Review: The Weird Sisters by Eleanor Brown (audio book)

Summary from Goodreads: There is no problem that a library card can’t solve.

The Andreas family is one of readers. Their father, a renowned
Shakespeare professor who speaks almost entirely in verse, has named his
three daughters after famous Shakespearean women. When the sisters
return to their childhood home, ostensibly to care for their ailing
mother, but really to lick their wounds and bury their secrets, they are
horrified to find the others there. See, we love each other. We just don’t happen to like each other very much.
But the sisters soon discover that everything they’ve been running
from – one another, their small hometown, and themselves – might offer more
than they ever expected.

Read by: Kirsten Potter

Duration: 10 hours, 26 minutes

My thoughts: There are a few reasons why I listened to this when I did. I had finally figured out how to get audios onto my iPod from Overdrive and this particular audio happened to be available.

The Weird Sisters is the story of three sisters who all end up heading home at the same time. They say they are really there to help their mother who has breast cancer, but it turns out they are all running away from their lives, although they are not willing to admit that to anyone at first, not even each other. As we get to know each of the three sisters, it is easy to relate to them in some way, and maybe because I have two sisters, myself, I could really appreciate the relationships they have with each other – not always good, but always there when needed. I also think I fell in love with this story because of the family’s obvious love for books. This was a family that read – much like my family – and again I could completely relate. While my father didn’t spout Shakespeare as Mr. Andreas did, he does love his books and passed that love onto his seven children.

Audio Thoughts: I thought that Kirsten Potter was a great narrator. She was able to give each character their own voice and I had no trouble keeping everyone separate. Even now, weeks after I’ve finished this audio, I can still hear Kirsten’s voice as I think about this book. 

What about you? Have you read or listened to this book? Have you ever listened to a book and then when you think about it later on, the narrator’s voice comes right back to you?

(I borrowed this audio from the library.)


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19 Comments

  1. Mary (Bookfan)
    June 27, 2012 / 1:10 am

    Kristin, I have this on my iPod but haven't listened yet. Maybe next. I'm glad you enjoyed it. I remember a narrator's voice when I liked their performance. I just finished listening to Little Princes – read by the author. He did a fantastic job – loved it and I'll always recall his voice when I think of the book. Highly recommended audio.

    • Kristin
      June 27, 2012 / 1:12 pm

      Mary – it's such a great story and I think it's great on audio. I haven't read/listened to Little Princes – maybe I'll try the audio of it.

  2. Anonymous
    June 27, 2012 / 1:39 am

    I have heard both positive and negative things about this one…I think I will have to give it a try for myself. Thanks for the review!

    • Kristin
      June 27, 2012 / 1:13 pm

      I found it to be a good story, perhaps because I could relate on so many different levels.

  3. Suko
    June 27, 2012 / 2:10 am

    I'd love to read or listen to this book. It sounds like my kind of book–I have three sisters. Excellent, concise review. I'm glad you enjoyed this one.

    • Kristin
      June 27, 2012 / 1:13 pm

      It's a good one and the audio definitely keeps you coming back for more.

  4. Nise'
    June 27, 2012 / 2:36 am

    I listened to this book, but did read as well. I enjoy Kirsten Potter as a narrator.

    • Kristin
      June 27, 2012 / 1:19 pm

      She's really good. I think I've listened to her before – she was part of the cast in the audio of The Neighbor by Lisa Gardner.

  5. Jen (Devourer of Books)
    June 27, 2012 / 3:29 am

    I read this book when it was first out and loved it, I've been meaning to go back and listen, so glad to hear that the narrator is good!

    • Kristin
      June 27, 2012 / 1:20 pm

      The narration was great, especially with all the Shakespeare quotes!

  6. Trish
    June 27, 2012 / 4:24 am

    I'm just get used to reading on a Kindle, not sure I'm ready for audiobooks! I know, I'm a dinosaur. 🙂

    I did read this one, however, although for some reason I never wrote a review of it anywhere. I remember liking it well enough, so I'm not sure why I didn't.

    • Kristin
      June 27, 2012 / 1:21 pm

      I only started listening to audios a year and a half ago. I like having them on in the car and I just started putting them on my iPod to take with me to the gym!

  7. Meg @ A Bookish Affair
    June 27, 2012 / 7:44 pm

    I read this book. I loved it!!!

    • Kristin
      June 28, 2012 / 1:13 pm

      I'm glad someone else did. From what I've gathered, it seems to be hit or miss with people.

  8. Jen at Introverted Reader
    June 27, 2012 / 8:01 pm

    This is on my library audio wishlist as well. I've been hesitant to download it because I haven't heard anything about the audio. It's good to know you enjoyed it!

    • Kristin
      June 28, 2012 / 1:14 pm

      It was really good – the narrator was awesome!

  9. Katie Edwards
    June 27, 2012 / 8:20 pm

    I wanted to read this, but I've only read a negative review so far, so it's good to have a positive one to balance out. I need to read it to make up my own mind.

    • Kristin
      June 28, 2012 / 1:15 pm

      It does seem as if this book has been hit or miss with people. I enjoyed it, but then I could relate on a lot of levels, so perhaps that added to my enjoyment. Let me know what you think if you end up reading it.

  10. Joy Weese Moll
    July 3, 2012 / 4:24 am

    I read this in print. I'm not sure I would have followed it well in audio. Did you find it hard to grasp the quotes and literary allusions?

    Here's my review: joyweesemoll.com/2011/05/03/book-review-the-weird-sisters-by-eleanor-brown/