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Lincoln in the Bardo,
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Peter McCambridge
I'm really enjoying the audio now, but I agree the early chapters read like footnotes you couldn't speedread your way through. It becomes much more enjoyable, and better suited to audio, from about an hour in.
Laura Shannon
I'm listening and reading along at the same time. It's a very enjoyable experience and I think each format enhances the other. Perfectly done.
Tyler
I think the format lends itself much better to the page.
Bonnie
NO, wading through footnotes is exactly what it felt like, I have too many Good books/stories to read to waste my time!!
Nicola Cataldo
I love George Saunders. Adore and nearly worship George Saunders. But I will not be finishing this book. No plans to listen to the audio version either. What was he thinking with this?
Lori
While I know the audio is a "who's who" of A-listers, I think actually looking at the text and familiarizing with how it is laid out could help you if you decide to listen. if you wanted to then go back and listen you might have a much easier time doing so.
As for ignoring the format while reading--don't know that you can ignore it, but you can follow it. It takes a little bit (some of it is broken up into sections almost like poetry stanzas), but after the first several pages you will get the hang of it. I was initially intimidated but kept going. It was worth it as this is a haunting book. I finished a few days ago and am still trying to figure out what to make of it--but in a good way.
As for ignoring the format while reading--don't know that you can ignore it, but you can follow it. It takes a little bit (some of it is broken up into sections almost like poetry stanzas), but after the first several pages you will get the hang of it. I was initially intimidated but kept going. It was worth it as this is a haunting book. I finished a few days ago and am still trying to figure out what to make of it--but in a good way.
Jess
I'm only about 1/3 of the way through this book, but I can't imagine listening to it & having any earthly (or other) idea of what was going on or who was speaking. I constantly 'cheat' by looking forward to see who is talking. I think you need to read it.
Katie Wood
I just listened to the audio book on a road trip, and agree that the format of a lot of it makes for an awkward listen. Something like: "Goodwin, op. cit." is much easier to skip over with the eye than make sense of, or tune out, when barreling down the highway. My boss got a hard copy of the book at an author reading and my first request this morning when I got back to the office was to ask him to please bring it in for me to see what it looks like on the page.
Shaun Bossio
It's outside the box, that's for sure, and it doesn't lend itself well to audio at first. I think about a third of the way through I realized that there are essentially 4 main characters (Vollman, Bevins & The Reverend, plus Willie) or 5 if you count Lincoln, and that you should follow their thread. It doesn't make it easier to go back and reread parts that you may have missed, but I made up for that by buying the hardcover and reading again once I'd finished the audio.
Leonard Armstrong
I know I (we) are in the minority on this one, but I just don't get it. My mind tends to wander during this book and that is a sure sign that this is just not my thing. I have about 2 hours left and I will finish it, but I'm not in the "This is the book of the year" camp on this one.
LoriO
I was struggling early on with the audiobook, so borrowed the ebook version from my library and now it's all making so much sense. I think this is a book that actually benefits HUGELY from being 'read' in both ways. The audiobook performance is masterful, but you have to see how it's laid out on a page so that you can understand how that's being translated. I'd be sad if I missed out on this audiobook, but probably couldn't have enjoyed it properly without the written page to refer to. (I'm only about a third of the way through, so I may change my mind later on!)
Lori
I love audio books, but I believe Saunders is a writer's writer and he writes in a language and format that is meant to be read. Do be patient for the first dozen or so (they are really short!) chapters. Allow for some confusion as you go, read slowly and relish the language as you would a poem. The book is a masterpiece on so many levels. I thought this one of the best books I'd ever read.
Rita Komendant
Man-o-man, reviews from a lot of up tight people (control freaks?).What is wrong with reading something different? Ever try Virginia Woolf's Waves? Reee-lax and just roll with it. Can you imagine the research for all these cites? everyone's version of what the moon was doing the party night . . . hilarious. I don't think I would like to stand next to you at MOMA while you disseminate a Barnett Newman or Rothco. :D
Carlos Aranaga
Absolutely no problem with reading it in book form. I like audiobooks too and I know some books are better read in one format over another. This is one of the best books I've read this year so stick with it and switch to a non-virtual format if you prefer.
