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Scissors, Paper, Stone

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Scissors, Paper, Stone

By: Elizabeth Day
Narrated by: Karina Fernandez
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About this listen

A frank and beautiful story of damage, survival and restoration from an exhilarating literary voice.

As Charles Redfern lies motionless in hospital, his wife Anne and daughter Charlotte are forced to confront their relationships with him – and with each other. Anne, once beautiful and clever, has paled in the shadow of her husband's dominance. Charlotte, meanwhile, is battling with her own inner darkness and is desperate to prevent her relationship with her not-yet-divorced lover from disintegrating.

As the full truth of Charles's hold over them is brought to light, both women must reconcile themselves with the choices they have made, the secrets they have kept, and the uncertain future that now lies ahead of them.

©2019 Elizabeth Day (P)2019 HarperCollins Publishers Fiction Genre Fiction Literary Fiction Medical Marriage

Critic reviews

'The relationship between the two women is very well done – tense, hinting all the time at some fatal incident …truly disturbing, utterly believable … sensitive, never prurient' Margaret Forster

'Moving, terrifyingly real' Observer

'Day's subtle prose packs a powerfully disturbing punch as her understated yet candid handling of dark subjects reaches into the most raw and fragile parts of all of us … Sad, delicate and convincing Scissors Paper Stone is a reminder of how the human need to love and be loved can destroy all that we hold dear. It's a striking debut novel from a talented writer' Metro

'A brave and thoughtful book … As an attempt to analyse the dysfunctional web of relationships within an outwardly normal family, it's a courageous and sensitive story' Independent
All stars
Most relevant
Not one of her best but albeit enjoyable. I found that the book needed rather abruptly

Nothing to write home about

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Sensibly approached. I loved this book. Resonated with me as a parent who had to deal with similar circumstances.

A difficult issue to write about…

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This is the second book I have read by Elizabeth Day and I adore her writing style; she paints pictures with words.
The topic was not an easy one but she accurately told a credible story of how failure to communicate can ruin lives.
Well written, beautifully crafted.

Inciteful

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I really loved the female characters being released from the shadow of an abusive man, repairing their relationship and coming into their own.

Gentle story with a dark centre

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I had no idea what to expect but got sucked into it very quickly. Narrator's voice was amazing (reminded me of a younger version of Julie Dench). Deep story, gave me lots of food for thought. can highly recommend this book.

Deep story

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