Loved the message of the book and the narration was spot on to the changing emotions of the characters

I think many women could possibly relate to some of the feelings the main character experienced. Whether it’s feeling down or feeling empowered, in one way or another, the main character is relatable. Throughout part of the book she feels insufficient in different ways and seeks approval from others. There are times when it’s frustrating because she so heavily relies on others opinions of her that it seems like she’s incapable of feeling any sense of independent self worth. The ending makes it worth it though because different events throughout the book force her to take control of her emotions and life, and the end result makes you want to cheer for her. I’m not quite sure I felt the way the author intended with “the book” that was an important factor in Hold Her Down, but I do see where she was going with it. My biggest praise goes to the narrator! She covered such a wide range of emotions, mostly from the main character, but from other characters as well. She was perfect at expressing all of the emotions...from depression, to loathing, to anger, to fear, to happiness...she was able to pull it all off perfectly! I am definitely a fan! I enjoyed both the book and especially the narrator enough that I will be looking for others that they did together! Thank you for the free copy to review! My review is honest and voluntary.

3 people found this helpful

Lift me up, please!!!

I love this story, because it is the story of many women around the world. It’s a story of a journey, a woman’s journey that ends up on the stage. Exciting yes and I recommend that all women and men, it’s has the perfect narrator for the perfect story.

2 people found this helpful

Surprisingly Good!

This book is different than most books I have read. I usually prefer fantasy with HEA conclusions that are not realistic but leave you with a warm happy feeling. For me books are a scape from reality. This book was very different though. I could relate to the main character and feel her pain and frustration. I'm a mother of three and understand how being a wife and mother can consume your life so much you are left empty and frustrated.

I started listening to it and it did take a bit to suck me in but once it captured my attention I could not put it down. It goes back and forth between present and past then it jumps almost two years without explaining what happened and slowly you learn what happened to help change her life. When everything seems to be going well something awful happens and she is abandoned by all her "friends". That type of public humiliation she had to endure is more than I could have gone through.

IMO her husband was honestly stupid and clueless. He had no regard or affection towards her. I don't know many marriages that can survive without love. Her husband acted more like a roommate than a partner. He also behaved like a cheating husband. He never looked at her, never was intimate, and showed total lack of interest. Pretty sad...

Jack is a total jerk. IMO He was never an option for her. After all he did to her, it is insane that she ever gave him the time of the day. What he did is unforgivable. I would have despised him for it.

The narration was excellent and it brought the story to life. It was easy to differentiate between characters.

The book wrapped up with a surprise ending. Honestly, it caught me by surprise but it was the best decision for her. The book was very well written and narrated.

**This audiobook was provided free of charge in exchange for my honest unbiased opinion**

2 people found this helpful

Pleasantly surprised

At first, I thought the book was formulaic and blend of Gone Girl and 50 Shades, not that it would be horrible.

I was so wrong. Liza/Elizabeth struggles as many young mothers to find an identity of her own. A weekend lost, old prom date, gossipy housewives and a best selling erotic book turn Elizabeth's world upside down. One of my favorite parts is having a spouse describe his wife "you're my wife, the children's mother". What are you she replies "I'm an engineer, play golf...." no identifying words of husband or father.

I was pleased by the twists and turns the book took as Liza rediscovered her life and personal passions as a woman.

The narration was good but not great. The best example I can give was early on in the book during a car crisis Elizabeth says the F-word. There was emotion and volume that was never heard again in spite of broken relationships, emotional torment and extreme levels of stress. I would have expected to hear it as well as being told.

I recommend this book.

I was given a copy of this audiobook in return for an honest review.

2 people found this helpful

Relatable

I got this book via audiobook boom. This story showcases the life of a woman who has always put others before herself. She is a wife, mother, teacher and middle aged and has lost her way. Then a writer produces a book that is loosely based on her life and her town and her husband turn against her. She has never done any of the things portrayed in the book but no one believes her. She has to experience many things including contemplating suicide and divorce before she makes the final decision in the book. She chooses to be herself. She does not have to choose a path dictated by others. We all have had to make some of these decisions even if not under these circumstances. But choosing to be who you are rather than following the dictates of others is an awesome responsibility. So many shy away from doing that.

2 people found this helpful

Excellent!

Where does Hold Her Down rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This audiobook ranks above others I've listened to, due to the narrator.

What other book might you compare Hold Her Down to and why?

Reminded me a little of The Girl on the Train due to similarities of the main character.

What about Lisa Beacom’s performance did you like?

The narrator of the audiobook was excellent and brought all of the characters to life. Despite the fact that the book was written, and thus narrated, in the third person, it was easy to associate the narrator with the character of Elizabeth. I knew early in the book that Elizabeth’s voice was the narrator’s voice. The narrator was able to change her voice enough for the other characters so that it was not confusing to listen to dialogue, as it is with some book narrations.

If you could take any character from Hold Her Down out to dinner, who would it be and why?

Definitely Elizabeth, because I can relate to her story even though my life's circumstances have been different.

Any additional comments?

This was a great “listen” and most women will really relate to this. Some reviews of the book have discussed the repetitiveness of the descriptions of the dark feelings of the main character, and I agree that at times the super-focus on Elizabeth’s depression and lack of self-confidence was a bit tiring. However, anyone who has gone through similar experiences knows that is exactly how one’s mind operates when one is “held down”. It was very realistic in that aspect and I could relate to it on a personal level, despite my circumstances being a bit different from Elizabeth’s. I was delighted that I arrived at the same conclusion that she did, before I reached the end of the book.

The narrator of the audiobook was excellent and brought all of the characters to life. Despite the fact that the book was written, and thus narrated, in the third person, it was easy to associate the narrator with the character of Elizabeth. I knew early in the book that Elizabeth’s voice was the narrator’s voice. The narrator was able to change her voice enough for the other characters so that it was not confusing to listen to dialogue, as it is with some book narrations.

Overall, I give the book and the narration an Excellent rating!

2 people found this helpful

Loved this!

When I first started listening to this book, I felt like I was listening to a description of my own marriage (currently in the process of a divorce). I have also been where she is in the depressive (not recently, but many years in the past) state and visualized actually causing a vehicle crash...but didn't due to my child. Katherine Biel's ability to bring the character's thoughts and feelings to life is an outstanding gift and I love her work. As I said, I listened to this book on audio and the narrator, Lisa Beacom, is perfect for this book. What her steady, silky voice brings to the story is class. Pure and simple. So many narrators 'read' the story. Lisa Beacom is telling the story as if it were hers to tell, bringing it to life. I highly recommend the book and the narrator!

1 person found this helpful

Wonderful

A truly great book that I feel a lot of women can absolutely relate to in one way or another. The narrator Lisa Beacom does amazing.

1 person found this helpful

Interesting read for me.

This was a bit different then what I normally listen to which is romance with a HEA. This is about a woman's journey to find her herself. It's an interesting story. It was a little slow to start but I'm glad I stuck with it. I was happy with the ending too. The narration was good. I received a free copy for an honest review.

1 person found this helpful

Get woke!!

The heroine frustrated me so much by her actions and lack of actions and the situations she let just happen to and around her. At times I felt empathy, but more often I wanted to shake her and say wake up and do something even if it is wrong, at least be alive and present!!! At the end it seems that she may start showing up in her own life, finally!!! I voluntarily listened to a free copy of this and am giving an honest review. The narrator did a good job.

1 person found this helpful