David Antonik
When I started the audiobook, I decided to return to the beginning after a few hours of listening and it became a much easier read. I finished in a few days and am glad I stuck with it. After viewing the book version, I think it would be much more difficult to read. At least with the different narrators for each character, you will soon get the feel for who is "speaking".
Alisa
Interesting--I began to visualize the book as a Readers Theatre production--I'd think it might really lend itself to listening. But I don't know what all is being read in an audio version--are all the attributions there? I can see that it could be difficult to auditorially wade through that. I found the book easy to read, once I got the format.
Constance
I just started listening this morning, ugh struggle!! I listen while driving mostly and this is not a good one for that. Having to follow along in the book while listening I personally think defeats the point. I will continue to listen and by the other reviews it sounds like it will get easier. One can hope!
Cy
Just muscle through; I found it annoying as well. It's absolutely worth it and I think it serves a practical purpose in the end.
Marsha
I cannot imagine this as an audiobook. Much of the message is also contained in the style -- including the spacing on the pages, the attributions for the speakers/writers, the text itself. I think most readers, myself included, hit a stride and settle into the slow, measured, deliberate rhythm of what Saunders and his characters reveal as they each speak. The bardo is a fractured, frightening place, but not nearly as frightening as what the characters each individually worry might be waiting for them -- beyond the fence, in the light, wherever.
Do yourself a favor. Read the book. Then listen to it. It will make far more sense to you.
Do yourself a favor. Read the book. Then listen to it. It will make far more sense to you.
Christine
My experience was exactly the same when reading it - I was really disappointed, but I could not get past the format in order to take in the story.
Kumari de Silva
I thought of them as "quotes" or "citations" rather than footnotes - and I felt the format matches the structure - - since the speakers are dead, Saunders refrains from using dialogue punctuation, and this I found effective. But, I realize, this is pretty avant-garde and not for everyone's taste
Diane
Gave up on the audio version halfway through. Love the talented folks reading it but it made no sense and/or was too choppy in style. Moving on!
Nancy
I tried the audio book because I heard such amazing reviews, but it was a nightmare! Couldn't make it more than three chapters. I just read the book and I think it's more fun to imagine the "symphony" of voices in your head. I loved it so much I'd re-read the book, but I still wouldn't bother with the audio.
And yes - I just ignored all the footnotes. They're not important, it's better to read them like a cohesive narration (that sometimes contradicts itself in a funny way!).
And yes - I just ignored all the footnotes. They're not important, it's better to read them like a cohesive narration (that sometimes contradicts itself in a funny way!).
Sherwestonstec
I looked at this book and realized this wasn't one i wanted to read so i got the audio version out of the library. we are reading this for book club so that is why i did finish it. we were on a long road trip so i listened to it both coming and going and finished it over two days. since i knew the format from the book it didn't bother me the way it was read. having 166 people narrate it made it much easier to keep the characters straight! my husband found it torturous to listen to i did ok with it. very strange and bizarre. i don't think i would recommend it, but i am glad i got through it.
Susan
Really disappointed after all the hype about this 'not to be missed' novel - just started listening and like you am immediately super annoyed at the format. I am going to hang in a little longer - after reading some of these comments it might be worth it & I understand a little bit better what the heck is going on at the start - no help from the author. But I am finding myself just tsk-ing and rolling my eyes at this audio narration. All the footnote citations make me want to growl with deep irritation. And I do. I'll give it another 2 long walks before abandoning it. So far, hating it big time, especially after just loving the Atwood I just finished & am in a bit of withdrawal over. Saunders is just no Atwood. And, as another commenter wrote - too many books, so little time. Also, what's with the giant pauses in the audio? I keep thinking I need to move to the next CD, but no, someone starts talking again after a long silence. Weird.
donna_ehm
The format, whether print or audio, is a defining characteristic of the book and not something you can ignore (I noted in my review of the book that it took me a few pages to get into it but once I did the whole story just flowed).
It'll either float your boat or sink it, whichever format you choose, but I'd say either go with the print first then the audio, or have the print and basically follow along while listening (as others have commented and found a great combination). I did the former and am having no issue with the audio version. In fact, I'm enjoying it even more than the print as the voice cast is excellent. It helped tremendously that I knew how the text was structured and what was going on with the citations and the dialogue.
