Customer Reviews
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3 out of 5 stars
By
Debbie
on
11-30-15
Historical Story Marred by Unnecessary Fluff
First off, let me say that the historical parts of Winter Journey were fascinating, horrifying and educated me on one more atrocity of WWII that I never knew existed . . . the killing of several hundred Jewish citizens in Jedwabne, Poland by it's own citizens, NOT the Germans . . . it is a true story (the town renamed for the book) . . . but I was sadly "put off" by the author's continuous need to place Halina in one sexual escapade after another . . . the forensic dentist, Halina, talented and experienced at her craft, would have been at the very least in her fifties, but most probably older . . . and the graphic sex detracted from the story line . . . the forensics, the delving into her past, that's what kept me listening . . . but I felt like it took way too long to get there because I had to wade through too much mud . . .
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141 of 159 people found this review helpful
5 out of 5 stars
By
Sara
on
02-03-08
A great listening experience
A captivating story which was beautifully read. This was a book that I took a chance on as I hadn't read a review or heard about it prior to download. At times heart-wrenching but a definite page turner that kept my interest until the last word.
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58 of 67 people found this review helpful
Customer Reviews
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5 out of 5 stars
By
Sheila
on
02-12-08
Winter Journey by Diane Armstrong
A substantial and gripping tale, Winter Journey contains many elements, romance, mystery, murder and history. It was no surprise to discover that the theme was based on a horrific event that took place in Poland in 1941. A war crime against the Jews that was covered up for many years. A forensic dentist, Halina knows that when she was very small her mother escaped with her from Poland to Autralia. Her mother was tightlipped about the background to the escape but after her mother`s death and the end of a love affair Halena chose to go to Poland and assist in a war crime investigation. Caught up in the antagonism and resentment of the villagers Halena found an unexpected bond with the local priest, also based on a living person. The discovery of the tragic truth regarding her family was devastating but gradually with the support of her lover Halina came to terms with the past and found the serenity she had always saught. Beautifully read by Deirdre Rubinstein I would have no hesitation in recommending this book.
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5 of 5 people found this review helpful
4 out of 5 stars
By
David
on
07-09-13
Forensic science meets historical fiction
Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?
A gripping work of historical fiction set in 21C Poland uncovers the truth about an appalling atrocity that occurred in a village community during the Second World War. The narrative explores the human capacity for evil - and good, and truth and reconciliation. Halina an Australian forensic odontologist travels to Poland to assist in the excavation of the site of the crime. Gradually the forensic evidence reveals not just uncomfortable truths about the past, but also about Halina and others still alive today.It is not just about the search for truth however, but how to make sense of it, and here Diane Armstrong confronts us with the clash of science and religion. A well researched book based on events that really happened and sympathetically told by Deirdre Rubinstein. A week after finishing the book I still find myself thinking about it - and wondering about the title!
A good listen, and one that I'll read myself.
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2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful
5 out of 5 stars
By
Amazon Customer
on
06-28-17
Excellent book
I enjoyed this book, written around history. The narrator is fantastic and tells the story with power and conviction.
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5 out of 5 stars
By
Catherine
on
05-08-17
What a powerful book.
Loved it. Made me cry. The words made the message powerful. Hope it makes me a better person.
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