she was accustomed to. Soon she finds herself in a boarding house in Brooklyn and while the first few days and weeks laid heavy on her heart, she slowly but surely started to settle in and find new friends and a place for herself.
Soon she finds a young man who she falls in love with, but a letter comes that forces her back to Ireland. Upon return she finds some new opportunities opening up but she must once again choose a difficult choice. Will she leave behind the bonds and love she had formed in Brooklyn?
One reason to listen:
This audiobook is paced quite well and features some interesting characters that truly capture the essence of life during the 50’s.
Sign Up
To read new reviews and free audiobooks
Reactions:
“It is so subtle and restrained that I almost didn’t know when I became fully engaged. During the last portion of the book, I was in suspense, wondering what would happen, but speculating that it would be predictable.” – “Switterbug” Betsy Van Horn
http://www.amazon.com/review/R12O6Q8LCWEZPI/
“This is difficult to say without a spoiler, so I’ll be careful not to – but as stunning as the ending is, I’m not sure it felt right to me. But then again, I’m not Eilis, I didn’t grow up with her experiences, and maybe that’s the whole point. (Hence, part of why this would be a good book for any book clubs.) “– Sb-Lynn
http://www.amazon.com/review/R11CFCFU1T68FH/
“Colm Toibin enters William Trevor territory with this lovely novel about an Irish immigrant’s move to Brooklyn in post-World War II America. In spare unhurried prose he covers her experience with the departure from her limited world, a nightmarish crossing, learning to deal with a new job, night school, her boarding house acquaintances and new love.” – Charlus
http://www.amazon.com/review/R1LXZIL77NJVD6/
“There were several tangential characters (Sister Rose, the department store manager, the professor) who pique interest. I would have enjoyed learning more about them, and their stories could have elevated this passive, unfulfilling journey.” – Solano
http://www.amazon.com/review/R37AHOT5F6OYXF/
“It was okay – though I can see how it would make a great movie with the right actors. I found it a bit lacking in depth, maybe it was more my expectation, but I found it a lighter read.” – Mysteries
http://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-reviews/R2JPLFIWMF31VQ/
Score on Audible: 3.9 out of 5
Score on Amazon: 3.7 out of 5
Download or CD available to BUY at Amazon.
Sign Up
To read new reviews and free audiobooks
