Prague

By: Arthur Phillips

Narrated by: Andy Paris

In the 1990s, five young American expatriates meet in Budapest. As they seeks fortune and success, their lives reflect various facets of a city that is shaped by its history, culture, and the aftermath of Communism.©2002 Arthur Phillips

Critic reviews

"Everything about this dazzling first novel is utterly original." (Publishers Weekly)
"Ingenious...Phillips presents his characters with a wry generosity and haunting poignancy to rival his wonderfully subversive wit." (The New York Times)

What did this book have to do with Prague?

I just finished this book. Unlike some of the other reviewers, I did make it through it. I basically understood what passed for a plot. It was even interesting, given its setting. However, the characters weren't people I liked. As I got farther and farther into the story I couldn't wait for them all to just go away, which they did. So, my recommendation would be to read it if you are interested in the era of history after the fall of Communism in Eastern Europe. Hungry does have some interesting history, and I did feel like the author had a healthy respect for this. But what did any of it have to do with Prague? I believe that city was mentioned only a few times in the whole book.

The story is mundane.

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

No. The story lacked excitement.

What was most disappointing about Arthur Phillips’s story?

The story line had potential but lacked feeling. It followed several narcissistic Americans living in Budapest. There was no great revelation or climax to the story.

Have you listened to any of Andy Paris’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have not listened to any other performances by Andy Paris. This was a good performance and I would listen to the reader again.

Could you see Prague being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

Possibly an Indie film that skipped the theaters. I would not go out of my to watch it.

required reading for school

not something I would choose for myself, but by the end the pace finally picked up.

uggg.

I'm sorry, but this is one of the worst books I have ever read. I couldn't get through it. The characters all blended together, and there didn't seem to be much plot. Obviously someone thinks highly of it, based on the published reviews- perhaps I am missing something. In my defense, though, I've seen this novel on 2 of my friends' bookshelves, and (both times) when I asked about it, we both stared at each other suspiciously, then blurted out "I hated it!" I would love to hear a positive review so I can learn what the big fuss is about!

Don't waste your time

Some of the language used here is fantastic. Unfortunately, the book needs to be edited, and radically abridged. With a printed book, one can skim paragraphs and pages quickly. With an audiobook, the need for better editing is painlfully obvious.