Repetition breeds contempt

as if/as if- like a/like a ...I could contunue/continue like a...

So repetitious, it's wearing; wearing like someone has to make up so many words; as if their editor has told them so many words are needed.

Well produced and narrated

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Slow but good in the end

I found the start of the book a bit slow going, but after chapter 4 got into all the characters and enjoyed it from then on. The narrator was very good, and portrayed the different character very well.

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A Truly Brilliant Historical Thriller

David Gillham has burst forth into the ranks of Furst and Le Carre with this perfectly shaped gem of a novel. The story, the characters, the historical detail, and the energy of the story telling, propel you through this amazing book. I've never encountered a novel with such telling and powerful use of detail and such a stunning presentation of a moment in history. I loved it, and it's stayed with me for a long time after. Also the narrator was absolutely perfect! Incredible performance, amazing voices, beautifully read! Sigrid is a wonderful protagonist, and her story is very gripping and ultimately moving. A great sense of women and women's lives as well. Highest Recommendation!

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3 people found this helpful

Little heard story of the German resistance

Very powerful story of the German resistance in Berlin during WW2. Well narrated. Left me thinking of it for days and how I would have acted in their shoes.

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Jarring narration

Thought-provoking story that played on my mind even when I wasn't listening to it & has stayed with me since. The characters were engaging and drawn with beautiful detail that brought them to life. But I struggled, really quite a lot at points, with the fact that the narrator couldn't do even a vaguely passable German accent. Credit to her, she kept trying. But at the point where two German characters were in conversation and, mystifyingly, one developed a Welsh accent and the other an Indian accent, I really wished she'd stop trying.

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Powerful and thought provoking

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

I have already recommended this as an engaging listen. I really disliked most of the characters to begin with but over time they emerged as well rounded characters dealing with appalling situations as people do- some well, most not so well. Over time the enormous bravery of flawed people made for a fascinating listen.

What was one of the most memorable moments of City of Women?

There is a lot of well written sex!
The twists and turns of the plot were great- I don't want to give anything away...

Which character – as performed by Suzanne Bertish – was your favourite?

The protagonist of course

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

Lots of moments especially the friendships of women and the humanity and selflessness they showed

Any additional comments?

Persevere beyond the first couple of chapters as this is necessary scene setting- the mundane life of citizens at war

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Sadly disconnected

Would you listen to City of Women again? Why?

I would certainly read it, whether I would listen again is another matter. What should be a really engaging story is sullied by a somewhat cold delivery. I'm not sure whether that's because the lead character is cold and aloof, or whether it's the delivery that has he words delivered exceedingly forcefully, which makes you feel she's almost shouting at the others in the story.
That said, the gradual immersion in the lot works well, and the slow realisation of the propaganda the citizens are being fed works well, and the characters surrounding her are well rounded and believable. Just a shame about that steam-rollering disconnection.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The slight and yet exceedingly strong willed young lady who leads with bravery, courage and not a little recklessness our heroine to act rather than wallow.

What three words best describe Suzanne Bertish’s performance?

Cold, disconnected, confident

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No, it wasn't that engaging, although as you get into the story of Auntie and the undercover world, it certainly becomes much more engaging.

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My favourite listen of 2013

I bought this on impulse without much research (I'm wary of debut novels usually)... and what a find it turned out to be. This had me glued to my seat throughout.

Beautifully narrated, it is a moving and compelling story of - mostly - women in Berlin during WWII. The story revolves mainly around women helping Jews escape capture by the Gestapo. The range of characters includes nazis, resistance heros and heroines, soldiers and ordinary women - and various mixtures thereof. It puts you face to face with moral complexity and ethical dilemmas. It's a moving love story and an even more moving story of an unlikely friendship. It is all shades of grey; no black and white, no right and wrong. Good guys behaving badly and bad guys behaving heroically. Fallible individuals facing extreme situations in different ways.

It's well written, psychologically insightful and atmospheric. I can't wait to see if David Gillham has further novels in the pipeline.

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3 people found this helpful

Excellent book.

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

Yes I would certainly recommend this book to a friend with confidence they would enjoy it.

What other book might you compare City of Women to, and why?

Black Roses. The intrigue of the inside workings of the ordinary good german during WW2.

What does Suzanne Bertish bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

Suzanne Bertish is a stunning narrator. She portrayed the v. nasty mother in law in genius fashion. I loathed the old cow as she intended me to. I would look out for books narrated by her in the future.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes

Any additional comments?

I will leave it a month or two and definitely listen to this again as it is many layered.

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