Reviews by Mrs

I hadn't read the book, so approached this with curiosity and soon found myself beguiled by the style and lyrical quality of both writing and the production. I had wondered how a whole book could centre around a boy in a boat, but simply loved the whole experience. The "twist" at the end is an excellent device to make one reassess how far one has submerged into the author's views and perceptions - the classic trust the authorial voice question. Highly recommended.

I bought this story because I thought it looked and sounded quirky.



Quirky it is: a road trip by a Platypus who meets bandicoots, possums, and a Raccoon! Yet through the beguiling tale, there are reflections on loyalty, loss, friendship, betrayal, redemption ... it is simply lovely and wonderful and very uplifting. One goes to Hell ... and beyond!



If you like the offbeat and quirky, then give this a go. I am so glad I did.

I had heard of the film so decided to try this one out on the recommendations of Audible Listeners.

How glad I am that I did. This is story telling at its best. A slight story, of the dream of a sheik to change a small part of his country for the enrichment of his fellows, and the lives he changes on his way. There's political satire, with some wickedly observed scenes involving a PM and Communications Officer.



The narration is supplemented by character voices which in this case adds to the deliciousness of the whole.



All in all, I couldn't stop listening and didn't want it to end.

I had waited for this to be produced, and have to say that this felt such a good last novel.



The Hebridean islands had their fitting and rightful place in the story, and all the themes of the influence of the past, the effect of growing up on a remote island community, the comradeship of old friendships, the ties of family, have their place in this story.



If you have enjoyed the other two books (The Blackhouse, Lewis Man) then this will satisfy you completely.



The narrator is perfect, as before, and I feel faintly bereft now that the story is brought to a place where we say goodbye to Fin, Marsaili, Donald and the rest.



Highly recommended

This was my first Mankell book and I deliberately chose one which wasnt a Wallender book. The story simply pulls you in, fascinatingly revealing modern life and that of the past, and the intersection points where the two collide. I simply had to finish the story, and I wasnt disappointed in the ending.



the narration is particularly important and in this case was well up to the job. Completely loved it.

This is story telling at its best.

The plot is a servant to the beauty and power of the writing, the drive of the narrative and the unfolding of the "story" of Torvald and Peter ... Like the previous story this is narrated by the wonderful Peter Forbes (he MUST do the final part of the trilogy), and it is spellbinding and energising.

Listen to this!

This is so much more than a novel about detective work. this is about life, and death, on the outer Hebrides - its a wonderful, powerful story and the narrator is excellent. I'm now listening to the second of the trilogy and its every bit as good. Its grim and dark, and somehow wonderfully uplifting.



I can't recommend it enough

I bought this as a wild card listen on the basis of the reviews and how glad I am that I did! This is a glorious, funny, exciting story with twists and turNs aplenty, lots of mad characters, intrigue, adventure and so much more. If you like Gaiman, Pratchett, and even Iain Banks, then you'll really enjoy this story which rattles along at a spanking pace, yet is filled with terrific observance of human nature.
The narrator is very good, catching the characters beautifully. Life is enriched by writing of this quality. Heartily recommended