From Publishers Weekly
Devotees of Bantock's enigmatic bestseller, Griffin & Sabine , won't be disappointed by this equally intriguing and perplexing--and equally gorgeous--sequel. London artist Griffin Moss and islander Sabine Strohem, who have never met face-to-face or spoken via phone, exchange hand-illustrated, handwritten letters and postcards--ostensibly reproduced here, tucked into envelopes and removable for reading. As this installment opens, Griffin, frightened by his psychic connection to his otherworldly correspondent, flees England on a night sea journey from Italy to Japan and Australia. He leaves a letter for Sabine, urging her to stay in his abandoned studio. Winter turns to summer and Griffin's courage overcomes his trepidation; still, Sabine warns him to "be . . . cautious; the eye of the storm is a deceptive place." Griffin's initial distress and progressively optimistic outlook shine through his paintings. Sabine's cryptic visual messages seem tinged with mysticism and, possibly, malevolence. Perhaps because it has been established in the previous book, the couple's supernatural bond is less of a focus here, and at times, his art and hers are a touch too similar. Nevertheless, Bantock's distinctive premise continues to puzzle and delight, the wonderful stationery has an authentic look and, not surprisingly, the finale leaves room for another chapter. Author tour. Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From AudioFile
For all who have seen these books of postcards and letters, the idea of an audiobook version seems absurd. Artist Griffin Moss is suddenly discovered by Sabine, a mysterious woman from a tiny island on the other side of the world. Here begins their "Extraordinary Correspondence." Marina Sirtis uses her unusual accent to bring out the exotic characteristics of Sabine. With every word, the mystery unravels to the very last thread. So can this tale of letters and pictures be recounted on tape? Most definitely. Disappear into this unbelievable tale, the beautiful tones of Marina Sirtis and the cautious words of Maxwell Caulfield as Griffin. M.B.K. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine
Midwest Book Review
Griffin creates a fictional character in Sabine, finds she is becoming too real, and flees his London home for a European journey when she threatens to arrive on his doorstep. Their notebook of adventures and travels is revealed in an especially strong abridged dual reading shared by Maxwell Caulfield and Marina Sirtis.
Sabine's Notebook (1 Cassette) ANNOTATION
Bantock captivated readers with this eerily beautiful love story.
FROM THE CRITICS
Publishers Weekly
Devotees of Bantock's enigmatic bestseller, Griffin & Sabine , won't be disappointed by this equally intriguing and perplexing--and equally gorgeous--sequel. London artist Griffin Moss and islander Sabine Strohem, who have never met face-to-face or spoken via phone, exchange hand-illustrated, handwritten letters and postcards--ostensibly reproduced here, tucked into envelopes and removable for reading. As this installment opens, Griffin, frightened by his psychic connection to his otherworldly correspondent, flees England on a night sea journey from Italy to Japan and Australia. He leaves a letter for Sabine, urging her to stay in his abandoned studio. Winter turns to summer and Griffin's courage overcomes his trepidation; still, Sabine warns him to ``be . . . cautious; the eye of the storm is a deceptive place.'' Griffin's initial distress and progressively optimistic outlook shine through his paintings. Sabine's cryptic visual messages seem tinged with mysticism and, possibly, malevolence. Perhaps because it has been established in the previous book, the couple's supernatural bond is less of a focus here, and at times, his art and hers are a touch too similar. Nevertheless, Bantock's distinctive premise continues to puzzle and delight, the wonderful stationery has an authentic look and, not surprisingly, the finale leaves room for another chapter. Author tour. (Oct.)
AudioFile - Paul B. Kahn
For all who have seen these books of postcards and letters, the idea of an audiobook version seems absurd. Artist Griffin Moss is suddenly discovered by Sabine, a mysterious woman from a tiny island on the other side of the world. Here begins their Extraordinary Correspondence. Marina Sirtis uses her unusual accent to bring out the exotic characteristics of Sabine. With every word, the mystery unravels to the very last thread. So can this tale of letters and pictures be recounted on tape? Most definitely. Disappear into this unbelievable tale, the beautiful tones of Marina Sirtis and the cautious words of Maxwell Caulfield as Griffin. M.B.K. cAudioFile, Portland, Maine