Thornyhold

Dreadful narrator

The narrator, Jilly Bond, is dreadful. Doesn't anyone at the publisher or Audible review these recordings?

8 people found this helpful

So Disappointed!

This is one of my favorite Mary Stewart books and I couldn’t wait for an unabridged audio version to be released. The narrator really bothered me! I found I got somewhat used to her voice for Gaelis by telling myself “this is an old lady retelling her love story,” but I cringed every time William or Christopher John spoke.

4 people found this helpful

A bewitching tale from the masterful pen of Mary Stewart

Thornyhold has long been one of my favorite books since I discovered it as a teenager in our tiny country library. Brimming with Lady Stewart’s light magic, lush imagery, and signature wit, and with just a hint of mystery, Thornyhold tells the story of a lonely young woman and the magical and idyllic house and gardens left to her by her good-witch-godmother, a Mary Poppins sort, and the healing the house brings to everyone who loves it—humans and animals alike. A short, delicious story with a witchy-wise-woman atmosphere that I savor every autumn.
So grateful audible released this new version as the previous one was severely abridged and had poor audio quality.
The narrator did a lovely job overall; I enjoyed her regular voice as she read the novel which is in first person, but I didn’t particularly love the voice she used for the heroine. Since the novel was in first person, I wish she had just stuck with the main voice she used. But it didn’t bother me enough to return it, and I’ll certainly listen to it many more times.

2 people found this helpful

Narrator is awful

Looked forward to this book, but the narrator is awful, and truth be told, the story isn't as good as I remember. In 25 years I think my taste has changed a great deal. I have requested they add Victoria Holt THE INDIA FAN, and if they do, I hope the narrator does it justice

5 people found this helpful

NOT Mary Stewart's best

I stuck it out to the end, because I hate to leave any story unfinished. However, this book was a big disappointment. It was slow, and much of it dreary. I didn't care for the narration. The characters were pretty interesting. If I had known what I know now, I would have bought the abridged version narrated by Jenny Agutter.

1 person found this helpful

My favorite Mary Stewart so far

It’s a bit slow on the romance at the start, but I didn’t mind that. I loved Gilly and her aunt and all the little features of her life. She’s such a kindhearted and intelligent heroine and Jilly Bond brings her to life so well. This is a wonderfully cozy read. Recommended for winter nights or summer afternoons... or anytime you want a comforting friend.

Thornyhold

One of my favorite Mary Stewart novels. I thought the reader was very good. I almost didn't buy this because of the negative reviews about the reader. I am so glad I did. A lovely story!

Entertaining

This story is told by a grandmother looking back on her earlier years. She was an unhappy child who grew into a confident, wise woman in later life with the help of an eccentric aunt.

All the Stewart familiars are there, lonely children, animals in need, and historic context with supernatural implications. I liked the book which dealt more with the characters’ psychological and personal motivations and insights rather than overly sensual romance. It is a kind of coming of age and personal growth story which made it a little deeper than her usual story.

I thought the narrator’s voice was appropriate for the story which is told about events that happened many years prior. She had a nice tone which was easy to listen to for me. I did not like her voice of the male love interest, but he does not say much so it was not much of a distraction. The rest of her voices seemed fine to me. I combined reading and listening to the book and heard some parts twice. It is a book I may pick up again in the future either to listen or to read.

Great Storytelling!

Nothing better for a cozy listen than a Mary Stewart mystery. Always worth the time.

Wonderful book!

This is one of my favorite books. I first read it probably 25 years ago. And this narration is perfect. I loved it!!