D (A Tale of Two Worlds) cover art

D (A Tale of Two Worlds)

A dazzling modern adventure story from the acclaimed and bestselling author

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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

A modern-day Dickensian fable and a celebration of friendship and humanity, by the acclaimed author of The Crimson Petal and the White.

It all starts on the morning the letter D disappears from the language.
First, it vanishes from her parents' conversation at breakfast, then from the road signs outside. Soon the local dentist and the neighbour's Dalmatian are missing, and even the Donkey Derby has been called off.

Though she doesn't know why, Dhikilo is summoned to the home of her old history teacher Professor Dodderfield and his faithful Labrador, Nelly Robinson. And this is where our story begins.

Set between England and the wintry land of Liminus, a world enslaved by the monstrous Gamp and populated by fearsome, enchanting creatures, D (Tale of Two Worlds) is a mesmerising tale of friendship and bravery in an uncertain world. Told with simple beauty and warmth, its celebration of moral courage and freethinking is a powerful reminder of our human capacity for strength, hope and justice.

'Faber's writing is so dizzyingly accomplished that he is able to convince you that, just sometimes, the old stories are the best ones' GUARDIAN

'Glorious. A story that will be found and enjoyed and dreamed about for years to come'
NEIL GAIMAN

'If ever a book like this was needed, it is now. Dhikilo is a splendid heroine for our time: She stands for kindness, honesty and humanity. Her triumph will have readers rejoicing' DIANE SETTERFIELD

© Michel Faber 2020 (P) Penguin Audio 2020

Action & Adventure Coming of Age Fantasy Genre Fiction Magical Realism Fiction Feel-Good

Critic reviews

In this rather ebullient and lovely new novel by Michel Faber ... older children and fully-grown adults will certainly find much to relish in it
Michel Faber never fails to tell his story with wit, intelligence and charm
Part affectionate homage, part exhuberant fan fiction, YA readers will love it, but Faber's brio and bubbly ingenuity will delight adult readers too
Dazzling
A firecracker of a novel
If ever a book like this was needed, it is now. Dhikilo is a splendid heroine for our time: She stands for kindness, honesty and humanity. Her triumph will have readers rejoicing
Testament to his storytelling gift and to the charm and the warmth of his writing
The deadpan style makes this more funny than scary. Faber's acknowledged debt to James Thurber's O is clear. It's very enjoyable
All stars
Most relevant
It should be made more obvious that this is a children’s book. If you normally like Faber I would think twice about this. A poor mans Philip Pullman with much less substance. Im so disappointed as I’ve loved all his other varied work even though his topics vary wildly.

Not one of his best.

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Sweet little tale about a young girl who adventures into a parallel land (a la Narnia) to save the letter D. A bit long but for a long winter's evening, it's great to just sit back and listen - and I did it in only 2 hits.

Great kids' book - enjoyable for 'growed--ups' too

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