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A Short Walk Through a Wide World

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A Short Walk Through a Wide World

By: Douglas Westerbeke
Narrated by: Saskia Maarleveld
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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.


A spellbinding fantasy adventure that follows a young woman struck down by a mysterious curse, and her extraordinary journey in search of survival.

PARIS, 1885. On an otherwise ordinary night, Aubry Tourvel – spoiled, stubborn and nine years old – is suddenly struck down by a mysterious illness at the family dinner table.

When a visit to a doctor only makes her worse, Aubry flees to the outskirts of the city, where she realises that it is this very act of movement that keeps her alive.

She has no choice: she must run from this curse. And so begins her incredible lifelong journey across the world.

But with risk at every turn, what will it take for Aubry to survive?

‘Races around the globe, through deserts and cities, across oceans’
Oprah Daily

‘Imagine Life of Pi and The Midnight Library rolled into one’
New York Times

‘An epic adventure…rich with all the possibilities the world can hold’
People

©2024 Douglas Westerbeke (P)2024 Penguin Audio

 Action & Adventure Genre Fiction Historical Fiction Magical Realism

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Critic reviews

A gorgeous ode to wanderlust... Douglas Westerbeke's dazzling debut takes readers on a thought-provoking journey through cultures and timelines...and also, through a mysterious cave-bound library. I savored every page of this book! (SHELBY VAN PELT, bestselling author of Remarkably Bright Creatures)
This whirlwind fever dream of a novel races around the globe, through markets, deserts and cities, across oceans, over mountains, into the caverns of a vast underground library, chasing its extraordinary protagonist, Aubry Tourvel... Welcome to her exciting, dangerous and romantic life
Westerbeke's extraordinary debut spans decades, unfolding via stories told by Aubry to those she meets while circumnavigating the globe... Striking set pieces, stunning character work and evocative, insightful prose make every page worth savouring. A hopeful tale of improbable friendships, whirlwind romances and unexpected joy
A shining story...with exciting twists and prose that feels like legend, this is an essential read for anyone looking to renew their lust for life. Perfect for fans of Matt Haig and V.E. Schwab (Most Anticipated Debut Novels of 2024)
An epic adventure… rich with all the possibilities the world can hold
A one-of-a-kind love letter to nature, humanity, and the stories we all carry within ourselves. Westerbeke’s engrossing, assured debut will enchant fans of Erin Morgenstern and Alix Harrow
A wild romping adventure, a poignant tale of relationships and interconnectedness, and a compelling journey of self-discovery. A Short Walk Through a Wide World is utterly engrossing, a world - worlds - to get lost in... every reader will find something to love
That rare book that immediately becomes a dear friend… beautiful… This is a novel that asks what it is to love the world, and what it is for the world to love us. A grand adventure that begs to be revisited again and again (ERIKA SWYLER, author of The Book of Speculation and Light From Other Stars)
Enthralling... Capturing each moment of Aubry’s sweeping odyssey with extraordinary vividness, Westerbeke’s poignant epic speaks to the challenges of knowing oneself and others in a world of endless change. This is unforgettable
Readers of The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab and Life of Pi by Yann Martel will fall in love with Aubry. Librarian Westerbeke’s debut is highly recommended for anyone who enjoys armchair travel and stories that open wide to embrace every experience
All stars
Most relevant
This kept me wanting more. Mystery and also a little tragic. Satisfying ending. Well read.

Beautiful story

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Such a magical narration, it’s a journey (or several) around the world, with so good descriptions that it’s almost like it was me who was the protagonist of this story.

Loved this story!

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Moving, beautiful, intelligently written and truly original. I will be buying this in hardback to add to my very small collection of books that I have to hold in my hands. Read immediately!

What an extraordinary book!

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I was drawn in very quickly to the narrative twists and turns in this many places book. Well written and narrated. I’d actually like the author to add to this in a series.

Took me to many worlds

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Although the concept as a whole was very good it was let down by a very underwhelming finish. Mostly well written and worth the read though.

Short walk through a wide world

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