Involuntary Witness

An Unlikely Crusader

Absorbing is probably the best way to describe the impact that this book had on me. Primarily it is a courtroom drama and is successful in both depiction and execution. However, at the same time, it successfully makes the effort to develop the characters to make them believable. Sean Barrett's narration, almost world-weary at times, seems to match the persona of Guido, the advocate who is the central character.



It is set in south-eastern Italy (around the heel) largely in the province of Puglia. As might be expected there is bags of emotion and heart-searching and, before you know it, you are dragged into the unfolding dramas inside and outside the courtroom. The book is not for the impatient but rewards those who run the course. The characters are carefully drawn in the course of the book and yet there remains the ability to them to surprise you throughout the book whilst they maintain their credibility as real people.



At no time do you feel that the pace of the book is determined by anything other than the natural unfolding of events. There is no forced extension to make the book longer nor is there any rush to the conclusion. It just moves at its own pace drawing the reader along with it.



I was a little concerned about buying a translated version of an Italian novel as translators can be too literal or try to insert their own interpretation into the novel. At no time was I conscious of this being a translated story and forgot that it was anything other than a novel originally written in another language.



All-in-all it is worth every one of the five stars and I look forward to listening to the next episode.

8 of 8 people found this review helpful

Great Little Book.

This is my first book by this author. It was brought to my attention when I read that Sean Barrett, the narrator of so many great audio books, recommended the novels in this series, and said that he greatly enjoyed recording the books.

This book is both a legal thriller and a study into human emotions and frailties,. The main character is a wonderful mix of tough lawyer anda man on the edge of an emotional breakdown.

Set in southern Italy the author beutifully describes the native way of life and the small town and it's picturesque surroundings.

The Plot is engageing and the whole book is superbly written. The dulcet tones of Sean Barrett, just brings this great book to life. I thoroughly enjoyed this great little book.

7 of 7 people found this review helpful

Crime from an unusual aspect

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would recommend this book very highly. The main character is brilliant, deeply flawed and very human, he has a dark side but is also humane. I would advise reading the books in the sequence they were written in to get the full benefit of developments. I wish they would translate all Carofiglio's books into English. It is also brilliantly read by Sean Barrett.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Involuntary Witness?

It's hard to pick a ' memorable moment '. It's not a ' Bang Bang, Stab Stab, Car Chase ' book. The evolution of the main character and plot make it all memorable. I just wish there were more books. I hated to finish each one, it's always lile the loss of a good friend when you finish one.

What about Sean Barrett’s performance did you like?

Flawless performance from Sean Barrett. He IS the character. You would think he'd written it himself.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes because it's so good. No because I wanted it to last.

Any additional comments?

YES YES YES. I WANT MORE!!!! PLEASE LET US HAVE THE NEXT ONE IN THE SERIES.

6 of 6 people found this review helpful

Different than the usual

What did you like best about this story?

I got this book as it had good reviews and I'd not read any by this particular author. I love the fact that this legal thriller isn't like the usual type with all the jumping up and shouting. The author draws you into the central character Guido Guerrieri with his flaws, vulnerabilities and I loved the closing arguments. The fact that it wasn't set in the usual legal system that most of us know gave the book an edge for me as it didn't feel like reading 'just another court case' novel.

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

What a surprise (pleasant)

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes

Any additional comments?

I had never heard of Carafiglio - why not ?? This is a really excellent story. Simple, I suppose, but entertaining in the extreme.

Do listen if you like self-contemplative, self-deprecatory, musings of the main character (somewhat reminiscent of Wallander I thought) wrapped up in a fine enough legal drama. And of course all smothered in those Sean Barrett tones.

First class discovery - ok the mean part of me begrudges a whole credit on a short book - only around 7 hours - but that's the way it is.

I apologise if it isn't for you, but I'm not going to be apologising much I guess.

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

Towards the end I couldn't stop listening

If you could sum up Involuntary Witness in three words, what would they be?

Interesting, gradually intriguing

What was one of the most memorable moments of Involuntary Witness?

Guido's summing up during the trial! I had to sit in the car outside work until he finished!!

Which character – as performed by Sean Barrett – was your favourite?

Guido - I slowly fell in love with him as I listened

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When his neighbour told Guido her life history

Any additional comments?

A beautifully written book that had quite a slow Gentle pace it's left me wanting more! can't wait to listen to the next book.

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

Good introduction to Guerrieri series

What made the experience of listening to Involuntary Witness the most enjoyable?

Excellent narrator Sean Barrett tells the story well In general and somehow manages to bring out the charm of the central character and endears him to you .... Endeared him to me anyway ,

What did you like best about this story?

I enjoy legal stories and this one seemed to include humour, pathos, legal intrigue and an interesting main character

What about Sean Barrett’s performance did you like?

Barrett differentiates between voices spectacularly well and with great subtlety where women's voices are concerned. I find I am completely convinced that the character is female without any artificial,high pitched voice that some readers affect. Something to do with a subtle shift in tone I think. An excellent narrator.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I couldn't pick out a particular moment. I enjoyed the book as a whole.

Any additional comments?

I was inspired to read all the other books in the series. I particularly like the 'mental asides' by the central character. A bizarre mixture of self deprecation, arrogance and humour.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Great book in the series

This is a great series read by the great Sean Barrett!! They should be read in order as they do refer back to previous books.

Not my usual gripping gorey thriller but more courtroom drama. Can't help but like the characters!

Great shorter story.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Heart warming story of individuals' triumphing

Initially the lead character appeared unpleasant and unlikeable, but cometh the hour and the true character emerged and won me over. I don't usually like extensive character development, but here I did and didn't see as a digression. The story is a little predictable but unfolds well. Overall a heart warming story, and a lead charcter I am very keen to hear much more of, and have the next books in the series already loaded! Enjoy. Excellent delivery by Sean Barrett as ever.

4 of 5 people found this review helpful

Involuntary Witness? What is that?

In this book we see the workings of a fictional case and defence. There were several repeated words, an editing flaw? This prevented a five for narration, though I could listen to voice and accent, for ever.,

The story was interesting, but not incredible.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful