So much

So much. So much to say. I loved this book and this reading so much I disintegrated.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Interesting idea - a little drawn out

I had really mixed feelings over this book. I started it and then gave up as it was really hard going and the author reads his own work which was a departure from many narrators who are more expressive. Anyway after a month or so I went back to it and stuck with it. And it needs a lot of sticking with as its a really long book. I find the idea of having different outcomes based on some random change in your life really interesting and it was good how this was developed - with 4 'lives' for one character hence the title. But it sort of meandered along and although neatly tied up at the end which gave it a good tight finish it was a bit aimless in places. It didn't help that some of the books parts were excessively detailed. For example when saying that the character studied English authors of the 20th century it would have worked to give 2 or 3 examples - but not over 20 - it was just a little pointless. So I think it is a genuine book by a good author and a very interesting idea. The concept is well structured and works well - but overall a little long and not sure that the book was worth the many days investment I put in. However, it is a Booker prize nomination so is well thought of.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

I think it was just too long. Maybe better if you read the book to allow you to flick back when confused.

One part of me thinks..there’s 35 hrs of my life I’ll never get back and the other part of me is glad that I stuck with it.
I found it very confusing at times. As I said, it may be better to read book rather than listen to audio version, as the story skips back and forward between ‘versions’, I would have needed to go back to read the last few pages of the previous part to refresh my memory as to that storyline. Too difficult to do this with audio due to no visible chapter heads.
Also I never really took to any of the Fergusons. So didn’t find this really encouraging to read on, definitely not intriguing.
I did learn a lot however.
His of knowledge of literature and American history was actually what made it interesting. As someone from the UK but having spent time in the States in my 20s, I am always keen to learn more but not one for historical novels, so having some sort of storyline to follow helped me stick at it. I love anything based in New York. It didn’t surprise me to hear in the interview at the end that PA had gone to Columbia U during the protests and also had first hand knowledge of Newark riots etc.
I did think it helped that the author read the book, enjoyed his accent and tone, and you could tell he understood and liked his characters, even if I got a bit lost at times.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Outstanding

Wonderful story and it was a real bonus that it was narrated by the author. Particularly enjoyed listening to the interview with the author after the end of the book

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Stunning and with added bonuses

Would you consider the audio edition of 4 3 2 1 to be better than the print version?

Obviously this has to be the best medium as it is read by the author.

Any additional comments?

I have been a fan of Paul Auster for a long time. I thought I would find this book difficult, given the length. It was amazing and the fact that the author read it, was a bonus. The interview at the end is worth listening to also.

I have a question about something that I picked up somewhere in the reading. I won't detail it but it is to do with a Ferguson begging on the street. I may not have been listening properly but I need to find out the answer.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Gold, pure Auster gold.

37 hours of Paul Auster's voice and text! This really is a dream come true. It's a rare treat to hear Auster narrate his fiction. His perfectly paced delivery is every bit as brilliant as his prose. I've listened to a few hours and know that I'll be listening again and again ... and again. And again ...

On a bit of a side note, if you're using an Apple device and it refuses to download - you might need to go into settings and download in parts, rather than the large single file.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

25 people found this helpful

Superb

Fantastic storyline with so many events to keep you hooked and even though it's a long story, I was still disappointed when it ended! If only there was more!

Fantastic narration from the author, a thoroughly enjoyable listen.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

One of the best books ever...

This was recommended to me and I hadn’t heard it read anything about it - it is amazing and felt like losing a friend when it had finished - a marvellous epic proportions book - which will entrance and entertain and educate - a force and a feat - highly recommended (made me so my first comment in a book!).

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

So good....

Auster narrated by Auster. It doesn't get any better than this. I can't believe people are criticizing his delivery... only a true New Yorker could narrate this book. You can almost smell New York and taste it while you are listening to him! I didn't want it to end.

My partner and I often talk about how even the small choices or events that happen in life can be life changing... and that is just what this book is about. Fascinating to follow 4 separate threads of the same life to each of their conclusions. It's a story of coming of age at a time of major social upheaval (late 60s/early 70s). Before my time, so the level of detail about attitudes and society in this era really helped for context.

It's touching and funny. Told in a way that only Auster can do. Archie, I think, is like every teenage boy in America. Big dreams, kind heart, and obsessed with sex! Auster obviously has genuine affection for this character. I wonder to what degree some of the events are at least semi-autobiographical.

Recommend 100%. There is nothing not to love about this book.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Brilliant. A complete masterpiece. Loved it.

Paul Auster is a writer of real intelligence, wit and is a master of complex plotting. The concept of this book -the lifestory of one person told in four different imaginings- is inspired and daring but the author pulls it off. Loved all the interwoven characters and the inclusion of the politics of 1960s/1970s USA. I was so sad when it ended but I will look forward to listening to it again n the future.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

8 people found this helpful