Disappointing

Possibly the most boring book I have ever read.
Nothing happens and none of the characters are even remotely engaging.
If I could have these hours back to listen to something else I would be most grateful.

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Excellent

The interplay of the characters and their diverse situations is enthralling. Loved it. A masterful piece of writing from a well respected author.

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Masterful

Sabastian Faulks at his best. His exploration of the human mind and condition was always fascinating, this time he all too accurately exposes humanity racing towards the cliff edge and self destruction.

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1 person found this helpful

Not one of the author's best books

I've read most of Sebastian Faulk's books and am impressed by his versatility across a range of genres. He has written some splendid and moving books, but "A Week in December" is not one of them. Despite an excellent reader, who helps the listener differentiate among the large number of characters, I was confused for the first few chapters as to who was whom as so many were introduced at the start of the book. The book is largely a dystopic commentary on modern urban life in Britain. There are over-long polemics about the genesis of the banking crisis and much about the rise of Islamic extremism. Through the voice of a character who is a writer and critic Faulks airs some of his criticisms of other writers, albeit disguised for those of us not in the know.
The book is made up of several stories running in parallel that hardly impinge on one another and so the expectation is that by the end some connections will be formed. My main disappointment is how the book ends.

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9 people found this helpful

One of the best this year for me

An absolutely wonderful multi-layered tale of life in modern London, as told through several brilliantly drawn characters. I loved this book!! Colin Mace does a brilliant job of narration. Really kept me gripped from start to finish. Shades of John Lanchester's 'Capital' in here. Highly recommended!

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1 person found this helpful

A dense and chilling story

Not an easy listen due to the intense descriptions of each protagonist's life, especially the ones involving
financial details. At times it seemed as though Sebastian Faulks was trying to dazzle the reader with his acquired knowledge of each character's milieu. Glad I persevered, but it lost my interest at times.

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Thoroughly absorbing comment on modern society

I was so intrigued by way it made you think about modern society, parenting roles, bankers, fundamentalism and the recruitment of jihadists and more,that I had to listen to it twice. Very thought provoking and interesting; you don't have to agree with what you think the author may be implying but a revue of the values we live by is always useful.

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1 person found this helpful

This is a complete change from the previous books

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

Most of my friends read instead of Audio, but I would certainly recommend this one.

What was one of the most memorable moments of A Week in December?

I reckon the last few chapters when one did not know if the bombs were going to be used

What about Colin Mace’s performance did you like?

It held my interest right to the end

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

The diverse characters who were brought into the story in just one week

Any additional comments?

Yes it would be really good If I could download the two books I have purchased since!!

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More masterful storytelling by Mr Faulks

Any additional comments?

A very enjoyable & entertaining listen. Sebastian Faulk's technique is flawless and I was kept totally enthralled throughout. Highly recommended.

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2 people found this helpful

Another great book from Sebastian Faulks

I cannot understand why Sebastian Faulks books get so low ratings here.
A Week in December is another brilliant listen,up there with Birdsong and Charlotte Gray.

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1 person found this helpful