The Barbarian Nurseries Audiobook (Unabridged)

" Great book, great story line, interesting thoughts on live in help and how much do you REALLY know about them? This was a book I couldn't put down and couldn't wait to pick back up again. "

" The author was angry, every character was angry, and I got angry reading this book. But I'm sure my book club discussion will be great! And to paraphrase Emperor Joseph II to Mozart re: The Marriage of Figaro....."too many words!" "

" This is similar to Tortilla Curtain -- about Southern California and the great divides that make the place what it is. Everyone should read this book. Well written - the author knows Los Angeles and areas around, as well as the people and politics of the area. "

" I thought this book was thought provoking and so well written. "

" It took me quite awhile to get into this book. Writing was good but a bit slow. It tells the story of Araceli, housekeeper to the Torres family of Orange County. She prides herself on keeping their mansion impeccable. The private school tuitions, household help, landscaping costs, etc are catching up with the Torres family so they let some of their help go. Mother Maureen is beginning to feel the "stress of it all" with only one employee remaining, the somewhat stern Araceli who does not really like kids. Unfortunately, now, part of her duties include their child care. After a domestic violence incident, Maureen flees to a spa with only baby Samantha. Araceli is unaware she has been left with the children. Father Scott disappears for the weekend as well assuming Maureen has the kids. Araceli is shocked to be left in charge of these two tween boys. After a few days with no one answering their cell phones and food running low, Araceli decides to take the boys to LA via bus in search of their grandfather using a decades old address on a photo. The boys are dumbfounded by the world outside the confines of their gated community. The story unravels into a battle over immigration and its legal issues and this was when I found it more interesting. "

" I loved this book -- it absolutely captures the essence of Los Angeles and the immigrant experience, from both sides: the undocumented domestic worker and the family that employs her without ever really seeing her. "

" The story was interesting and you kept wondering how things would be resolved. However, I never felt connected to any character. You needed to feel vested. "

" I wish I had obeyed the several impulses I had to give up on this book rather than finish it. The story describes, fairly accurately IMO, typical relationships between Latinos and Anglos in Southern California. No surprises here for anyone who has lived there for any length of time. "

" I liked most of the book, but the last third of it really dragged. Also, there were some characters that were introduced that were really not necessary to the story and were never really fully developed. I really liked the concept of this book, but the actual book was just ok. "

" If people would just spend time being social animals this fiction wouldn't reflect real life so much. Just saying. "

" LA . . . and the divide between the haves (Maureen and Scott) and their Mexican housekeeper, Ariceli. She speaks little English and doesn't know what to do when Maureen and Scott fight, leave for days, and say nothing to her. What should she do with the two little boys left in her care? "

" This was a beautifully written book about the culture in Los Angeles. I loved the varying viewpoints; it almost reminded me of the movie Crash, with the intertwining characters and storylines. And it came complete with a fabulous ending too! Loved it. "

" Reading this book was like anticipating, and then witnessing, a very slow-moving train accident, if it were possible for there to be a darkly comic train accident. I couldn't put it down. Loved it. "

" What an interesting read on perspectives. I really loved it, if only the author would have shortened all of the perspectives he shared with us. He took us on so many journeys of the mind that the book became taxing at times. But loved the way he was able to paint a picture. "

" Loved learning each character's motivations. Loved the weaving in of the Spanish language and the diversity of the "latino" experience. Loved the somewhat unlikeable heroine. Loved that the story takes a turn for the unfair but not so unfair that you can't stand it. "

" I just couldn't finish this book. Very little redeeming qualities. Would not recommend. "

" A social novel that straddles the line between telling a narrow story, and trying to capture modern Southern California. Araceli is a compelling main character, one we learn more about just as the people in her life do. "

" I read and listened to Hector Tobar's novel and loved both experiences. It’s a novel that breathes new energy and insight into a now common Hollywood archetype—the Latina nanny. Beautiful prose, poignant message… "

" This was a riveting book. As the New york Times said "A Bonfire of the Vanities for California "

" Listened to this on cd while driving. It passed the time and definitely was well read. The story didn't hook me until halfway throu though. However, I am glad we finished it - it was worth all 16 hours of listening in the long run! "

" interesting plot - too much peripheral info for me. "

" It took me nearly six weeks to get through this lardful lump of language. I will write a review eventually, but right now I'm just glad it's over. For all its length and complexity, it ultimately ends up not really saying anything at all. "

" This is similar to Tortilla Curtain -- about Southern California and the great divides that make the place what it is. Everyone should read this book. Well written - the author knows Los Angeles and areas around, as well as the people and politics of the area. "

" Tobar's engaging novel explores the racial tensions and class divides in L.A. and is both current and well-written. Tobar gives Franzen a run for his money! --Review by Lauren "

" Tobar's engaging novel explores the racial tensions and class divides in L.A. and is both current and well-written. Tobar gives Franzen a run for his money! "