Friday, September 11, 2015

Audiobook Review: The Precious One by Marisa de los Santos

Title: The Precious One
Author: Marisa de los Santos
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Publication Date: 24th March 2015

Narrator: Abby Craden, Arielle DeLisle
Time: 12hrs 33mins
Book Source: Own audio


Synopsis: In all her life, Eustacia “Taisy” Cleary has given her heart to only three men: her first love, Ben Ransom; her twin brother, Marcus; and Wilson Cleary — professor, inventor, philanderer, self-made millionaire, brilliant man, breathtaking jerk: her father.

Seventeen years ago, Wilson ditched his first family for Caroline, a beautiful young sculptor. In all that time, Taisy’s family has seen Wilson, Caroline, and their daughter Willow only once. 

Why then, is Wilson calling Taisy now, inviting her for an extended visit, encouraging her to meet her pretty sister — a teenager who views her with jealousy, mistrust, and grudging admiration? Why, now, does Wilson want Taisy to help him write his memoir?

Told in alternating voices — Taisy’s strong, unsparing observations and Willow’s naive, heartbreakingly earnest yearnings — The Precious One is an unforgettable novel of family secrets, lost love, and dangerous obsession, a captivating tale with the deep characterization, piercing emotional resonance, and heartfelt insight that are the hallmarks of Marisa de los Santos’s beloved works.

My Thoughts:
I love dysfunctional family stories, I'm drawn to all the psychological fall-out and I get thoroughly caught up in the emotion. 

35 year old Taisy and twin brother Marcus have been estranged from their father for almost 17 years. When Wilson Cleary commands invites Taisy to stay, does it signal reconciliation? You'll have to read it and see :)

I really enjoyed Taisy and Willow's alternating perspective. Taisy's narration was my favourite, I loved her dry sense of humour, strength, independence and loyalty to her brother. Marcus is irreverent and hilarious. 16 year old Willow is a frustrating mix of naivety, intelligence, superiority and childishness ... a product of the loathesome Wilson??

Ahh Wilson ... what an unlikable character; cold, critical, arrogant, self-centered ass ... and my opinion didn't change as the story evolved but he's the fundamental reason for the dysfunction in this family, so thanks at least for that Wilson Cleary. 

Abby Craden and Arielle DeLisle nailed the narration. I think listening to the audio rather than reading the book brought that something extra to the story and really enhanced the experience for me. 

There were a few plot holes and I would have liked to have had more time with Taisy and old flame Ben but all in all my first Marisa de los Santos read was wonderful. I love her almost whimsical writing, the family dynamics are complex and insightful and the characters, with one exception, endearing. 


Connect with Marisa de los Santos


12 comments:

  1. Hmm I was going to go with the audiobook of this one too, think I will load it up as my very next read after the one I am listening to. When audio is done well it always lifts a book up a few notches. Challenge to myself - pick the plot holes!

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    1. Great one for audio Kathryn, I think you'll be happy. Maybe 'plot holes' is a little harsh but I thought certain scenarios were underdeveloped or left unresolved. Can't wait to see what you think.

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    1. I'd heard of the author but it was the synopsis and all the screwed up family dynamics that drew me in lol

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  3. This sounds pretty good. I'll have to see if I can get the audio from the library. Thanks for the recommendation!

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    1. most welcome Christina, hope you get your hands on a copy :)

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  4. I've enjoyed a couple of her books so I'm glad to see you liked this. Going to see if my library has the audiobook.

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    1. I loved her writing Mary, what would you recommend next?

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  5. I enjoyed this book. I'm glad you did too.

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    1. thanks Pat, I'm keen to read something else by the author now. Will pop by your blog and see if I can find your review :)

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