Ivanhoe

I listened to the audiobook narrated by BJ Harrison and this review pertains to that version.

The narration is masterful, as I have come to expect from Harrison. This was a challenging story to narrate as there is a huge cast of characters to differentiate, but Harrison is up to the challenge. I can honestly say that I would never have finished this book in a written form, but the audio kept me riveted. I listened well past midnight and into the wee hours on a work night because once Rebecca was on trial, I couldn't stop until I was done.

The anti-semitism is offputting at first, but then it becomes the heart of the story as we see the evolution of several characters as they interact with Rebecca. She is the most fully developed character in the piece, and her integrity, faith, and gentle spirit inspired me as it did those characters who allowed themselves to know her. As this happened, my initial horror at the anti-semitism was transformed into hope that good people even in our day can overcome entrenched bigotry. I am glad I continued listening despite my initial reaction.

Well this is brain candy. And I'm not sure I was ever “hooked” or invested in the tale. I'm pretty disappointed in that. Don't get me wrong, it's not bad, necessarily. It just didn't live up to the hype.