Review: Five Decembers by James Kestrel, narrated by Edoardo Ballerini
Five Decembers is a gorgeously written literary masterpiece from former bar owner, criminal defense investigator, and English teacher, James Kestrel. One part a gripping murder mystery and the other a superb modern reimagining of the classic Shogun, Five Decembers is a one of a kind historical fiction novel that I will definitely never forget.
I had this audiobook in my wishlist for a few months now because I saw that Mr. Stephen King has recommended it on Twitter. After that, last Friday I noticed that our friends at Audiofile magazine also encouraged us listeners to give it a try, especially with American actor, multiple award-winning narrator, writer, film director, and audiobooks industry living legend Edoardo Ballerini as its voice.
I decided to purchase it and I listened to it throughout the weekend. This is one of those audiobooks that I never wanted to end. The writing flows naturally off the page depicting characters that feel real and alive. Locations, events and scenarios spring to life in our imagination thanks to another formidable performance delivered by Mr. Edoardo Ballerini.
To be honest, I can’t think of anyone else who could have done this better. Edoardo Ballerini reads in his trademarked nice, easy and relaxed manner, ratcheting up the tension at just the right moment with emotion, passion and an unlimited source of talent. He gives credible voices and accents to all the important characters and by doing this, he helps the listener to clearly differentiate between them.
I always love his narration and I am happy when he brings such amazing stories to life. Every book recorded by Edoardo Ballerini is better in audio format than in its printed version because audiobooks have souls and these souls come from the narrators that fill them with life.
The story follows Honolulu police detective Joe McGrady and sees our protagonist investigating a brutal murder that will take him across the ocean into an adventure nobody could have foreseen. The action starts in 1941 and it is set against the backdrop of World War II spanning the entirety of this brutal conflict. This is all I’m willing to tell you about the story because I want you to discover it on your own and not have anything spoiled.
Five Decembers promises to be a gripping tale of survival against all odds, of love, friendship and loss and, last but not least, it also focuses on the human cost. I’ll add to this that for me Five Decembers was a unique narrative experience that I treasured and enjoyed from the first moment to its dramatic last.
James Kestrel is a masterful writer who knows how to tell a story in a way that will keep readers and listeners alike captivated from beginning to end. I will keep an eye out for him from now on and I can say that I am really happy to have discovered his work.
Five Decembers is unique, unputdownable, atmospheric, gripping, powerful, masterful and engaging!
Winner of the 2022 Edgar Award for Best Novel, nominee for Best Thriller in the 2022 Barry Awards and a Hammett Prize 2021 Finalist, Five Decembers must not be missed by anyone who enjoys a well written crime story and is fascinated by World War II!
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Victor Dima
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