Clare Chettle

Fascinating listen

Reviewed: 29-05-24

This story was fascinating. Francois discusses her relationship with Picasso so frankly. It was interesting to hear about their relationship with matisse & other amazing artists. Hearing how Picasso lived during Nazi occupied France and how he protected Matisse and his own art works.
It was also interesting to hear how Francois didn’t loose herself to Picasso and how she navigated her own career and his narcissism.
The book was well written & well read in my opinion. Thank you

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The detail of her life’s story

Reviewed: 25-02-24

Wow what a wonderful and very detailed view of the wonderful artist Frida kahlo. So well read too.
I felt like I knew her in my heart by the end.
The narrator & author did Frida & her family proud. Thank you for telling her story so well

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what an adventure!

Reviewed: 15-09-22

This book was fantastic. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to the Adventures Gertrude Bell went on throughout her life and respect she earned from all whom she met.

From dessert crossings, to mountain climbing (in a dress) to sitting for a portrait from J S Sargent.

to supporting a King assend his thrown. To building a museum for the communities of Bagdad. This book gave great insight into a wonderful and complex culture, I know little of due to today's political situation.

what a women.

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wonderful and sad so beautifully written

Reviewed: 06-01-22

I loved this book. what a beautifully sad yet hopefull story. it's so well written. such depth of emotion expressed in the main character.
An important story that needs to be told. it will stay with me forever.

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Important listen

Reviewed: 08-12-21

Although this list of 21 women was a personal choice if the author and some I would not perhaps chosen for myself. it was a fascinating listen. but that being said, what a difficult choice only picking 21 women who have changed the course of British history.
From this book, I will take away gratitude and appreciation of my current position and standing within society in consideration of my gender.
I think Jenny Murray would make my top 21 list should I be brave enough to draft one.

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gardeners stream of consciousness

Reviewed: 26-04-21

Great book if you love listening to all things plants. I'm not sure what the story was ? more a waffle on how amazing gardening is and how it has been perceived throughout the centuries.
I liked learning about other garden writers. I will now go and check them out.
it was nice when the author reflected on children's films on the subject like 'The secret garden'. The author jumps from topic to topic but not in a bad way. Maybe we share a similar inner narrative on all things garden's & plants.
Pleasent listen. Great Narrator. As a garden lover I could listen to her waffle all day 😊 @bekindtoyoursoul_plants

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worth a listen but not for me

Reviewed: 16-04-21

I struggled to finish this book. I did not like the religious education very off putting.

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I lived it

Reviewed: 30-12-20

I don't get the ending? maybe it's a thinker? I could not stop listening to this story. its fantastic. I loved the culture and accents portrayed by the narrator. gripping story.

I do recommend it

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I didn't get it

Reviewed: 16-09-20

I thought the book was completely bizarre. it jumped from topic to topic to place to person? I kept feeling like I had missed something? some plot point but no.
The narrator spoke like she was building up to something but I had no idea what? and I never got the point. There was no character building. No middle or end.

I did enjoy hearing about the history of orchid hunters. That's a fascinating subject that appeared to be well researched. I liked hearing about the Orchid shows in America and how crazy Americans are about their plants (us British are the same) the historical element was interesting but the narrator annoyed me.

I am glad it's over to be honest.

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wow what a great book

Reviewed: 18-08-20

I loved this book and could not turn it off. I throughly enjoyed it. such a beautiful description of nature. Human life and all it's highs and lows.
The performance of the narrator was fantastic! she deserves an oscar !

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