The Child
An Audible Drama
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The Child
Buy Now for £17.99
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By:
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Sebastian Fitzek
About this listen
Shortlisted for the BBC Audio Drama Awards 2015
My name is Simon. I’m 10 years old. I’m a serial killer. Robert Stern (Rupert Penry-Jones), a successful defense attorney, doesn’t know what lies in store for him when he agrees to meet a new client in a derelict estate on the outskirts of Berlin. Stern is more than surprised, when his old love interest and professional nurse Carina (Emilia Fox) presents him a ten year old boy as his new client: Simon (Jack Boulter), a terminally ill child, who is convinced he has murdered many men in a previous life.
Robert’s surprise turns into horror when he and Carina find human remains in a cellar the boy has led them to. The remains of a man whose head has been split with an axe 15 years ago - just like Simon claimed he had. Things go from bad to worse within hours when Stern discovers more dead bodies, the investigating police officer Engler (Andy Serkis) starts to chase him as a suspect in the murder cases, and his own past comes to haunt him. Stern’s friend and former criminal Andi Borchert (Stephen Marcus) is the only one to believe Stern and Carina. Hunted by the police, and led by Simon’s memories, they start to investigate shady sub cultures of Berlin, and soon discover things that are more gruesome than anything they could have imagined…
Audible Studios London presents a gripping audio dramatisation by Sebastian Fitzek, Germany’s most successful thriller writer, whose books are read around the world in more than 20 different languages. This unabridged dramatisation introduces listeners to a completely new approach to audio entertainment, a full-length dramatised book adaption with an original score and soundscapes from the heart of Berlin. Featuring amazing performances by a cast of over 20 actors in a breathtaking plot, The Child provides a truly immersive listening experience.
Like this and looking for more unabridged multicast drama from Sebastian Fitzek? Then simply type ‘Amok’ in the search box, download and enjoy! ©2014 Audible Studios (P)2014 Audible StudiosListeners also enjoyed...
Editor reviews
Critic reviews
Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?
Unpredictable, engrossing tale with many twists and turns. Cleverly written. The different voices and background effects make the story come alive. My lengthy car journeys flew by. You need to get through the first hour before the story really takes off. Don't be put off by the bad review. You cannot judge a book of this calibre by the first hour, before the plot starts to unfold. Beautiful language offsets the unmistakeable horror.Who was your favorite character and why?
Stern, the lawyer. A very likeable character, particularly with the voice of smooth-talking Rupert Penry-Jones (also from Silk, I thought I recognised his voice!). His conversations with the child remind me of 'The Little Prince' by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, when a grown up talks to a mysterious child that is wise beyond his years.What does the narrators bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?
This audiobook considerably enriches the experience because there are several voices and sounds as well as haunting music. It enhances the thriller effect.Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?
I don't want to give away the story.Any additional comments?
One particular voice has undergone heavy technical effects. Unfortunately the sound system in my car made that voice hard to understand and some words became unintelligible, but the rest is so good that I put up with it. That was the only reason why I removed one star.Outstanding, genre-busting thriller. Not for kids.
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What did you like most about The Child?
The narration and the eery musicWhat was one of the most memorable moments of The Child?
Hard to say without spoiling for others, but I was hooked throughout!Which character – as performed by the narrators – was your favourite?
"The Voice"Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?
It was pretty chilling and quite creepy to begin with. Became less so throughout.Any additional comments?
Great story. A bit like watching a drama play out in your head. The only downside to it, which prevented me awarding it a five star rating, was the ending as it was not as gripping or shocking as the story had been form the start. Other than that a great listen, I would do so again!Great drama - Loved it!
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Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?
Compulsive, edge of your seat listenWhat did you like best about this story?
all of it, top performances with great narrationWhich scene did you most enjoy?
So many, it gets very tenseIf you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?
film of the year, apart from the new HobbitAny additional comments?
Get it, its short, but worth every minuteA must have audio book
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Strong cast acting their socks off against impossible odds.
Antis:
Really complicated and unbelievable plot, where time and time again the key protagonists find themselves in impossible positions only to be miraculously rescued. Rather more detail than this reader needed on child exploitation and abuse.
Clunky production - weirdly slow at times - editing odd?
And just a couple of small-parts who were utterly rubbish and stood out like a sore thumb.
Eh?
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I hated the ending. Brilliant performed obviously, bit something didn't sit right.
Trigger warning for infant loss
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