A Very Good Book with a Very Difficult Hero

I cannot say exactly what made this book so special. The author uses a narrative tool that has been used fairly frequently recently and uses it very well. The main character's developmental problems are often trivialized as nothing more than idiocynracies or quirks in other books. This book treats the psychological problems of Edward quite seriously. And yet he uses them to slowly let you meet then understand Edward and the people who inhabit his life, those that are real and those that live in Edward's favorite TV show.

The lessons Edward learns as he slowly and belatedly grows up, the hurts he suffers, the irrational habits he cannot help, the relationships he struggles with, the slights he feel that always result in complaint letters, all of them help you understand a very complicated man. The author understands his character and uses these tools to help you understand him as well.

The narrator does a great job, although I would swear that Sam Elliott steps in and does the voice of Edward's father.

I really recommend this book. It is complex, layered, detailed and yet really, quite simple.

108 people found this helpful

Surprisingly entertaining and witty.

I always fear (and sometimes avoid) stories that have disability or impairment as central to the theme because of the tendency authors have to turn every person with disability into a life affirming angel or a sex crazed villain - and not much in between.

However, knowing a little about OCD I was well prepared.

What I wasnt prepared for was how well the topic was presented and how interestingly the main character was portrayed. Edward very quickly became a person I would gladly live next door to. Craig Lancaster has written a wonderful story for his first novel. Lets hope for more.

62 people found this helpful

Sweet Story of Triumph

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would recommend this audiobook to my friends who lilke intricate characters, a "real" story about adults trying to overcome their various difficulties in order to find a place in the world. This book reminded me of Ron McLarty's fantastic, whimsical THE MEMORY OF RUNNING, in that both books show how a lonely man grows and changes when circumstances force it.

What was one of the most memorable moments of 600 Hours of Edward?

I loved 39-year-old OCD/Asbergers sufferer (that seems llke soooo not the right word) interacts with 9-year-old Kyle. I love how Kyle looks at Edward without judgment and how he teaches Edward to laugh again and that disaster will not strike if he gets out of his routine.

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

i've never heard anything else that he's done, but I think he did a nice job here. I particularly want to commend his interpretation of the female characters. So often male narrators can ruin a book by making the women sound fake, shrill and just annoying. He did a lovely job here bringing Donna to life, and illuminating her sensitivity, her frailties, her kindness.

If you could take any character from 600 Hours of Edward out to dinner, who would it be and why?

Oh, I think a dinner with Edward, Kyle, and Donna would be really fun. I'd love to see all their different personalities mix and bounce off one another. Would Edward order spaghetti, you think?

Any additional comments?

If you liked MAJOR PETTIGREW'S LAST STAND or THE UNLIKELY PILGRIMAGE OF HAROLD FRY, you will enjoy this short, sweet book immensely.

34 people found this helpful

Pulitzer Prize Worthy!

Would you consider the audio edition of 600 Hours of Edward to be better than the print version?

I have not read the print version but the narration brought Edward to life.

What was one of the most memorable moments of 600 Hours of Edward?

I thoroughly enjoyed Edwards letters of complaint and how they evolved toward the end. I also enjoyed the evolution of his relationships. There were far too many memorable moments throughout this book to highlight any one in particular.

What does Luke Daniels bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Of all the narrations of all the audiobooks I have ever listened to, Luke Daniels surpassed them all! I feel the narration was critical to this story in particular to capture the many quirks and eccentricities of Edward. Luke Daniels nailed Edwards character in addition to the other characters of this book. He did an extraordinary job, even down to the slightest fluctuations of voice such as Edward remarking on words that he loved, which were expressed with pure delight. You could feel every one of Edwards highs and lows throughout the book. I enjoyed every second of it!

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The letter from his father!

Any additional comments?

This is the type of book that comes around once every ten years. It is masterfully written. It is technical and creative writing at it's very best. Although the ending was superb, I grieved when it was over as I never wanted it to end. There was so much depth and humanity to the characters of this book and I genuinely cared about every one of them. I especially adored Edward. I wish I could be his neighbor and friend.

32 people found this helpful

Surprisingly Charming!!

This was a pleasant surprise! It is a quick, well written novel of a gentleman with Asperger's syndrome. You get to peek into his life for a mere 25 days, but Edward's evolution throughout is satisfying. I enjoyed the story--it progressed well, with a few twists along the way!

The narrator is perfect for this story--at times, I really thought he was Edward! This book is quirky, tender, sad, and laugh-out-loud funny--I thoroughly enjoyed it and recommend it to others.

**and I've already set up my "complaint" file--it seems like the perfect stress therapy to me!!**

28 people found this helpful

A heartwarming story!

What did you love best about 600 Hours of Edward?

