Sweeping--a fabulous read

After reading the summary of this book, I almost passed it over; it does rather sound like a book revolving around supernatural sex--not true. The sex is minimal, well-written and contextually relevant; and who is actually having sex with whom is debatable. This story deserves to be judged by more than a few sexual scenes.

The author ties the past to the present, addressing themes of loss, redemption, the value of love and talent, while creating scenes filled with rich, sensory detail. It is this that Due gives to her readers: the sights, smells, tastes, and, above all, sounds of an era that is intense, sometimes dark, but always fascinating.

23 people found this helpful

Couldn't stop listening...

I usually read mysteries and thrillers. However, occasionally I reach out and try something different. This was one of those times that I picked a gem! I know that there have been some negative comments about the sex scenes in this book. However, it is a long book and I believe that there are only three such scenes and only one that I think could be called graphic. In my opinion, they do not detract from the book!

This sat on my ipod for 10 months while I listened to other books. I don't know why, but it kept getting pushed to the bottom of the list. Once started, I had to keep listening. It was finished in three days! This is a captivating listen. From the introduction of the main characters until the resolution of the timeless connection, it kept moving. There is some history mixed in with the fiction which makes it even more interesting.

The narration is good with some slight background noise, but overall well done.

I would not hesitate to recommend this to a reader friend.

5 people found this helpful

Not as good as I thought it would be.

What disappointed you about Joplin's Ghost?

The story moved very slowly and was very confusing at several parts of the book. It was also hard to connect with the characters.

What was most disappointing about Tananarive Due’s story?

Could not connect with the characters and when I finished reading I still didnt understand how or why the piano was evil.

Would you listen to another book narrated by Lizan Mitchell?

Maybe

If you could play editor, what scene or scenes would you have cut from Joplin's Ghost?

The scene where the ghost was making love to her.

3 people found this helpful

Sweeping Saga

Spanning times between early 1900's to present modern times. This novel is a love story, and reincarnation, love of life and music, acceptance of death and a bratty piano.
I hated to see this novel end and am anxious to read another by Tananarive Due. This novel is not only entertaining it's also insightful about the world of music and of course Scott Joplin. Before I knew nothing about this man but now I truely like and respect him.

Course this one is in my relisten list.

6 people found this helpful

SEX With a touch of a ghost

Closed in book, meaning the story always takes place in a building or room or studio. Far to much attention paid to intricate explanation of what one person is doing to a ghost or visa a versa sexually. The author must think a lot about sex all the time.
Had trouble listening to this book as it seemed fractured into segments and then moved on to another scene and would repeat itself. Will definitely put you to sleep at night. I am returning this book with 8 hours left as it's not worth the credit and there are far better books to listen to.

2 people found this helpful

Excellent !

I enjoyed this book very much. This author has a way of bringing one into the story as if you are part of it. This is the 2nd book of hers that I have listened to and both have benn excellent. I would have to say, though, Joplin's Ghost is my favorite.

4 people found this helpful

The payoff is worth it

I had a wildly uneven experience with this book. It has some of the same problems that I have with most novels that try to tell two interconnected stories, one historical, one contemporary. The historical story was easy to fall into, but I kept losing interest during the contemporary timeline. That might be all me, rather than the book, as I have very little interest in 1990's pop music or the lives of fictional 90's pop stars. I was also a little uncomfortable with (the mercifully few) explicit sex scenes and some dubious consent issues. The payoff toward the end was worth persevering for, though, and the prose lifted the story a little.

I think it was the audio performance by Lizan Mitchell that really made this book for me - her pace, her voices, her emotion, even the way she changed the whole persona of the narrator based on who's POV is being revealed - were all outstanding.

1 person found this helpful

Such a wonderful ghost story - I loved it!

Any additional comments?

Lizan Mitchell was such an amazing narrator that I had to go back and double-check that this wasn't a cast performance. Seriously, she is that good. This is one of those stories that I definitely think benefited from being listened to rather than read. I LOVED it!

1 person found this helpful

Due never disappoints!

Riveting tale and much more nuanced and developed than the typical "ghost story." The historical sections are great. the contemporary ones feel a little forced, almost as if they are trying to hard to form a parallel with music industry stories of the day.

1 person found this helpful

Joplin's ghost

Wow! what a journey this book took me on. racism and spirit channeling were discussed throughout the book creating sad situations and unusual experiences.