It'll either float your boat or sink it, whichever format you choose, but I'd say either go with the print first then the audio, or have the print and basically follow along while listening (as others have commented and found a great combination). I did the former and am having no issue with the audio version. In fact, I'm enjoying it even more than the print as the voice cast is excellent. It helped tremendously that I knew how the text was structured and what was going on with the citations and the dialogue.
Lisa
I am partway through reading this and I can't imagine listening to it. I had to read the first several chapters twice to get into the flow of how it is written. And now, I'm hooked and fascinated. But all those voices in audio, I'd have been confused beyond confused myself. Reading, I'm now just in the moment as I read.
Lee
I think because I read the story first, I found listening to the audio book more enjoyable than it would have been otherwise. In particular, having an understanding of the structure and flow of the story allowed to better appreciate Saunder's excellent portrayal of a sorrowful Lincoln.
Jennifer Kennedy
I don't think I could listen to this book. It is beautifully written with a unique format that lends itself to being read.
Sarah
I felt the same at first too, but am about a quarter of the way through and it is getting a lot easier to follow
Karen
I listened to it and I loved the format - I now want to read every secondary source in the footnotes! The format was wonderful for moving the story forward and fleshing out the real, biographical characters which enhanced the fictional story. I found it refreshing to listen to a new and different format - kudos to George Saunders! I really just loved everything about it. It took a couple of chapters to understand what was happening - a book would have made that clear immediately - but once I got the hang of it I couldn't wait for each section to switch off. Wonderful book.
Dawn Kelly
imho, The dreamlike, disconnected. format supports the theme of the book. I read the print version and am rereading it again. Since it takes the reader into the Bardo- (or purgatory, or a ghostlike intermediate state) the format supports that. In this place, souls have a partial consciousness, they are fixed on - stuck on- clinging to; temporary, partial or illusionary aspects of life. I think that's why the voices are brief- like our impressions, feelings and thoughts are also brief, and repetitive, like our ordinary (monkey mind) consciousness seems to be. These are souls caught in the Bardo- distracted, arguing, small, trying to figure things out.- misled by sense impressions- or passion or whatever they are clinging to and stewing over. The reason their names are all in lower case is, I think, to emphasize that names are transitory, artificial, unimportant in the life of the immortal soul. The spaces on the page reflect to me - silence of the grave, searching of the mind. The loose, brief dialog is representative of what out ordinary consciousness is like- flitting from thought to thought... an unsettled state, particularly for the souls trapped there. The historic footnotes perhaps offer the compare and contrast with life; the actual historical notes are similarly caught up on partial, conditional aspects of life- opinions, incomplete ideas, sense impressions. The living are caught up in thinking that is small and biased, and particularly when they set it down in a "story", it seems artificial, partial; instead of being a direct experience. Just my take, for what it's worth.
Maureen
Give it time. I had to rewind it a few times but I believe it was well worth the effort and actually ended up being fun. I agree that the format is very confusing at first. It's like you have to find the rhythm.
Paul Brent
Questions on the format: I found myself reading the voice or citation prior to the text. I think it would be easier if the reader knew in advance who was speaking. Also there were so many characters in the cemetery that I found not so interesting. However, that being said I found the book powerful stuff and having read several books on Lincoln it was fascinating to see the one visit of Lincoln to Willie's grave produced this book with all of its imagination. Some of the most moving sections for me were the back to back first hand accounts.
Dena
I'm only 20 minutes into the audio version & the "footnotes" are unbearably annoying to me. Based on what some other said, I may skip ahead at least an hour & see if I can follow the story.
Leslie
I agree. It came to a point where I was ignoring the footnotes. It was tedious to read. Can't imagine listening to it.
Beth Vogel
I had trouble at first with the unexpected references, but decided to stick with it and became interested in the number and type (memoirs, diaries, etc.) of references Saunders used. I'll probably listen again to get the names of a few of them to look up. Once he began with the fictional story, it became a fascinating journey. I don't really want to finish it.
