Water cover art

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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About this listen

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

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
John Boyle always tells a good story and this short book is no exception.
I listened to it in one go fixated and drawn in by the soft Irish accent.
It’s fast paced with never a dull moment
I loved every minute

Excellent

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Another great book by John Boyne, beautifully narrated. I hope there is a sequel planned.

Moving and atmospheric

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Superb short novel dealing with difficult material. Vivid descriptions of an insular community with a range of character.

Loved it!

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A beautifully written and beautifully performed piece. A challenging subject treated with warmth, humility and compassion..

Beautiful and moving

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Wow! This little novel was the best thing I’ve read in a long time, and the narration was perfect. Wouldn’t change a thing. Can’t wait for ‘Earth’.

Short but perfect

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