Barnaby Rogerson

Advantages: Easy-to-read. Pleasantly satisfying. Well-drawn characters.
Disadvantages: Made me buy five more of Anne Tyler's books - expensive!!!

...A Patchwork Planet is a novel by American authoress, Anne Tyler, published in 1998. It is Anne Tyler’s fourteenth novel but only the first of her works that I have had the pleasure to read. The book was bought for me by my daughter who decided that it was time that I discovered a new and different writer. The book was indeed a pleasure to read. A Patchwork Planet is set in Baltimore, USA (where apparently all of Anne Tyler’s books are set) but it could actually have been set anywhere. The characters and places are familiar to most readers of book no matter what their background. The book’s protagonist and narrator is a 29-year-old man, Barnaby Gaitlan, who hailing from a privilaged background strayed off the rails as adolescent and into a life of minor crimes. The crimes were not really what you would expect. Barnaby liked to route... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: a joy to hear and educational
Disadvantages: none

...You may think that Dickens is old hat or just for school, think again or, rather, listen again. An audio copy of Barnaby Rudge is a revelation. Gordon riots, an historical event, come to life. The social conditions off the time are described so well, the listener seems to be transported back in time. I say listener as reading Dickens is often hard work, but having the wonderful stories read to you is a different matter. I'm handicapped and always listen rather than read books, I am the lucky one. The Listening Library for the handicapped and public libraries have a wealth of audio books. Any Dickens book is a joy, Barnaby Rudge is my favourite... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Real page turner
Disadvantages: None

...I am having an Anne Tyler 'season' of reading at present, and so here is the second review of one of her books. Anne Tyler lives in Baltimore, and her stories are based in this city on the eastern seaboard of the US. Having read a few of her books, I already feel that I know Baltimore well, and its diverse population with strong Polish influence. A Patchwork Planet is another very readable story book which kept me interested from the first page when our hero, Barnaby Gaitlin, begins a journey to see his estranged daughter in Philadelphia. Barnaby is in his late 20's, and has had a troubled past. His family are wealthy, but it becomes clear that his father may have married 'below him' by taking on a Polish wife from the poorer suburbs on Baltimore. His mother has had to work hard to fit in with her life, and Barnaby has not helped... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful