The best audiobook ever....

I don't normally leave reviews but this book stands out so much that I had to. I've listened to many audiobooks over the years but this is the best I've ever come across. It's a big statement but for me all boxes were ticked. The story is excellent- full of action, intrigue, subtleties of human nature and fantastic historical connotations of the time and all things naval. However what really makes this book stand out is the narration- Gildart Jackson is a genius at work. I've never heard a narrator display such a great command of so many roles making the story flow and the characters really come to life. Quite simply a work of class. Hope everyone enjoys it as much as I did.

30 persone l'hanno trovata utile

Ripping good yarn with expert narration

Where does Tai-Pan rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This is one of the best I've listened to.

Have you listened to any of Gildart Jackson’s other performances? How does this one compare?

No, I have not. But Gildart's characterisations are amazing. I would not hesitate to listen to this again, comparing it favourably to the voices on the other Clavell novels.

11 persone l'hanno trovata utile

Great saga of early Hong Kong

James Clavell writes an absorbing Boys Own Paper type of saga, full of swashbuckling characters against a real historical backdrop. The narrator is extremely good with accents, especially the main Chinese female voice which had me laughing out loud at times.

I read the book years ago and had forgotten most of it so it was a treat to escape once again into the world of the Noble House. Great beach listening!

7 persone l'hanno trovata utile

Fantastic story and narration

I've been delighted to find Clavell's books on audio, having read them when I was much younger. Tai Pan is a rollicking good story, with really strong characters (Dirk is a bit like Reacher - men want to be him, women want to be with him!). The narration was excellent, given the variety of characters in the book, each with such specific country/cultural backgrounds. Even the Scottish dialect was reasonable, since it usually gets mangled by narrators unless they are actually Scottish!

Excellent value for money too - got this as one of my 'monthly subscriptions', getting more than 30h listening.

5 persone l'hanno trovata utile

excellent

thought I might get annoyed with the narrator but persisted and ended up really enjoying his style . The story is just great accepting the plausibility of fictional ! highly recommended.

5 persone l'hanno trovata utile

by god

a masterpiece, better than shogun of which over 40yrs I read watched on tv and have listened to since joining audible nearly 3 yrs ago. the intenseness passion history violence are exquisite, the reading masterful, and the final tumultuous chapters reached such emotion inside I cried. to look upon this island city now and imagine it's once frail beginning will haunt me each time I see her or hear of her.

4 persone l'hanno trovata utile

A truly fantastic story, brilliantly read.

breathtaking story. James Clavell at his best.
Fantastic performance.
I highly recommend this series of books

4 persone l'hanno trovata utile

An absolute classic by God!

Brilliant story with brilliant narration . if you can't enjoy this one you need to be tied to the mainsail for a good flogging!

3 persone l'hanno trovata utile

Great book - but 6 stars for narration!

James Clavell's epic novels are excellent. But listening to this audio book what is even more amazing is that it's read by one guy! Outstanding

2 persone l'hanno trovata utile

Exceptional

Gildart Jackson is my favourite narrator and he has given the most marvellous, memorable performance in the telling of this gripping, beautifully wrought story. I listened over three days as I was so loathe to put it down.

1 persona l'ha trovata utile