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A Constellation of Vital Phenomena

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A Constellation of Vital Phenomena

By: Anthony Marra
Narrated by: Colette Whitaker
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About this listen

In a snow-covered village in Chechnya, eight-year-old Havaa watches from the woods as her father is abducted in the middle of the night by Russian soldiers.

Their lifelong friend and neighbour, Akhmed, has also been watching, and when he finds Havaa he knows of only one person who might be able to help. For tough-minded doctor Sonja Rabina, it’s just another day of trying to keep her bombed-out, abandoned hospital going. When Akhmed arrives with Havaa, asking Sonja for shelter, she has no idea who the pair are and even less desire to take on yet more responsibilities and risk. But over the course of five extraordinary days, Sonja’s world will shift on its axis, revealing the intricate pattern of connections that binds these three unlikely companions together and unexpectedly decides their fate.

©2013 Anthony Marra (P)2013 Random House Audiobooks Genre Fiction Literary Fiction Fiction Russia

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Critic reviews

"A Constellation of Vital Phenomena is simply spectacular." (Ann Patchett)
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A very good story with lots of strands of horror, heartbreak, longing and compassion. I loved the slow build up and back stories of how each character was affected by the utter horror of recent the conflicts in Chechnya. A very clever tale, which although horrific at times was enthralling. I found the narrators voice very monotone and it did spoil my enjoyment of the story. I have since read the book & have recommended it to others. Brilliant writing. Congratulations to the terrific Author, Anthony Marra.

Uplifting story built from shattered lives

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a fabulous book. beautifully read. intriguing, beguiling, original, thought provoking, with lovely turns of phrase

truly wonderful

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a saga of family & friendship, love & betrayal, hope & hopelessness - a bit of every emotion going + a history lesson for me of a war I was only vaguely aware of. Highly recommend but maybe have a tissue handy.

excellent

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