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Secrets of the Tides

A Richard and Judy bookclub choice

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About this listen

 The Tides are a family with dark secrets. Haunted by the events of one tragic day ten years ago, they are each, in their own way, struggling to move forwards with their lives.

Dora, the youngest daughter, lives in a ramshackle East End warehouse with her artist boyfriend Dan. Dora is doing a good job of skating across the surface of her life - but when she discovers she is pregnant the news leaves her shaken and staring back at the darkness of a long-held guilt.

Returning to Clifftops, the rambling family house perched high on the Dorset coastline, Dora must confront her past. Clifftops hasn't changed in years and moving through its rooms and gardens, Dora can still feel the echo of that terrible summer's day when life changed forever for the Tides.

As Dora begins her search for clues surrounding the events of that fateful day, she comes to realise that the path to redemption may rest with her troubled sister, Cassie. If Dora can unlock the secrets Cassie swore she would take to her grave, just maybe she will have a shot at salvation.

But can long-held secrets ever really be forgiven? And even if you do manage to forgive and forget, how do you ever allow yourself to truly love again?

Read by Emilia Fox

(p) 2012 Orion Publishing Group©2012 Hannah Richell Contemporary Fiction Family Life Fiction Genre Fiction Heartfelt Tear-jerking
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Where does Secrets of the Tides rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Other than a dramatisation, I avoid abridged versions. In the case of Secrets of the Tides it is a book which cries out for abridgement. It is not that 15 hours is in itself a problem but rather that the material tends to drag in places and there is a degree of repetition. On the other hand, the reader (performer?) does her utmost to deliver the book with conviction.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Secrets of the Tides?

Helen's hysterical screaming at husband and children, all the more ironic when the real blame is hers and hers alone. Without Helen's selfishness, there would have been no story, no book.

What about Emilia Fox’s performance did you like?

Her energy and range of tone, emotion and voices. It takes skill to hold the attention over numerous listening sessions. I am filled with awe too at the magnitude of the task of recording such a long story in a cohesive way over a number of recording sessions with no other actors with whom to interact.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Helen's hysterical rage at husband and children Creating that high emotion using just the voice in a sterile recording studio, without fellow actors, is amazing. That, and the storyline at that point - if I could have strangled Helen, I would have. That is how involving it was - book and reader.

Any additional comments?

In time, I will listen to this recording again. Yes, I will know the ending but I feel that second time around I will be able to concentrate more on the nuances of the book and the reading. If I had bought the book itself, I suspect that I would not have finished it - that is the added value given by such a brilliant performance.

Secrets revealed, if you have the patience.

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This story is harrowing in parts and made me cry but it’s so poignant and beautifully written I just couldn’t stop listening. Such a powerful story of family secrets and the damage that they can cause for years and years. So many powerful messages to hear.

Emilia Fox is an absolutely superb narrator, no one can match her in my opinion.

Absolutely wonderful

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This book was a real treat and I didn't want it to end. I could picture all of the characters, the setting and the events perfectly. I would highly recommend this book. Very gripping!

Simply brilliant

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A gripping story of a family changed by the choices they made in one day. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Emilia Fox reads with such passion.

Gripping story of a family changed

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A wonderful book. Heartbreaking at times but an excellent story. I am so glad that I decided to download it. Hannah Richell is writer I will look out for in future. The narration, by Emelia Fox was perfect.

Secret of the Tides

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