Wowed

Gripping story, astonishingly good writing, sensitive and stylish narration. I want to go back and listen over.

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history of 16th century New York

I enjoyed the story but wished for less wordy descriptions of conversations and some occurrences

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Elegant, rich language, plot filled with twists

The entire premise of this novel surrounds the enigmatic Richard Smith who has turned up in New York in 1700s with £1,000, a huge sum at the time. The prose is elegant and rich, reminiscent of classic period dramas written by Edith Wharton, but mixes the plot of the Taming Of The Shrew with "The Guest" by Satyajit Ray. The ending is poignant when we discover his true purpose of the money and there are literally hundreds of twists throughout the novel. Beautifully written.

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3 people found this helpful

A trip back in time

Loved the authenticity of the language and the feeling created of the society in New York of the time

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Play at less than normal speed

Sarah gallops through parts of this and for the first time listening to an audible book I struggled to hear the words. I’d recommend you play it on less than full speed in order to make head and tail of the experience.

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1 person found this helpful

Beautifully written and narrated

Very atmospheric . I love a good historical novel. Lots of twists in the story that grit me guessing until the end

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Engaging New York romp

Would you try another book written by Francis Spufford or narrated by Sarah Borges?

Yes - lively writing and an interesting time to read about.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The monster - really 'orrible

Would you be willing to try another one of Sarah Borges’s performances?

I enjoyed the narrator's voice but there were quite a few mispronunciations of words

Do you think Golden Hill needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

Not really - no spoilers but it's pretty complete

Any additional comments?

Good book -worth a go and keeps it's pace up nicely - I particularly liked the Tabitha character and the card game scene.

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1 person found this helpful

This story will keep you guessing to the very end.

Start reading or listening to this book from looking up some old XVIII century drawings of New York and Boston. The whole book gained an additional dimension after that.
It's read as if written in 1746, a matter of fact. I enjoyed the mixture of cultures described, certain obvious facts, like slavery, an obvious part of life or the tragedy of being gay in 1700s. Little things, like newly fashionable coffee houses, almost being able to smell that strong coffee and freshly baked bread. The story itself kept me interested as it's never boring and keeps surprising, but the description of the long gone New York, so different to anything we know now had its own magic and charm.
I would have loved to know what happened to some of the main characters, but I guess the feeling of unfinished business, something missing is a part of the story.

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The talent of the narrator...

I would have liked to know what happened to Smith, Achilles and Zephyr and that motley crew of slaves he purchased and covered in furs...

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Wonderful novel bringing young New York alive

Great story wondefully narrated and smashing ending. Wonderful sould warmer and reminder of new world

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