Reading In White Bear Lake.......: June 2014

Title: The Other Story
Author: Tatiana de Rosnay
Genre: Adult Fiction
Narrator: Simon Vance
Unabridged Length: 10 h, 3 m
Publisher: Macmillan Audio, 2014
Source: Audiobook Jukebox‘s reviewer program

About the Book: (from good reads.com) Vacationing at a luxurious Tuscan island resort, Nicolas Duhamel is hopeful that the ghosts of his past have finally been put to rest… Now a bestselling author, when he was twenty-four years old, he stumbled upon a troubling secret about his family – a secret that was carefully concealed. In shock, Nicholas embarked on a journey to uncover the truth that took him from the Basque coast to St. Petersburg – but the answers wouldn’t come easily.
In the process of digging into his past, something else happened. Nicolas began writing a novel that was met with phenomenal success, skyrocketing him to literary fame whether he was ready for it or not – and convincing him that he had put his family’s history firmly behind him. But now, years later, Nicolas must reexamine everything he thought he knew, as he learns that, however deeply buried, the secrets of the past always find a way out.
Page-turning, layered and beautifully written, Tatiana de Rosnay's THE OTHER STORY is a reflection on identity, the process of being a writer and the repercussions of generations-old decisions as they echo into the present and shape the future.
About the Author:

Tatiana de Rosnay is the author of ten novels, including the New York Times bestselling novel Sarah’s Key and A Secret Kept. Sarah’s Key is an international sensation, with over five million copies sold in thirty-eight countries worldwide, and had not been made into a major motion picture.

Together with Dan Brown, and Steig Larsson, Tatiana was named one of the top three fiction writers in Europe in 2010. She lives with her husband and two children in Paris, where she is at work on her next book.

About the Narrator:

Simon Vance has been narrating audiobooks for more than 30 years and has completed more than 700 titles.
He has won accolades from across the publishing world and beyond for his masterful ability to bring books to life.

My Review: Nicolas Duhamel, AKA Nicolas Colt is an author of one best selling novel, who is struggling to start his second book. He goes to a Tuscan Island Resort with his girlfriend, Malvina to work on his new book. Nicolas was a very unlikable character caring only about himself and what others think of him. He was extremely egocentric and objectified women. I have to admit when Nicolas described various women and interactions, I had to remind myself, yes, this book was written by Tatiana de Rosnay. Is it a sign of a good writer, if I can’t believe that some very crude passages just could not have been written by a woman?? I think Tatiana de Rosnay does a wonderful job of depicting the struggles of a writer and writer’s block. She really captured the cost of fame should one allow themselves to be so entrenched in that life style of excess.
I was determined to finish this book while it took much longer than usual, I finished this book. My determination to finish was partially due to the smooth, engaging narration of Simon Vance. I think Simon could read a phone book and I would enjoy it! I will be looking or more book narrated by Simon Vance! While the ending of The Other Story by Tatiana de Rosnay did provide some redeeming actions by Nicholas Duhamel, it was far too late to change my opinion of the story.

My Rating: 2/5 - When I was offered the opportunity to review a book by Tatiana de Rosnay, I jumped at the chance. I really wanted to love this book! I am a huge fan of Sarah’s Key, but unfortunately I was very disappointed in The Other Story by Tatiana de Rosnay. Simon Vance delivers a wonderful performance as narrator.

My Rating Scale: 1 – didn’t like it; 2 – it was ok; 3 – liked it; 4 – really liked it; 5 – it was amazing

The Other Story was also reviewed by the Michelle @ That’s What She Read, Shelia at Book Journey and Book Lust.

Happy Reading!