- Title:
- The Keening
- Author:
- European P. Douglas
- Release:
- November 3, 2021
- Format:
- Audiobook
- Narrator:
- Kyle Halberstadt
I had to give this one a second listen. There were a few details I couldn’t figure out. The first was when this novel is set. My guess is the 1800s or early 1900s. I don’t recall characters ever saying a date and because of that, it’s difficult to tell how long the progression of time is. One character is said to have headed off to “America”, then made a return visit but it’s never clear exactly what form of transportation he used or how long it takes to get from wherever they are to the United States.
The story itself is nice. It’s focused on a small town (I think), at least a couple of families, and a few extra characters. The focus on the small group and their troubles give them all more time to become established as characters. Their thoughts, feelings, emotions, interactions, etc. all feel genuine. It’s too often that characters in books lack any depth. Their entire character is just whatever the plot currently requires of them.
The other reason I’m giving this a second listen is to pick up on details I missed, now that I know how things play out. I still can’t figure out (chapter 36 of 50) if the Banshee is real or a myth. I find the story equally as enthralling the second time around, as I always am with Europan P. Douglas novels. But I need answers, it’s driving me crazy.
The overall narration is excellent. There are a few moments where the narration gets extremely quiet before being raised in volume a few seconds later. This is distracting, as is the narrator’s inability to properly pronounce the word prescribed. Other than those 2 distractions, the audio is great.
Side note. I’ve since read the description for the first time and see that this story is set in Ireland. That makes sense. For anybody wondering why I reviewed a book without reading the summary, it’s because that’s how I read. I prefer to read books without expectations. Though in this case, my decision was heavily influenced by the authors as I’ve read several of his books. while I gave mixed ratings to a few, not a single one of them has been bad so far and this one continued the trend. I will say that the exact location of this novel isn’t really relevant anyway. The setting isn’t important, it’s the characters and legend of the banshee that will keep you gnawing on your fingernails as you wait to see what happens.
NOTE: This copy was provided to me free of charge as a digital review copy. The opinions stated in this review are mine and mine alone, I was not paid or requested to give this book a certain rating, suggestion, or approval.