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Skeletons at the Feast

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Skeletons at the Feast

By: Chris Bohjalian
Narrated by: Mark Bramhall
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About this listen

 Perhaps not since The English Patient has a novel so deftly captured both the power and poignancy of romance and terror and tragedy of war. Skillfully portraying the flesh and blood of history, Chris Bohjalian has crafted a rich tapestry that puts a face on one of the 20th century's greatest tragedies - while creating, perhaps, a haunting masterpiece.

In January 1945, in the waning months of World War II, a small group of people begin the longest journey of their lives: an attempt to cross the remnants of the Third Reich, from Warsaw to the Rhine if necessary, to reach the British and American lines.

Among the group is 18-year-old Anna Emmerich, the daughter of Prussian aristocrats. There is her lover, Callum Finella, a 21-year-old Scottish prisoner of war who was brought from the stalag to her family's farm as forced labour. And there is 26-year-old Wehrmacht corporal, who the pair know as Manfred - who is, in reality, Uri Singer, a Jew from Germany who managed to escape a train bound for Auschwitz. As they work their way west, they encounter a countryside ravaged by war. Their flight will test both Anna's and Callum's love, as well as their friendship with Manfred - assuming any of them survive.

©2008 Chris Bohjalian (P)2008 Bolinda Publishing 20th Century Fiction Genre Fiction Historical Historical Fiction Romance War & Military War Military Survival Holocaust

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All stars
Most relevant  

If you could sum up Skeletons at the Feast in three words, what would they be?

Really loved this book. So true to the history of the war but also so true of the friendships and needs for friendship that arose. Evoked many emotions for the characters in their situations.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Skeletons at the Feast?

The loss of the son for the family and their total acceptance of the situation they were in. Made you wonder how you would have reacted in that situation.

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

I think this was the first. Although it may appeared to have lacked excitement it was truly correct for the subject matter. Was not irrating through the length of the book. A really good performance.

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Would need to give this more thought.

Any additional comments?

Have now read/listened to many titles and would recommend this one.

Grim topic but oh so brilliant

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I initially found the beginning of this book too graphic but I fortunately persevered A truly mesmeric read I am a huge Mark Bramhall fan Having enjoyed a previous narrative He literally is genius at storytelling

A moving novel

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This book draws together stories illustrating those who suffered as innocent and not so innocent victims of the massive upheaval in their lives caused by the Second World War in Europe. We follow the epic journey West of a well-to-do Prussian family exiled from their estate as the Russians advance from the East with their British POW worker in tow; experience the pain and indignities suffered by Jewish girls taken to a concentration camp; and shadow the exploits of a young Jewish escapee on the run. Unlike the Ken Follett book, Winter of the World, I've just listened to set in the same period, Skeletons at the Feast hardly mentions the bigger picture or the real characters involved in the war. Instead it focuses intensely on the struggle of the characters to survive as the war rages around them. The depressing narrative is lightened by a love-affair that blossoms amid the chaos.
It's a fine book that through fiction honours those whose lives were turned over by the war, including German civilians and ordinary soldiers.
The reader is very good managing many different accents including a creditable rendition of one from NE Scotland.

Love and endurance among the victims of WW2

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Any additional comments?

Thought provoking. Informed me about aspects of WWII I'd never really thought about. Didn't grab me, but was happy to hear it out. Unexpected twist at the end.

Though provoking

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Although there were very brutal parts the plot gave very good insight into how awful it must have been for the Prussian people at the end of the war to have to leave their farms and travel across Germany seeking safety. Also how the Jews were herded like cattle towards certain death.
The friendships of the main characters were very believable and I couldn’t put the book down until I knew what was going to happen to them.
The narrator also contributed to the plot with the different voices used and the pace the narration took.

A tale of hardships and love

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Loved the characters - believable and diverse. A story that was gripping, inspiring and tragic. Would read anything else by this author.

Stunning

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This was not a book I would have physically read, but it was really brought to life by the narrator. I really enjoyed it

WW11 from a different perspective

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