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Water

A haunting, confronting novel from the author of The Heart’s Invisible Furies

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Water

By: John Boyne
Narrated by: Niamh Cusack
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Summary

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

 Family Life Fiction Genre Fiction Literary Fiction Psychological Small Town & Rural Women's Fiction Marriage Heartfelt Tear-jerking Suspense
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Critic reviews

His quietest novel... but one just as powerful as his larger canvases
An intriguing investigation of contemporary trauma... [a] short but powerful book
Boyne does not put a foot wrong in this masterly novella
A perceptive, moving exploration of guilt, grief and complicity
Boyne not only opens up conversations, he writes beautifully and sensitively
Subtle, intelligent and humane
All stars
Most relevant
Inhaled this concise story - it’s brilliant.

Am rubbish at writing book reviews.

Just listen! SO GOOD!

An absolute corker - just wish it was longer!

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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 loved this so much, well written, paced perfectly, ending rounds off a great narrative. I have no notes for this it’s beautiful and can be read and loved by all.

I think this may be the most perfect book

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To me this is classic literary fiction, a short novel tackling the all-consuming, life-ruining effects of close association with a bad, bad man. Lots to think about, especially three powerful segments of the book. The first book I have read by John Boyne, won't be the last. Narration excellent.

Classic Literary Fiction

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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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