A couple years ago my brothers, sister in law, husband and I came across a going-out-of-business sale at the oddest book store. None of us, self-proclaimed book lovers, had ever heard of any of the books. Nick handed me this audiobook. It sounded weird, but at less than a buck, I took a chance. I’m very glad I did.
Told over the span of 50 years, this multigenerational story uses multiple points of view to tell a complicated sometimes absurd story.
The book starts briefly narrated by Zach. We don’t know much about him and we learn just a little about his father. This is just a teaser before moving into the third person limited narration mainly focused on patriach Will Friedrich.
One of the fascinating aspects of this book was how little Friedrich, a pioneering neuropharmacologist and trained psychiatrist, knew nothing about actual people especially his family. The story mainly centers around each member of the family and some friends eventually figuring out of acknowledging that fact.
Voice Talent
This audiobook was skillfully read by Mark Deakins and Lincoln Hoppe. They were both able to really embody the feel of the book during their particular parts.
Rating
Writing 4 out of 5 stars
The writing in this story was tight and intriguing.
Storytelling 4 out of 5 stars
The pacing and set up of the story kept me interested in finding out what happens next.
Total 4 out of 5 stars
Have you ever read or listened to Pharmakon? Have you ever found a diamond in the rough in an odd bookstore?
The 1000th Voice 