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Water

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Water

By: John Boyne
Narrated by: Niamh Cusack
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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

The first thing Vanessa Carvin does when she arrives on the island is change her name. To the locals, she is Willow Hale, a solitary outsider escaping Dublin to live a hermetic existence in a small cottage, not a notorious woman on the run from her past.

But scandals follow like hunting dogs. And she has some questions of her own to answer. If her ex-husband is really the monster everyone says he is, then how complicit was she in his crimes?

Escaping her old life might seem like a good idea but the choices she has made throughout her marriage have consequences. Here, on the island, Vanessa must reflect on what she did - and did not do. Only then can she discover whether she is worthy of finding peace at all.

©2023 John Boyne (P)2023 Penguin Audio Fiction Genre Fiction Literary Fiction Psychological Small Town & Rural Marriage Heartfelt Tear-jerking Suspense

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All stars
Most relevant  
Such a heartful story beautifully read. John Boyne never ceases to delight me.
Just can't wait for the next one.

Heartful

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John Boyle always tells a good story and this short book is no exception.
I listened to it in one go fixated and drawn in by the soft Irish accent.
It’s fast paced with never a dull moment
I loved every minute

Excellent

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I loved this book!! It is a dark read with very believable characters. Definitely recommend

Thought provoking

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It's a great story, it reveals itself slowly, a little predictably. The ending felt too tidy, perhaps simpllistic. But overall, I'd listen again, and I'll listen to the other three elements, because Boyne is a master storyteller, and I enjoy the journey he takes me on through his immense ability to draw believable characters, immersive scenarios, and to bring to life day to day sights, sounds, and scents of places I have never been.

Full circle story

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I loved this book from beginning to end. Beautifully written, great characters and a really credible storyline. I’ve loved all of John Boyne’s books.

Amazingly believable characters

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I have read a fee of John Boynes books to date and really enjoy his writing. I wasn't sure on this one initially but as I listened I found myself wanting to know more and became addicted. Storyline is all too familiar in recent Irish history unfortunately. Very well put together.

Found myself wanting to read more..

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Topical but told in a sensitive and emotive manner, as always. Compelling protagonist. And a light sprinkling of feminism.

Heartfelt, as always

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This was my first John Boyne novel, which I chose to listen to based on other reviews. I’m so glad I did! It’s rare in my experience to find a book which is so excellently narrated as this one. It was an easy listen, despite the harrowing subject matter. I’ll be listening to his other novels now as well. Wholeheartedly recommend.

Fantastic narration of a truly brilliant book

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John Boyne’s the Hearts Invisible Furies was one of my all-time best listens, and A History of Loneliness was very compelling
I really enjoyed this and got through it quickly. I’ve recently downloaded some really really long books on audible that I’ve left unfinished, so his tight storytelling was so refreshing.
It’s finely observed, very funny and very deep.
Like with A History of Loneliness, Boyne bravely, and adeptly takes on very deep, difficult and worthwhile themes. He really is a chronicler of modern Ireland.

Good tight storytelling - Boyne on great form

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This was a beautifully written book tackling a really tragic and complex subject but I would really heartily recommend it. I also have to say that Niamh Cusack as narrator is simply exceptional- I cannot think of another book in which the narrator has done such justice to the story and the main character- bravo !

Superb

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