Perfect escapism

This is an almost perfect escapist listen. It does have chick lit cliches and the ending is predictable but I loved the Cornish setting, the cast of characters and Anna Bentinck's excellent narration. I wish there was more Veronica Henry on Audible.

28 people found this helpful

Surprisingly fabulous!

If you could sum up The Long Weekend in three words, what would they be?

Carries you away!

Who was your favorite character and why?

So many great characters. I cannot pick just one.

What does Anna Bentinck bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

Her narration of this book was great aside from one thing. She made several relatively young men sound like 90-year-olds with ill fitting dentures. I don't understand why she did this (after she presumably listened back) as other male characters were narrated really well and sounded normal!

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

Yes, I never really wanted to put it down.

Any additional comments?

I took a punt on this as it was heavily discounted. I was doubtful about whether I would get along with it. I love contempory fiction, but it can be fine line to lightweight, wishy washy 'chick lit' and I feared this novel may be the latter. Happily, this was not the case at all. It was beautifully written, the characters were so well drawn. I quickly felt I knew them and, as their lives unfolded, I really cared about them and what happened to them. This is just a lovely book that carries the listener/reader away.

20 people found this helpful

Loved it

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

The story was simple yet captivating

What did you like best about this story?

People who stayed at the hotel their lives unfolded ,funny, sad just brilliant and a fab ending

What does Anna Bentinck bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

What an incredible reader ,I loved her voice and the different characters she did was great , she made the story and I am looking for more of her narrations .

Any additional comments?

Just a fab read/listen light hearted and just so lovely .

10 people found this helpful

Solid escapism, nothing groudbreaking but fun.

Would you try another book written by Veronica Henry or narrated by Anna Bentinck?

I might, but this is the second book I've heard Anna Bentinck narrate and she seems to have only a handful of character voices so each book contains the same voices which aren't always well matched to the characters.

If you’ve listened to books by Veronica Henry before, how does this one compare?

This is the first Veronica Henry book I've listened to.

How could the performance have been better?

A better understanding of the characters by the narrator. It wasn't awful, just a little wet.

Was The Long Weekend worth the listening time?

In the end it was, it took me a while to separate all the characters and to care sufficiently about their lives but once I did, I wanted to know the outcome.

Any additional comments?

This is a perfectly pleasant book, it didn't move me, it's not particularly original and I didn't learn much but it was an easy listen and I enjoyed the escapism.

9 people found this helpful

Surprised myself!

Any additional comments?

Wanted something less demanding to read, about to holiday in Cornwall and this had great reviews. Thought, in the early stages, I'd blundered in to classic chiclit, but was surprisingly gripped, worried about the chararacters and punched the air at the (albeit inevitable) happy ending. Came away with a big smile on my face.

17 people found this helpful

Easy summer reading

This is a novel that requires little concentration - so perfect holiday reading. As always, Anna Bentinck is an excellent narrator. There are a few different stories to keep the novel alive, however, the main story is rather dull and predictable. I did not feel sympathetic towards Claire, the main female character ... and Nick was a bit of a drip!

The story was based on a place that seemed very familiar to me which was enjoyable.

All in all, a lazy summer read but don't expect too much.

6 people found this helpful

Fun Fun Fun!

What made the experience of listening to The Long Weekend the most enjoyable?

The narration was great, it's a very hard job to do but this narrator kept to the voices and was very convincing! A great story and great conclusions.

5 people found this helpful

well worth a read!

this is not normally the type of book I go for but I thoroughly enjoyed it. There was such a wealthy mix of characters and it gets increasingly interesting as their paths start to merge.
A lovely, engaging read.

5 people found this helpful

A complete washout

Oh dear – what universe do these people come from? This is the tale of middle class people who are so gorgeously yummy and pretty and perfect that they just can’t help falling in love with each other and their extended families by the warming glow of the Aga. Nobody blinks at the idea of a stag party booked into a boutique hotel on the south coast. A child is repulsive and a bit of an embarrassment when dressed in Primark clothes, but is suddenly acceptable when given a wardrobe makeover. A single mother is a feckless over-tanned creature who deserves abandonment into a life of prostitution. A middle-aged teacher has an affair with his 17-year-old pupil and somehow his continued deception of his wife is acceptable. I could go on but I am danger of getting into a lather just like Claire when ‘fresh tears popped from her eyes like bubbles from a bottle of Fairy liquid. ‘

I normally like Anna Bentinck and rate her narration very highly but this one is just plain strange. Young men sound like pensioners wrestling with their dentures. The Italian character has a comedy voice and the females are either dim Sloane ranger types or vulgar working class parodies. I got to the end but only after ranking the speed up 3 times. I suddenly feel refreshed now it is all over.

4 people found this helpful

Good holiday listen

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

This was chosen as a really light weight listen to totally switch off to and it served that purpose really well.

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

Not sure that I have thought about it that deeply as not that sort of book or listen.

What does Anna Bentinck bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

The narration was fine and worked for me.

Do you think The Long Weekend needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

Not sure that I would be bothered with a follow on but it was a good and relaxed listen to switch down a gear with when I just needed an easy listen and easy to follow yarn. Funny in parts and kept up my interest without having to think too hard. Great summer listening.

4 people found this helpful