Deborah
I started listening to it on audio but gave up; it's just too complex in that format, at least for me. Too many characters making short statements in conversation, too many quotes from contemporary accounts. But I just finished it on my kindle and really liked it. I was fascinated by the book quotes which often showed how people see the same thing quite differently. (Didn't appreciate that on audio, however.)
Sharon
I mostly just ignored the footnotes - just used them as an indication that different voices (or sources) were speaking, but to actually read them all ruined the flow of the story, so I just skipped them after the first 15 or 20 pages.
Mike Mulvey
100% agree. I powered through the audiobook, but it was a very chaotic listening experience.
Steve
I can't see enjoyment in an audio version of this, unless the the attributions are somewaht excised and the voices are clearly distinguishable from each other. Otherwise, reading it in physical form was fine if you are following the story flow...a bookmark is very handy here.
Houry
It took me a bit to get used to the format and when I did, it really felt like I was listening to the voices of each character rather than reading the words.
Federica
It's so true! I'm having a hard time listening to the audiobook! It's almost impossible to stay focused and not get lost...
Joan
I started this book on my kindle then switched to audio. I found the audio easier to follow. I did not like this book at all and the only reason I finished it was because we are going to discuss it in my book club.
Heather
I just started this audiobook in my car on my commute this morning. Talk about a stressful commute! I was so confused! On at least 2 occasions I shouted out, "What the f---!" I was about to give up until I read all these replies saying it's worth it. So now I'm downloading the ebook so I can understand the format. Hopefully it gets better.
Donna From
I am listening to this book also, and find it exactly as you describe. The format and the voices are impossible to overcome. I'm not enjoying it at all. I'm on the last disk and it is a real slog for me to get through.
I listen to about a hundred books a year, and apart from a few that have been read by the authors, who were not good readers, I must say, this is the least enjoyable book I have ever listened to. I'm listening to this book for my book club, or else I would have cast it aside long ago.
Oh, well!!! At least the discussion should be interesting.
I do not recommend listening to this book, unless you have the companion book along side it to refer to.
I listen to about a hundred books a year, and apart from a few that have been read by the authors, who were not good readers, I must say, this is the least enjoyable book I have ever listened to. I'm listening to this book for my book club, or else I would have cast it aside long ago.
Oh, well!!! At least the discussion should be interesting.
I do not recommend listening to this book, unless you have the companion book along side it to refer to.
Ladybug
I am reading ebook and am only at earlier chapters, I could not imagine listening to this book, not at all! Lol
Lauren
I tried listening too, but stopped and bought the book to either read and listen or read while listening.
Judith
I agree that the audio is initially confusing but I stuck with it and I love the character portrayals. The "op. cit."s were annoying but it was a small price to pay for the very imaginative story, the various voices, how they interrupted one another all the time, the very colorful accents, etc. I finished it and now I miss all those characters.
Sharon
My friend always says that podcasts are meant for listening and books are made to read. I have to apply that maxim to the extraordinary all-star cast audiobook. It's unintelligible as audio, better to read.
Maureen
I agree - I'm this close to abandoning it in favor of reading it. I wanted to listen given the cast, but it's just not doing it for me. I'm not sure if the written word will help - this just might be too "different" for me.
Abigale Miller
I agree with most of the comments - I started the audio book and found it almost impossible. With all the different voice actors I expected it to be really interesting but the format is difficult, especially if you don't have a print version to consult to check your understanding. For a long time while listening, I couldn't figure out if the reference was before the quote or after. And I had no idea what "op cit" was without seeing the text. I thought my CD was skipping.
Anyway, I like the suggestion of listening & reading along, although it's more work than just doing one or the other.
Anyway, I like the suggestion of listening & reading along, although it's more work than just doing one or the other.
Scott
On disk 3 out of 6 I threw in the towel. It was just a horrible book.
Mary Ann
I'm listening to it too and having a bit of trouble. I wondered if this wasn't a book that better lent itself to paper.
Angela
I agree that listening to it was difficult. Reading on the physical page is so much easier - I got through 50 pages in the first sitting.
Greg
Cate, the written version is unique. The style varies, and no, I don't see how one can ignore this particular format, which varies page to page, chapter to chapter. It is sort of all over the place.
