The Laments: A Novel Audiobook

" This book was delightful... quirky, unpredictable, tragic and very funny. "

" For a long time I didn't think I liked this book. It seemed too light, no real substance. I kept waiting for some major, tragic event to occur. (That shows what kind of books I've been reading lately!) Eventually the characters and the story grew on me, especially the main character, Will, who is a quiet, serious boy who was switched at birth and doesn't know it. Throughout the book the Lament family travels, always in search of a fresh start, a better job, and a better life. Each new home brings its own challenges, and the mother is convinced that something is lost every time they move. Eventually I realized that this book wasn't the light, nothing story I had first thought it was (It does have its share of tragedy). By the end I was really enjoying it, and I was sad when it ended. It was a pretty easy read. I'd recommend it as a break between heavier books. "

" if you are a wandering gypsy who has moved a lot, you may relate to this book and the strange urge to keep moving on to see what else is out there. "

" More of a 3 1/2 star review, but I don't think those are permitted on this site. It's a very well written novel, but I couldn't get over a plot point in the beginning of the book. I don't think it would have been treated as lightly as it was in the book. "

" I really enjoyed this book - the first time I listened to it on audio CD, but this time I read it for June's book club. It was one of those books that didn't get bogged down in itself although it easily could have. "

" I'm so very glad I gave this book a second chance. It's incredibly serious and hilarious at the same time. Well worth the time I spent reading it. "

" I read this cover to cover in one sitting - it was absolutely fantastic! It has been a while since I feel in love with a novel instantly, but this was one. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. I would recommend this book to everyone. "

" This book treats the many-foibled characters with unblinking clarity mixed with tenderness and humor. "

" too much predictable tragedy. Reads like a Hallmark movie gone bad. "

" Funny novel. Written in an ironic/humorous vein. A story about a chap who was switched at birth and what he has to overcome in his life. "

" ineffectual writing, with tragic events out of nowhere... just didn't move me at all "

" Listened to this Audio Book while working in the kitchen...and eating meals. Very pleasant. Nothing intellectual about the book...but, as I said ...a pleasant listen. This was a break from the more serious books that I have been listening to and reading. "

" Such an interesting, entertaining, heart-breaking book about a family that travels...reminded me of my siter & her husband a bit. Loved every silly bit of this book/ "

" I guess I should have known just by the title that this was going to be a sad book. Still, even though I enjoy happy endings, I really liked this book and would recommend it. "

" Very enjoyable. The humor was delightful. The family situations were fun yet insightful. "

" If you liked the novels The World According to Garp and The Lonely Polygamist, you'll enjoy this one. "

" great read. South African family keeps moving to find happiness. First son is "replacement" for one lost to John Irving-like bizarre accident. "

" Will Lament is secretly adopted by Howard and Julia when their baby dies. This is a family who move a lot in search of happiness. Trying to find his place in the world, his family and his parents' affection Will is painfully funny and sad. Loved it. "

" Don't know. Who recommended this but the library didn't have it so I actually bought it. I. Will be looking for the author's other books. "

" Mildly amusing to begin with, but too silly to stick with. And when I looked at other reviews people said it was sad along with silly. So bye-bye, back to library. "

" Another one of those quiet sorts of stories; I liked it quite a bit, though. "

" Some portions of this book were laugh-out-loud humerous and others cry-your-heart-out sad - fictional lives that were compellingly real. For a first book, this was great! I look forward to reading more from George Hagen. "

" Story of a child switched at birth and consequences of adoption by hugely eccentric family who travel from England to Africa back to England and onto America, humor not unlike Zaddie Smith "

" It started a bit slow but I loved how it all came together. One of those books where you find yourself windering how he is doing now... "