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The Observations

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About this listen

 Shortlisted for the Orange Prize for Fiction, 2007.

In this novel, set in Scotland in 1863, Bessy Buckley attempts to escape her past by taking a job as a maid in a big house outside of Edinburgh, where she works for the beautiful Arabella. Bessy is intrigued by her new employer, but puzzled by her increasingly strange requests.

© Jane Harris; (P) Clipper Audio Fiction Genre Fiction Historical Fiction Literary Fiction Romance Scotland Funny Witty

Critic reviews

"Bessy's unique, witty voice distinguishes this boisterous novel." ( Booklist)"Sharp, funny and tender-hearted." ( Publishers Weekly)
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This is the second audio book I have listened to and I really enjoyed it. It had me laughing out loud on several occasions and crying at others. The author doing the reading was perfect. This is a story I wanted to go on and on. Very pleasant and pleasing to the ear. Although quite predictible it was a delight to listen to.

Very Enjoyable

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Enjoyed right through to the end, strong characters really brought to life by great reading.

Story kept me hooked, great performance

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I have read this book twice and loaned it out to friends. all of whom enjoyed it immensely. Sadly it fell to bits after so much use but I have just listened to the audio book and it was even more enjoyable! It is narrated by the author who is a genius in comic timing with the perfect voice for all the characters.
I can not recommend this book enough if you want a hilarious, fun story with an enjoyable leading character who you grow to love.

Fantastic hilarious from start to finish

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Very good book and read excellently. Humorous but also sad in bits. Get a good feel for all the characters.

Excellent

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I loved this book.
The Observations is a brilliant and original story, told in the first person by the irrepressible Irish heroine, Bessy Buckley.
Bessy has some wonderful expressions; which are delightfully comic and create hilarious visual images. This is a book full of comedy but it is also deeply moving, dark and tragic.
The Observations is read by Jane Harris, the author. It is the best read audiobook I have listened to. The accents of the characters are wonderful, especially that of Bessy herself.
Highly recommended.

Excellent novel; brilliantly read by the author

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