There is about a one second pause before the voice narrator switches to a new section from the point of view of a different character. So, I end up "rewinding" the audiobook a lot to get back to the beginning of the second once I've figured out who it is. Granted, the author does a good job of helping you figure out who the character is quickly without being overly obvious, but for the audiobook format a 3-4 second pause would really make a difference between sections.

Ultimately, I'm choosing to DNF this book because I don't care what happens to any of the three main female characters. None of them live a good life, so when they face peril, I don't care what happens to them because there isn't much they would return to anyway. None of the three care about another person deeply, so little is at stake. Their main goal seem to be 1) get money 2) eat food 3) don't be raped.

I guess the novel is too slow moving for me, and I'd likely be more interested if the author chose to focus on two close relationships, like Wanda and Miryem, or Miryem and Irina. (not sure if I'm spelling these right; again, audiobook). Miryem has the connection of making Irina's accessories and Wanda working for Miryem, so she's the pivot. But the three each have their own issues separately, and I just couldn't find it in me to care. Wanda even says she doesn't love her brothers, Miryem finds it hard to care for her parents, and Irina is a tool for her father. They have no good relationships, no FEELING that makes me see them as people.

Try The Bear & The Nightingale by Katherine Arden instead.