A Kiss from Mr. Fitzgerald. Natasha Lester

A Kiss from Mr. Fitzgerald. Natasha Lester

• Monday, 16 May 2016

• Written by: Natasha Lester

  Narrated by: Kelly Burke

  Length: 11 hrs and 53 mins

  Unabridged Audiobook

  Release Date:26/04/2016

  Publisher: Audible Studios

  Source: own purchased copy

  5 STARS

  Publishers Summary (extract)

  It's 1922 in the Manhattan of gin, jazz and prosperity. Women wear makeup and hitched hemlines - and enjoy a new freedom to vote and work. Not so for Evelyn Lockhart, who is forbidden from pursuing her passion to become one of the first female doctors. Chasing her dream will mean turning her back on her family: her competitive sister, Viola; her conservative parents; and the childhood best friend she is expected to marry, Charlie.

  My Review

  The first thing to attract me to this book was the beautiful cover, it just screams "Roaring Twenties". I don't normally read anything romantic but the blurb mentions the Ziegfield Follies and medicine so, with that enticing cover also in my mind, I thought I'd give it a go.

  The first part of the book describes Evies' life being lived in the way expected of her, by her parents and by society, but something happens, something which completely changes her world view. Evie makes a life changing decision; she will become a doctor, an obstetrician. Her family refuse to help her in her outrageous ambition. Finally accepted into medical school Evie must find a way to support herself and she does so with style by working at the Ziegfield Follies.

  Nothing could have prepared Evie for the struggles to come, both in her work and in her personal life, but this is interspersed with a few joyful moments. There are some wonderful descriptions of the fashions of those times (visit the authors website to read more) and of the fantastic Follies costumes. The reader can't help but get swept up into it all, the glamour of the good times and also the somewhat gruesome bad times.

  I wondered what it was about this particular tale that I found so engrossing, as to be honest, there are plenty of stories out there where the protagonist has similar qualities to Evie. You know the sort of girl, rich and beautiful, multi talented, brave, clever and having the ability to overcome all odds with grace. You just know that all will be well in the end. What then makes this one so different?

  This book has a quality that endears, it provides escapism, and is wonderful, satisfying entertainment. Only one reason for that .......

  It's the writing, it is beautiful, flowing and it is thoughtful

  Narrated by Kelly Burke who is new to me. What a wonderful narration, this could not have been an easy task, what with the diverse cast of characters and length of the recording. Kelly gives a distinct and consistent voice to each and every character, male and female the old and the young. Kelly has a pleasant voice and she speaks with a lovely rhythmn and cadence. I love the way she conveys emotion, the sadness, anger, happiness and pain, all without overdoing anything. A thoroughly enjoyable, realistic and consistent performance

  This audiobook is my own copy.