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The Toymakers cover art

The Toymakers

By: Robert Dinsdale
Narrated by: Ruby Bentall
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Summary

Random House presents the audiobook edition of The Toymakers by Robert Dinsdale, read by Ruby Bentall.

Do you remember when you believed in magic?

It is 1917, and while war wages across Europe, in the heart of London, there is a place of hope and enchantment.

The Emporium sells toys that capture the imagination of children and adults alike: patchwork dogs that seem alive, toy boxes that are bigger on the inside, soldiers that can fight battles of their own. Into this family business comes young Cathy Wray, running away from a shameful past. The Emporium takes her in, makes her one of its own.

But Cathy is about to discover that the Emporium has secrets of its own....

A dark, enchanting, spectacularly imaginative novel perfect for fans of Jessie Burton's The Miniaturist and Erin Morgenstern's The Night Circus.

©2018 Robert Dinsdale (P)2018 Random House Audiobooks

What listeners say about The Toymakers

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Absolutely fantastic!

I haven’t enjoyed a book as much as this for years. I know I’ll read it over and over again. THANKYOU so much for such wonderful imagination.

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6 people found this helpful

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Must be made into a movie

Wonderful story and relaxing voice made this so very enjoyable. A gentle read which hypnotized you into listening for longer than intended

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  • Overall
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    3 out of 5 stars

Not dull, but...

Strived to be magical, but never managed to sweep me off my feet. Interestingly read, wanted to finish, I'm not sure exactly why.

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2 people found this helpful

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A stunning book

“Wow” is the only way to adequately sum up “The Toymakers”
Everything about this audiobook is superb, it’s not my usual choice of listen / read but from the first chapter I was swept away on a tide of richly weaved magic and escapism.
Papa Jack’s emporium is a mystical, joyous place of unbelievable delights, anyone that remembers the delights of childhood would want to visit. The story is seen through the eyes of Cathy, a delightful character that you cannot help but like. As claustrophobic as the Emporium should be the different worlds, experience and cavern like quality of it provides a sanctuary for the horror of wars and hurt, a healing place where characters can reset. That being said as the story progresses there is a darker element and for all the wonder and magic there is a equal measure of horror and pain as historical events impact even on the residents of Papa Jack’s. At no point was the story predictable or boring, it fires the imagination and welcomes you in to a place we would all like to visit. The ending is a satisfying twist and all sadness occurs without the taste of bitterness. Ruby Bentall did an amazing job with the narration and I can not recommend this book enough.

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Enchanting

This is a delightful book spanning many years. The story winds hither and thither following the members of the Godman family.
It was a little tedious about halfway through then the pace picked up again and ended on a delightful note.

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Ordinary magic and extraordinary magic too!

devoured this book. magical beyond belief. breathtaking! in parts I cried and others thought I would have a heart attack or my heart would break..I think it did.
one of the most perfect books I have ever read.

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  • Overall
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A fantastical tale

Full of fantasy and childlike adventure. The narrator does a good job with various voices and an interesting storyline.

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    4 out of 5 stars
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Fabulous storytelling

A fabulously narrated and truly imaginative story. Descriptions which will make your heart soar.
The only minor drawback of this audiobook is the editing, where a couple of phrases are repeated in error.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Magical and heartfelt story

This would make an excellent Christmas drama. Ruby's narration reallly brought it to life. Magical

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

Solid story but dragged in places

I enjoyed the start, end and some of the middle of this book but lost interest in other parts. felt it could have benefited from a narrator who could have given more distinctive voices to the main characters.

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