Betty
I listened to it and didn't under quite a bit BUT I was fascinated. I'm putting it on my "want to read" list.
Xylog
I agree, it was too hard to appreciate the good things in this story. And it is an amazing, poignant American story that deserves to be told. I appreciate the author's intention but I could not get past the jarring format. I really wanted to appreciate all the amazing narration talent, but there was not enough arc within each narrator's snippet to allow for any real talent to shine through.
Lesley
I read it and did find the format annoying, like reading a play, in particular the quotations from books (real and fictional) are hard to distinguish but Saunders is doing something different here and creating something that is not quite prose as we know it. It is worth reading, I don't know about listening to it.
Erin Kinney
I almost stopped listening with the first disc with all of the op. cit.s. Gah! I'm in the middle of disc 2 right now and it's caught my attention. I just hope all of those op. cit.s come back into play, otherwise why bother?
Carrie
I started listening to this last week and had to stop because of the format. I found myself drifting and not able to focus on what was happening. I may take others suggestions and get a hard copy and follow along.
Bobbi
I began reading along while listening to the audio. After about 10 pages I just got too impatient with the insertion of "op. cit." etc., and turned the audio off. I have much better flow and really prefer reading to listening.
Sarah
I'm listening and reading along in the Kindle and I think this is the perfect way to read this book - sort of like reading along with the script at a table read. I'm loving it so far but I admit I was a little confused before I downloaded the ebook.
Lori
I would get that refund. I think this book is far too different to be listened too. I don't know how a narrator would manage it. I'd read it rather than listen to it.
Adryon
Initially I didn't think I could make it through the audio version without being completely confused, but like others have said, about an hour in I started to really, really enjoy the audio and the format, and I really loved all the voices and characters. I might buy the book and read it next time in paper copy to see how it differs.
Brittany
I'm currently in the same boat....I was so taken aback when all the "footnotes" began. I hope it gets better.
Nancy
The format on the printed page allows you to read at your own pace and to return to reread where necessary (which is frequently!)
Michelle Redo
I just started reading this book (with my eyes) and thought how this would be a very tough one to do on audio... I'm very compelled by the concept of it and a friend said to stick with it, so I'm giving it my best effort. So curious to figure out which references are the real ones. (Does that spoil the magic?)
Suzanna Swanson-Johnston
I bought the audiobook, but gave up and read the book instead because i found this problem. When you read it you can then skip over the footnotes and get to the amazing truth of the narrative, STICK WITH IT I PROMISE. But definitely book over audio.
Ann Villano
I listened to the audiobook and was definitely confused for the first third. Once I figured out the voices, the world, and basic premise, I went back and listened to it from the beginning again. And then LOVED it.
Kathleen Kelley
Just imagine, this is the VERY FIRST book I've ever tried in audio version. I was so lost, I didn't know what was going on. I had to come here on Goodreads and try to see what was happening! I thought it was footnotes, and that every audio book started with a list of footnotes at the beginning.
Alison McLennan
I started reading it and then tried switching to audio because I can't read very well on airplanes. I HATED the audio version but LOVED reading it. Everyone is different though and isn't that what makes life interesting. For me, the audio voices made it sound inauthentic and gimmicky.
Marsha
I think listening to the audio as I followed along in the book helped me get over this same issue. I saw a comment in one of the reviews that it might've been better if rather than so many different voices reading the sources, the narrator should have and it might've flowed easier. I can see both ways though.
Piotr Nowak
Gooooosh Cate, I couldn't agree more and I've listened to audiobooks for years. I shall start over but for now something lighter.
Cate Poe
Hello Everyone and thanks for all these responses. Just to update you: I persisted, got past my initial irritation at all the op.cits. and ended up loving the performance. All the voices. Just realized -- one year later -- that I had so much company in grappling with this book. Thanks!
Jann
I totally agree with you, Cate. I found it excruciating. Then when the story went "into the Bardo," it was a bit more interesting, but also quite confusing with who was who and why?? I kept trying to plug along, but then the story went back to the footnote format. Definitely not for me.
Douglas Mulvaney
I read it, and I had no issues with the format. I'm not actually interested in listening to it, as I suspect it would move to slowly for me.
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