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Pearl

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Pearl

By: Siân Hughes
Narrated by: Laura Brydon
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Summary

LONGLISTED FOR THE BOOKER PRIZE 2023

Marianne is eight years old when her mother goes missing. Left behind with her baby brother and grieving father in a ramshackle house on the edge of a small village, she clings to the fragmented memories of her mother’s love; the smell of fresh herbs, the games they played, and the songs and stories of her childhood.

As time passes, Marianne struggles to adjust, fixated on her mother’s disappearance and the secrets she’s sure her father is keeping from her. Discovering a medieval poem called Pearl and trusting in its promise of consolation, Marianne sets out to make a visual illustration of it, a task that she returns to over and over but somehow never manages to complete.

Tormented by an unmarked gravestone in an abandoned chapel and the tidal pull of the river, her childhood home begins to crumble as the past leads her down a path of self-destruction. But can art heal Marianne? And will her own future as a mother help her find peace?

©2023 Siân Hughes (P)2023 W. F. Howes Ltd Family Life Genre Fiction Literary Fiction Psychological Women's Fiction Fiction Heartfelt Suspense
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An unusual story, beautifully narrated by Laura Brydon.

Was mesmerised by the writing, and everything within the pages of this extraordinary book.

An interesting & beautifully written book.

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Marianne is eight years old when her mother goes missing. Left behind with her baby brother and grieving father in a ramshackle house on the edge of a small village, she clings to the fragmented memories of her mother's love: the smell of fresh herbs, the games they played, and the songs and stories of her childhood.
As a man I was interested in this audiobook because it was about a mother and daughter's relationship. It is a wonderfully written book, poignant and it reminded me of Shuggie Bain. The narration is faultless and the characters are brought to life by an incredible performance. I have always believed audiobook narration is an art form in its own right.
The plot twists as any good thriller and the ending left me in tears. One of the best books I have listened to this year.

AN ABSOLUTE GEM.

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the characters and the atmosphere. worthy of the Booker Prize reading it was emotional and joyful.

beautiful writing

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Really well put together narrative that explores mental health and trauma but mainly families and love. The father has to be one of the greatest people ever described and I love that the narrator does come to recognise that through the telling of the story. It’s personal and tender, and feels very truthful. Reminds me a little of Jeanette Winterson.

A love letter to two parents, personal and touching

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I never write reviews! But I was completely captivated by this perfectly beautiful book. I can’t believe this gift was free, I would have happily used a credit!

Beautifully written, beautifully narrated

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