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
Inhaled this concise story - it’s brilliant.

Am rubbish at writing book reviews.

Just listen! SO GOOD!

An absolute corker - just wish it was longer!

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I loved this so much, well written, paced perfectly, ending rounds off a great narrative. I have no notes for this it’s beautiful and can be read and loved by all.

I think this may be the most perfect book

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I loved this book from beginning to end. Beautifully written, great characters and a really credible storyline. I’ve loved all of John Boyne’s books.

Amazingly believable characters

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To me this is classic literary fiction, a short novel tackling the all-consuming, life-ruining effects of close association with a bad, bad man. Lots to think about, especially three powerful segments of the book. The first book I have read by John Boyne, won't be the last. Narration excellent.

Classic Literary Fiction

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This was a beautifully written book tackling a really tragic and complex subject but I would really heartily recommend it. I also have to say that Niamh Cusack as narrator is simply exceptional- I cannot think of another book in which the narrator has done such justice to the story and the main character- bravo !

Superb

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