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Secrets of the Sea House

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Secrets of the Sea House

By: Elisabeth Gifford
Narrated by: Cathleen McCarron, Douglas Russell, Sarah Barron, Various
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About this listen

Scotland, 1860. Reverend Alexander Ferguson takes up his new parish, an isolated patch on the Hebridean island of Harris. His time there will change his life, but the Sea House, on the edge of the dunes keeps its silence long after Alexander departs. More than a century later, Ruth and Michael buy the grand but dilapidated building for the family they hope to have. But their dreams are marred by a shocking discovery.

©2013 Elisabeth Gifford (P)2013 W.F.Howes Ltd Family Life Fiction Genre Fiction Historical Fiction Literary Fiction World Literature Heartfelt

Critic reviews

"An arresting tale of the things that haunt us." (Liza Klaussmann, author of Tigers In Red Weathe)
"A sweeping summer read, packed with an epic tale of loss, love and hope." ( Irish News)
"Secrets of the Sea House is an arresting tale of the things that haunt us. But the real pleasure in this debut novel is Elisabeth Gifford's finely wrought prose; at turns acute, delicate and fierce." (Liza Klaussman)
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Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would definitely recommend this book to my friends. It is an amazingly touching story and the characters grow on you. I was sorry to reach the end.

What other book might you compare Secrets of the Sea House to, and why?

I think this story is a unique one and I wouldn't want to compare it to anything else. It is a mystery, a love story, a gothic tale, atomospheric in its setting of the northern islands and easy to just fall right into.

Which character – as performed by the narrators – was your favourite?

I loved all the characters as they were so beautifully presented by the narrators. Such beautiful accents!

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I guess I will have to say that the feelings I experienced, I really can't give a name to.

Any additional comments?

No book is for everyone, but this one comes close.

Secrets of the Sea House

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Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

I would recommend this book, if only for the historical content. The story line during the historical part was more compelling than the modern part, the historical part could have stood alone, but not so for the modern part

Has Secrets of the Sea House put you off other books in this genre?

No, i quite enjoy books that are set in 2 time period

Any additional comments?

I enjoyed the book but found it a bit slow in parts. I would recommend it but wouldn't listen again unlike some books i have downloaded.

it grew better as the story went on

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If you could sum up Secrets of the Sea House in three words, what would they be?

prose, characterisation, plot

What did you like best about this story?

linking mystery between different periods in time

What does the narrators bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

distinction between male and female characters

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

nothing specifically

Absorbing read

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Would you consider the audio edition of Secrets of the Sea House to be better than the print version?

I haven't read the print version, but I liked the use of 3 readers, giving authenticity to the 3 first person narrators, although to my admittedly uneducated ear, I am not sure that Moira's voice was of the Western Isles. Scottish, yes, but without the gaelic "lisp".

What did you like best about this story?

The beautiful imagery of the Western Isles, and in particular the southern tip of Harris. The story exposes the sadness in the landscape, but for all 3 characters ends on a note of hope, with positive changes for the future.

Which character – as performed by the narrators – was your favourite?

Moira, probably as she was the least introspective, despite the tragedies of her past. She was able to use the slightest opportunities that came her way to move on with her life.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, I could easily have listened to the book in one sitting.

Any additional comments?

This is a complex, engrossing and well written book. If you are lucky enough to be going to Harris, pack this book to listen to, as you watch the sea coming in over the beaches.

Evoocative unravelling of historic secrets

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Several interleaved narratives that never quite head in the direction you expect, and brought to a satisfying conclusion. I'm not in a position to judge how historically accurate it is, but it feels authentic in the telling. Thoroughly recommended.

Satisfyingly woven tale and a great ensemble cast

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