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The Quality of Silence

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The Quality of Silence

By: Rosamund Lupton
Narrated by: Rachel Atkins, Harriet Carmichael
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Set in the extreme landscape of Alaska, The Quality of Silence follows the story of Yasmin and her deaf daughter, Ruby. Yasmin arrives in Alaska to be told her husband, Matt, is dead, the victim of a catastrophic accident. Yasmin, unable to accept this as truth, sets out into the frozen winter landscape, taking Ruby with her, in search of answers.

But as a storm closes in, Yasmin realises that a very human danger may be keeping pace with them. And with no one else on the road to help, they must keep moving, alone and terrified, through an endless Alaskan night.

In a story that explores the very limits of human resilience, The Quality of Silence is as much about a mother learning to hear her deaf daughter as it is about their journey across the vastness of Alaska, and proves, once again, that Rosamund Lupton is a storyteller of class and elegance.

©2015 Rosamund Lupton (P)2015 Hachette Audio Contemporary Fiction Genre Fiction Fiction Alaska Heartfelt Scary Thought-Provoking
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Critic reviews

"Like a breath of icy air, this relentlessly tense thriller is also a child's-eye family drama like none other. Not since Miss Smilla's Feeling for Snow have I shivered like this." (Emma Donoghue)
"Masterful pacing, riveting plotting. The Quality of Silence will have your heart thumping. Absolutely gripping." (Louise Penny)
All stars
Most relevant

Would you be willing to try another one of Rachel Atkins and Harriet Carmichael ’s performances?

Probably not. I don't seem to be able to get the audio sample to play. If I had been able to I probably wouldn't have bought it. Really spoilt the book for me & would rather have read it in print.

An interesting story spoilt by annoying narration

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This was an excellent story with twists and turns to keep you thinking along the way. I kept thinking the writer must have been deaf herself to understand how it feels so well. Anyone listening to this story will be gripped by the little girls courage and understanding of the things that just pass other people by. A very unique and descriprive style of writing.

brilliant

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Exciting from the beginning, breathtaking at the ending. I couldn't stop listening. Prepare to be gripped!

Breathtaking!

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If you could sum up The Quality of Silence in three words, what would they be?

Something completely different.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I loved Ruby's character, her ability to be natural despite her hearing loss. She saw no problem in her different approach to communicating.

Which scene did you most enjoy?

All the scenes with Ruby in were just so beautifully described, and despite the action going on she always seemed peacefully in control.

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

I've found myself watching 'ice road truckers' to get a full feel of the terrain and drivers this book was written about. There are plenty of women out there driving this route and facing these very real dangers on a regular basis. Watching this show makes you realise just how good a descriptive writer Rosamund Lupton is.

Any additional comments?

The end of this story was a little weak and far fetched but we all need a little escapism rather than the realism.

Not your average story line

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Reasonably gripping and well-researched, especially on issues surrounding children and hearing impairment, but many characters existed as stereotypes and the ending was fairly implausible. The portrayal of the child was patronising, both by the author and the actor - adults raising their voices to play children is irritating. There are plenty of teenagers who would sound more appropriate. The main narrator was quite engaging, but her American accents were diabolical.

Silent but Deadly

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