Andreas Kieling completed training as a forestry worker as well as that of a professional hunter. So initially, there were not great prerequisites for believing that he could observe and document animal behavior over a longer period. Fortunately, it seems that something in his life took a positive turn, leading him to decide to focus on capturing living beings in the forest and fields with a camera instead of a rifle. Kieling has since created several film documentaries, some of which were broadcast by public broadcasting stations. He has also documented his knowledge in several books.
However, since it is no longer trendy these days to transform printed letters into words oneself, people now prefer to have things read to them. Or simply told. The audiobook "In Search of Traces" sounds, due to many ums and topic changes, as if only a rough concept was in place, which he then authentically voiced amidst nature. The stylish double CD comes appropriately in a beautiful fold-out cover with nature photographs, although the flower meadow on the CDs is a bit much; I get dizzy just looking at it.
The same does not happen when listening, as his voice, which he describes as "calm," somehow does not lend itself to fully engaging with the spoken word. Too monotonous, too many "so" and "well" spoil the pleasure of listening to the explanations about the local wilderness. A professional speaker, to whom the words could be entrusted, or at least some better coaching or speaking exercises, could have salvaged quite a bit here.
The topics are well chosen, as they do not sensationalize the most exotic animal species but rather focus on red deer, lynx, wild boar, and all that one can theoretically encounter right outside the door. This indeed sounds more like a non-fiction book, and the few exciting stories, like his bloody encounter with a Eurasian eagle-owl, are too brief. Only the last chapter, which deals with his escape from the GDR and thus somehow does not quite fit on this CD, brings the previously missing tension.
Thus, this audiobook leaves me with mixed feelings. As interesting as the topic may be, I simply cannot warm up to the way of speaking. I would have also wished for a few more embellishments of the surely abundant personal experiences. Nevertheless, the whole thing is not bad; it awakens understanding and interest in the local nature. So anyone who brings a certain curiosity for the mentioned content can certainly listen to "In Search of Traces" without great disappointment. The XBOX generation will probably not be lured out from behind the monitor by Andreas Kieling. I would love to listen to a sequel that addresses the mentioned criticisms. I would have actually given the content at least seven points, but due to the exhausting way of storytelling for me, I can unfortunately only give 6 points for this double CD.
Tracklist:
1. Red Deer - Loved and Hated (17:08)
2. Lynx & Wildcat - In the Footsteps of the Big Cats (21:51)
3. Right in Germany - Wilderness at the Doorstep (24:12)
4. Wild Boars - Living Under Black Coats (25:58)
5. Eurasian Eagle-Owl - Silent Hunter (20:22)
6. Wolves - Back in Germany (15:21)
7. Escape - Memories of the Border Crossing (25:19)
