The Chopin Manuscript: A Serial Thriller [Large Print]

This is the first audio book I have ever subjected myself to. I had to drive from Colorado to Kissimmee (hope I'm spelling that right) Florida to visit my brother recently and I wanted something to entertain me as I was making the trip alone. This fit the bill. First of all I'm sure it helps that the interpretor of our tale was the distinguished actor, Alfred Molina, but the tale itself is what I'm writing about. Classical suspense wrapped in historical characters and a plot that moves like greased lightening quickened my trip all the way. Fortuitously I was just finishing up when I drove into the outskirts of my destination, giving me an excited satisfied experience with which to begin my semi-vacation. The story is taut, the characters are real, and Mr. Molina brings it all alive with aplomb. Great audio novel on all counts.

I was a bit dissapointed when I got this and found it a book on CD and not a book, but that being my own fault for not being more careful about reading the description, I gave it a listen. All I can say is "WOW!" What a fantastic story. I was impressed how so many writers came together to create this intriguing plot that captured me from the first opening lines. The characters were well defined without going overboard on descriptions. I was particularly interested in "Faust" because I just could never be sure until the end which side he was really on. That's really how the whole story is. The narration by Alfred Molina was perfection. He read life into the characters without too much drama and was pretty good with the accents as well. The only reason I originally picked this out was because of the name. I'm a fan of Chopin, and even though there is very little to do with Chopin himself I can say I throughly enjoyed this and would recommend it.

I personally just am not into audiobooks. Even so, this was an enjoyable 7 hours. It has to be judged for what it is, a collaberation of noted authors. It would be interesting to know what Deaver would have done with it had he not turned it over to the other authors. However, it is an unique experimental novel and well worth your time.

This probably isn't the deepest international intrigue novel out there, but I think the twists and "I forgot my briefcase" moments alluded to by another reviewer were obviously intentional as each author picked up the tale. That said, I think the book was better edited than most single-author ventures are these days. I did enjoy the different styles, some of which stand out more than others. I read this in one day, and, if there was another, I'd read that one, too.

This is fun. It held my interest throughout the book. Knowing a new author would have to pick up the pieces at the end of each chapter added mystery and anticipation. I wish it had been longer.