The Rainbow

This is practically a debate club

(4 stars)

potuc

Interesting story. With that out of the way, let's talk accents. Interesting how, when a book is offered to you for free, a 20-hour long listen, done by a single person, you criticize the accent. I was born in Australia, I can understand American accents, and more importantly, you can't CHOOSE your accent! Debra Lynn, in my opinion, did a wonderful job with this!

Somewhere in the middle of the debate

(3 stars)

Donald R Miller

I agree with several of the points made by both previous reviewers. It's very nice that someone would volunteer her time to read a book in its entirety, as this lady did. I'm also of the opinion that it's a wise idea to find a book for which one's voice is best suited. That said, I think this is a good reading. If you look at it as if you have a generous aunt who is reading you the story when you are unable to, it works just fine. Moreover, it's the only reading available on Librivox, so at least someone took the time and trouble to "The Rainbow" available. Contrast this approach with those blessed with a gift for near-professional (and indeed in some instances, profession) quality performing/reading skills who have made no less than six versions of some of Jane Austen's books. Time and talent used redundantly isn't anything to celebrate.

Comment on reader's uncharacteristic accent

(3 stars)

decaffinator

Not a review, a comment. I have great difficulty in listening to Tne Rainbow when read in what can only be characterized as 21st century, non-descript, non-literary, non-expressive americanese. Not good for this type of text, totally out of character! This volunteer reader ought really to concentrate on reading text written in the vernacular style of american English in which she herself is fluent. Heaven forbid she should volunteer to read Shakespearean tragedy, for example, no offense to Ms. Lynn. Simply a statement of fact. Thank you for the opportunity to comment.

Another more positive opinion

(4 stars)

Runcible

I respectfully disagree with the previous comments. As an American I find it easier to understand American accents and I applaud anyone who loves literature enough to record Dickens, Shakespeare. Jane Austen, etc. None of us is old enough to record in an authentic 19th century dialect/accent anyway. To each their own and I thank DebraLynn for recording this novel. I enjoyed her narration.

Some gold found here

(5 stars)

Lizzie

DH is wordy to say the least, but way ahead of his time with the reality of inter-personal as well as internal relationship awareness. Great listening as well.

such a sad Tale inside this long Saga

(5 stars)

A LibriVox Listener

Thank-you!

(5 stars)

Eve Libertine

I would like to thank both Debra for her fine reading as well as those who bemoan her narration. Why do I thank the latter group? I do so for exposing themselves as nothing more than ignoramuses who think all Americans share a signal accent and for allowing me the future pleasure of destroying the credibility of any British who dare read any book written outside England's borders.