This is a great book and the narration is excellent. I loved how I felt so involved in Edward's daily life.

What was one of the most memorable moments of 600 Hours of Edward?

When Edward meets Kyle for the first time.

Which character – as performed by Luke Daniels – was your favorite?

Kyle..Luke Daniels portrayed the boy so well. He is a character who features infrequently but plays a pivotal role in Edward's life.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

At times, I found myself laughing out loud. (Though the basis of the story is no laughing matter.) At other times, I cried with Edward as he faced the challenges of everyday life and relationships.

Any additional comments?

600 Hours of Edward focuses on accomplishments. It is a heartwarming story that shows us what we can achieve if we take one step at a time. It clearly demonstrates what the human spirit is capable of if one is determined enough. The narrator is superb. If you love an underdog, this book will appeal to you. Give it a try.

20 people found this helpful

Better then I expected..and so heartwarming

I was looking for a recommendation for a book similar to the "Rosie Project" (i.e., an author who could deal with a difficult subject in a humorous, but still realistic manner).

This book was very different, but equally as good for different reasons. Craig Lancaster does a good job dealing with the full range of issues that all of us have faced at some time or other while still making us laugh.

I would highly recommend this..I don't think you would be disappointed.

14 people found this helpful

Edward is such a great character!

I read this book on my Kindle, loved it, saw it available on Audible for a great price, and jumped on the opportunity to revisit Edward on audio! Luke Daniels did a great narration--he really captured the spirit of Edward. He added immensely to the listening experience.

This is similar to a coming of age novel only Edward is 39 years old. He has Obsessive Compulsive disorder and Aspergers syndrome, a mild form of autism. Despite these handicaps, he is very intelligent. Yet, he has lived a very closed and stunting existence until he is befriended by a 9 year old neighbor boy and his mother. Edward has a gradual awakening of sorts along with all the struggles that come with "growing up" and dealing with an overbearing, withholding father. Gradually Edward, with the help of his longstanding therapist, begins experimenting with change and more participation in the outside world.

Edward is a sweet, lovable character, and his story is humorous and touching. It is a quick easy read. Highly recommended.

11 people found this helpful

Wonderful, deeply moving story--highly recommend!

Well, this was a delightful surprise to me. I purchased it as one of the daily specials, not really knowing much about it. Half-heartedly started listening, and was soon so captivated that I just could not stop--had to hear it all the way through till late last night.

Edward Stanton is a 39 year old man with Asperger's Syndrome who also has OCD. He lives alone, and his life is ordered by his rituals. (Such as recording the exact moment he awakens every day, eating precisely the same foods each week, loving certain words and letter-writing, and especially watching the old episodes of Jack Webb's "Dragnet" every night--in exact order of airing, beginning fresh each new year). In fact, by the end of the book, the listener will hear the serious importance of the Jack Webb ritual.

In the beginning of the book, I felt a bit of frustration, as this seemed very rigidly written (told in Edward's voice), almost boring, and I wondered if the book would hold my interest. I realized by the end, the the style of the writing is part of the story. Craig Lancaster has written the book using a style that very well mimics Edward's mind--and all the sweet and sad transformations that will occur within this story. As the book moves on, the style softens, is much more engaging. Thus--without even having to use description, Lancaster has brought the reader into Edward's world.

This is a story of how the highly routinized, ritualistic life of Edward is challenged by powerful events and his adaptation to them, and the lives of people around him are equally touched by what happens. I was really mesmerized listening to it (wondering, by the way, if it would have "read" as well as it sounded.) I think the excellent narration was part of the power of this book. Luke Daniels seemed pitch perfect on almost every voice (I was not as keen on the voice of Kyle--a child--as the adults, however). This is one of those stories that seems to me to have been a "sleeper," something that didn't get the promotion it deserved. (Or maybe it did and I missed it). I'm so glad Audible ran it as a "deal."

A story of transformation (and not just in Edward) that is very moving, using elements including his therapy and his dreams, to bring us into the workings of his very soul. And the interactions with people around him were wonderfully written. I am so glad I took a chance on this daily deal and got it. Otherwise I would have missed a truly great book. I was happy to see that it appears Mr. Lancaster has written a sequel to this, which I intend to get right away. Highly, highly recommend!

10 people found this helpful

✫✫ 4 Stars ✫✫

I wasn't sure if this would be a a story for me but I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed Edward's story. Being in the mind of a man with Asperger's was eye opening in so many ways. I loved how far Edward came in this book. When I started this one I had no idea there were 2 more books and I immediately bought the next 2 audiobook because I have to know what is next for Edward. I have high hopes for him to continue to grow.

The narration was perfect! I can't imagine another voice for Edward.

9 people found this helpful