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The Marble Collector cover art

The Marble Collector

By: Cecelia Ahern
Narrated by: Aoife McMahon,Aidan Kelly
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Summary

A forgotten childhood. A discovered life.

The poignant new best seller from Cecelia Ahern.

What if you had only one day to find out who you really were? When Sabrina Boggs stumbles upon a mysterious collection of her father's possessions, she discovers a truth where she never knew there was a lie. The familiar man she grew up with is suddenly a stranger to her. An unexpected break in her monotonous daily routine leaves her just one day to unlock the secrets of the man she thought she knew. A day that unearths memories, stories and people she never knew existed. A day that changes her and those around her forever.

The Marble Collector is a thought-provoking novel about how the most ordinary decisions we make can have the most extraordinary consequences for how we live our lives. And how sometimes it's only by shining a light on someone else that you can truly understand yourself.

©2015 Cecelia Ahern (P)2015 HarperCollins Publishers Limited

Critic reviews

"A wry, dark drama." ( Daily Mail)
"Ahern cleverly and thoughtfully turns the tables, providing thought-provoking life lessons." ( Sunday Express)
"An unusual and satisfying novel." ( Woman)
"Life-affirming, warm and wise." ( Good Housekeeping)
"Cecelia Ahern is an undisputed master when it comes to writing about relationships.... Moving, real and exquisitely crafted." ( Heat)

What listeners say about The Marble Collector

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

a VERY good read!

Cecilia Ahern's skill is in writing a story with a glowing heart. She's had plenty of practice - this is her 12th. Sabrina's father Fergus seems to have lost his memory following a stroke - or is he subconsciously suppressing memories too painful to remember? The dual narratives with their separate sensitive Irish narrators are skilfully handled so that the lives of Sabrina in the present day, and of her father as a child and growing up are totally absorbing and real.

The central theme of marbles - collecting, professional playing, making, treasuring - sounds an odd one - how many novels has anyone read about MARBLES? But it's fresh, original and brilliant. Cameos in Fergus's childhood are beautifully poignant: the bond with his adored and tragic big brother Hamish; daring to creep close to his grieving mother after his baby sister Victoria is stillborn (why she chose the name Victoria is particularly moving). And always the marbles: Fergus's passion, his life which he so wants to share with his much loved new bride, but cannot bring himself to do. Sabrina knew nothing of all this until she finds a box of valuable marbles amongst his possessions and she sets out to find the truth about her shadowy father who had hidden so much from her, and bring him back his memories.

The ending is gloriously positive and cheering but a great deal has gone before. There's Sabrina's own marital difficulties against the background of raising children and keeping down a job which so many listeners will identify with but which are conveyed with just the right amount of subtle detail. And there's the accumulation of hurt and misunderstanding heaped up over the years which seems insoluble, but eventually it's not too late to heal.

It's classified as a 'good read' and so it is. But it's more than that - it's a very good read which keeps you thinking.

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16 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Couldn't stop listening.

love celia ahern books so thought I'd trial one of her books I've had for a while but not yet had a chance to read. initially I thought I'd just listen on way to work on the bus but found myself listening at home until I'd finished all within 24 hours. great story and enjoyed the Irish readers too.

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12 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Easy and entertaining

The story was interesting, with enough action and information to draw you in, but by no means a challenging listen.
The chapters were cleverly titled to fit the narrative of each character, so it felt like the story was well-structured and easy to follow, even with a few days' gap between listening.
Both narrators were engaging and their voices suited the characters well.

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9 people found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

One of my favourites by Cecelia Ahern

Any additional comments?

I’ve been a reader of Cecelia Ahern’s books since her debut P.S. I Love You first released back when I was a teenager. Her books tend to be a bit hit or miss for me but The Marble Collector was one that I really enjoyed.

The book is told in alternate chapters between a daughter and her father and for the audiobook these chapters are narrated by Aoife McMahon and Aidan Kelly. Their Irish accents really helped set the scene for this book and I enjoyed both of their voices.

The book follows a daughter whose father has lost his marbles - quite literally! Throughout his life he has collected marbles and each one has a deep connection to his identity. Now that her father is struggling with his memory she goes on a journey to find his lost marble collection and reunite them and the memories they represent to her dad.

This book really touched my heart, it’s not often you see books about father/daughter relationships and I loved exploring this one. Fergus was a particularly fascinating character and I loved recovering his memories and learning more about his life.

The Marble Collector is such a brilliant book about identity and memory and how they go hand in hand. One of my favourites by Cecelia Ahern.

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8 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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memories!!!

utterly loved this! possibly the best since PS I love you !! the character of Fergus is so endearing you want to go on Sabrina's journey of discovery with her !!

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6 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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a thougherly good read

I really enjoyed this book it was a little bit different from what I am used to but really good

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5 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars

Mysterious and engaging!

I was not disappointed with The Marble Collector, it had all the twists and mystery you expect from a Cecelia Ahern novel. It was beautifully read and very easy listening.

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5 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars

boring story

interesting story..but not very exciting. love the performance. love the accents. just disappointed a bit with storyline..

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    1 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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Do not bother!

I normally love Cecelia Ahern's books, but this book was totally pointless. The story was so boring, it was as though characters were dropped in for no reason other than to fill pages. I only persevered because I thought it would get better.....it didn't.

The narrators were good, but what can you do with such utter drivel. I finished the book and thought ???????????? I bought the latest book BEFORE reading this one, now I am thinking - will I even waste my time on it.

I would not recommend this book, but her earlier books are worth a read.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars

not the best by the author. It was ok

Ok but nothing special not a very interesting story, the daughter I didn't find anything to particular like, i was bored listening to it.

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1 person found this helpful