Richly written, at times disturbing

Where does Tuscan Rose rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I really liked the length of the book -- it's good for long commutes. The story itself is in 3 distinct parts, related only by the fact that it contains Rosa, the main character is in all three. Loved the historical detail!

Who was your favorite character and why?

My favorite character was Rosa's husband Antonio, because he was solid and sensible and offered stability to the story.

Which character – as performed by Caroline Lee – was your favorite?

I love anything Caroline Lee performs!

Any additional comments?

This is not a book for anyone with a weak constitution. Alexandra's intense descriptions of Fascist and Nazi atrocities had me nauseous and gave anxiety the entire time I listened to this book. The book needs a graphic disclaimer for the violence.

26 people found this helpful

Such a beautiful listen....

What made the experience of listening to Tuscan Rose the most enjoyable?

This is a duel effort between the author and the narrator. I mean the story was beautifully written and the way Caroline Lee narrated it really brought it to life.

What other book might you compare Tuscan Rose to and why?

Unfortunately I am unable to think of one at this moment but think of a historical romance centered around a war. That is the premise for this story.

Which character – as performed by Caroline Lee – was your favorite?

I honestly do not have a favorite. I had my favorite characters in general but this has nothing to do with the narration.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

In the beginning this book was a bit slow. I had a hard time following during my initial sitting. I even got frustrated for even buying the book but once it picked up around the second chapter I did not want to put it down. However, I will say this was a really long book and I think there could have been some things left out of the book. Even still, this did not effect how I feel about the work that went into it.

Any additional comments?

This was a beautiful story and one that I thoroughly enjoyed. I would recommend this to anyone who doesn't mind being on the edge of their seats. Those who don't mind crying. Basically anyone who understands what it feels like to be emotionally invested in a book. This book was well worth the credit or cash.

17 people found this helpful

Very depressing story and too drawn out

I do not like writing a bad review about a narrator as they work very hard and whilst I normally love Caroline Lee's narration, I found the forced Italian pronunciation very annoying. I think it was overdone and very distracting.

16 people found this helpful

LOVED it!

What made the experience of listening to Tuscan Rose the most enjoyable?

Ms. Alexandra's attention to detail is impeccable. She drew me into the story within the first few paragraphs.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I was so sad when I finished the book because Rosa had almost become a friend. I believe there were probably many "Rosas" that lived through the horrible tragedies of World War II and whose stories will never be told. The book pays tribute to those women.

If you could rename Tuscan Rose, what would you call it?

In the Company of Wolves.

Any additional comments?

If you enjoy historical novels then don't miss this one. I'm looking forward to reading more of Ms. Alexandra's novels.

13 people found this helpful

Beautiful war-time story.

Any additional comments?

This was a good listen.
The story gave me insight into Italy's part in the 2nd World War, Mussolini and the hardships that the Italian people faced around his reign.
The story has an interesting plot with a bizarre but surprising twist at the end. Perhaps I would have written the end of the heroin's family history a bit different myself, but it did not make the book a bad listen.
I'll recommend this one.

8 people found this helpful

A Lovely Read/Listen

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes. I'm not a big fan of historical fiction, but this was a book where the characters made such an indelible impression that I was enchanted. It was beautifully written, impeccably narrated and, despite its length, didn't last long enough.

What did you like best about this story?

The character development and the personal view of history in Italy before and during World War II.

Which character – as performed by Caroline Lee – was your favorite?

Rosa, of course, but most of the recurring characters are well-drawn.

If you could take any character from Tuscan Rose out to dinner, who would it be and why?

Luciano. Just to have a look.

8 people found this helpful

Emotional slice of history

Would you listen to Tuscan Rose again? Why?

Yes, it read me to sleep a couple of times. I might have missed some details.

What other book might you compare Tuscan Rose to and why?

I read a piece awhile back called the Zookeepers Wife...a long winding beautiful tale that captured my attention and left me in a happy place.

Which character – as performed by Caroline Lee – was your favorite?

Antonio and the heroic Falcon

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

It's a love story during the Italian struggle with facism and the resistance to the Nazi.

Any additional comments?

This is tale that puts you in Italy during the Facist regime of Mussolini and the struggle against the Nazi, Rose is a character driven by the historical events to expose the reader to the devastation these years wrought in Italy. It is an emotional listen, you will need a tissue.

7 people found this helpful

Surprised by vision of animal cruelty

Phrases like "a doomed veal calf crying for its mother " ruin a story for me. I wish the author would see how unnecessary this is. Since I could not get that vision out of my mind I could not continue . Also- this is the first time that I didn't love Caroline Lee's narration. This time her portrayal of some of the names in this story was irritating and inconsistent .

5 people found this helpful

Caroline Lee's narration of this book is brilliant

If you could sum up Tuscan Rose in three words, what would they be?

Exciting, romantic, struggle

Who was your favorite character and why?

The main character, Rosa, the brave Tuscan Rose

Have you listened to any of Caroline Lee’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

This is the first narration by Caroline Lee that I have heard, but I am frantically searching for the next. Her performance was excellent.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

This book will twist you from shock to tears to laughter and outright surprise. A delightful read that you won't want to put down.

5 people found this helpful

Not her best effort

Would you try another book from Belinda Alexandra and/or Caroline Lee?

Yes this was the third book I've listened to. I could listen to Caroline Lee read the phone book! She's that good!

Would you be willing to try another book from Belinda Alexandra? Why or why not?

Probably not. I realize her stories are based on historical events, although they are fictional. This one was just too drawn out, too unrealistic for me. Took so long to get through and I was thoroughly bored by the end.

What about Caroline Lee’s performance did you like?

Everything. She's amazing!

Do you think Tuscan Rose needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

Definitely not! Ugh! The thought of that makes me cringe!

4 people found this helpful