ISBN: 1-7887-3487-3 Order from: Recorded Books
An entertaining, sometimes touching tale of human loss and friendship with colorful and slightly improbable characters.
Reviewed by David on March 17, 2002
Genre: Non-genre Fiction (Mystery)
Synopsis: This is an unabridged recording of Thale's Folly. Andrew Thale, a young writer suffering from severe writer's block is sent by his domineering father to assess an old house inherited from Andrew's Great-Aunt. While the remote house is as ramshackle as Andrew expects, it's not empty. A strange croup of outcasts live there, apparently once invited by the aunt. While all distressed and fugitives of some sort, the squatters form a strangely warm family. Andrew finds wonder and strange contentment in the old house, while getting deeply involved in their problems.
Full Review: A warm, at times whimsical tale, this book has a pleasant if somewhat ineffectual protagonist, colorful and somewhat implausible supporting cast, and practically no villains. The story is a bit simplistic, but satisfying and enjoyable, much like comfortable fire on a cold day.
Overall: 5.5; Plot: 5; Characters: 6; Style: 6; World-building: 5; Originality: 6.5;
Copyright date 1999, Recorded Books, 1999, Audio cassette, 5 cassettes
ISBN: 1-7887-3487-3 Order from: Recorded Books