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By: WELL 153
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2024-12-07 15:23:34 |
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Looking at other reviews, I can see that our group were not alone at having a mixed response. Many didn't finish it - "it was really a book to be dipped in and out of" - but, those that did, were rewarded with a fascinating history of Siberia and its people. This was a travel book in disguise. The writing was at times rather 'flowery' and dense but overall a satisfying read for those who persevered. |
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By: AUCK 277
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2024-10-07 10:33:38 |
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In spite of the grim content of many parts of this book, we found it a fascinating account of the history of a part of the world we had previously known little about. Individual ratings widely differed. We were all in awe of the author's adventurous spirit. We agreed that there will always be people who push the boundaries. |
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By: BLENH 010
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2024-09-12 16:10:45 |
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A mixed response to this book. Some gave up after a few chapters. Those who read the book, loved it, particularly the history of Russian and Siberian events. Wonderful writing style and imagery. The part that pianos played in Siberia’s history was absolutely fascinating. A great discussion on Siberia and its terrible history and the millions who perished. |
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By: PAIHIA 001
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2024-07-03 15:26:41 |
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Only one of us finished this and she enjoyed it. A few more started and didn't get far. Think you need to be in the right frame of mind. Dipping into it, it looks fascinating about the history of Siberia/Russia, with a real human slant. |
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By: BLENH 022
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2024-06-24 11:39:41 |
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Those that read the book, thoroughly enjoyed it. A great discussion about the vastness of Siberia, the history of Russia, and the feat of moving pianos around the country. 'Don't judge a book by its cover'. |
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By: CHCH 558
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2024-06-23 10:05:59 |
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Mixed feelings; one of our members described it as "could have been a really good history book". Rambly but interesting and well researched. We agreed that the book was well-written and that it evoked a rich imagery. |
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By: PALMN 016
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2024-03-06 10:28:57 |
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A few found it hard to get into, but perseverance paid off and we all enjoyed this book. |
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By: AUCK 166
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2024-02-26 13:34:09 |
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A surprising and absorbing read on an unusual topic. Beautifully written, erudite and intellectual. Helped everyone to better understand the size and scale of Siberia - historically, culturally, and environmentally. Maps and photos were very interesting. |
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By: FEILD 001
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2023-09-20 10:11:26 |
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Memorable. So well researched and beautifully written. |
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By: WELL 100
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2023-06-26 11:44:12 |
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The group liked the writing, the descriptions, the history and the geography. They were fascinated by the story of pianos in Siberia. |
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By: CHCH 389
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2023-06-08 11:31:40 |
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We all found this a most interesting book. Well-written, and we found the maps most useful as a guide to this huge area. |
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By: HAMIL 029
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2023-04-30 09:33:29 |
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The Lost Pianos is not a book for everyone, but most of us found it fascinating as well as demanding. It is a great way to be reminded of, or to learn about Russian history and the appalling suffering of those exiled to Siberia. Sophy Roberts also delights in the beauty of Siberia and the many interesting people she engaged with in her search. The book is very well-written and repays the effort of reading. |
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By: AUCK 065
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2023-03-15 14:54:28 |
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An amazing book, we loved it. We had maps out to explore Siberia, a country none of us had ever been interested in. One member even had her grandson helping her to find the towns on Google maps. A really enriching book for us all and one we will never forget. |
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By: WHANG 022
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2023-02-16 10:23:11 |
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A slowly developing read. Siberia really grows on you if you let it, and finish reading this. |
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By: NAP 023
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2022-11-25 13:34:13 |
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A great read! Wonderfully enlightening historical perspective of Russian history. Highly recommended. |
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By: CHCH 001
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2022-09-28 13:58:35 |
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The group rated this book very highly. All agreed it was amazing to learn so much about the effect of the pianos on the people who were living in such harsh conditions. If anything - some found it had too much information! |
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By: AUCK 443
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2022-07-27 13:14:37 |
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Sophy Roberts' historian-reporter style amazed us with its dense, numerous historical facts and related stories, beautiful writing passages, and inclusion of thoughtful quotes gleaned from her interviewees. It was deeply absorbing, although the prevalence of references to the cruel suffering of gulag prisoners was disturbing. Her travel descriptions were as inspiring as the many unique people she met. Any pianist would be intrigued with references to several mentioned composers, and their environmental influences in the composition of various pieces... |
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By: TIMAR 019
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2022-07-21 11:27:32 |
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Most of us found Roberts' quest to find pianos in the vastness of Siberia, fascinating. The history, the characters, and her journeys are intriguing. Some felt a shorter book would have sufficed! |
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By: CROMW 003
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2022-06-22 12:39:58 |
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Well-written, topical, and an excellent insight into the history, geography and culture of this part of the world. |
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By: MAST 005
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2022-05-18 13:51:53 |
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Very ambitious first book by Sophy Roberts. Her writing was very descriptive and detailed with many facts. Group thought it better suited to students doing a Masters in Russian History! |
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By: NGARB 001
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2022-04-27 16:28:58 |
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This was a challenging read for all of us, but we learnt a lot from it and some good discussion followed. Interviews with Sophy Roberts on YouTube brought the whole book to life, and the music she recommended at the end of the book was enjoyed. |
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By: WANG 001
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2022-04-27 16:25:43 |
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We all learnt a lot about Siberia, its people and places, and the cold!! |
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By: AKAR 002
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2022-03-02 11:54:03 |
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Everyone contributed to discussion - very lively! Wide ranging in scope. Questions very, very good as were the notes. Historical sweep very, very informative. A long read but well worth it. Captions to the photos hard to read. |
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By: PALMN 002
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2021-12-10 13:52:57 |
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"I learned a lot about Siberia - the maps were a big help and the early history of piano factories pre-Revolution". "Fantastic, best book of the year. An eye-opener". "The depressing part was the cruelty eg. aristocrats to peasants, Bolsheviks to royal family". "Not a novel, a book of stories. Could have been tied together as stories during the industrial revolution". "Required concentration. What I really liked was the descriptions of the people". Notes very helpful. |
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By: NELS 014
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2021-10-01 09:54:17 |
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Quite a big read, but those of us interested in history enjoyed the detail and little anecdotes that we didn't know about. |
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