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The Restless Sea

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The Restless Sea

By: Vanessa de Haan
Narrated by: Katie Scarfe
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About this listen

 ‘The sure-footedness of a pro, an amazing debut’ Jeffrey Archer

Absorbing and richly observed, THE RESTLESS SEA is a masterful story of the turbulent years of the Second World War.

Three lives collide in a way that only the war makes possible…

Jack, a child of the Blitz, has fled the law to become a seaman in the Merchant Navy. The frozen world of the Russian Arctic convoys may be harsh, but it opens his eyes to a new life.

While on leave in the Navy’s secret Scottish harbour, Jack meets Olivia, the cossetted daughter of an officer family. Free to roam, Olivia relishes the new freedom granted by war. But her family – and especially the well-connected Charlie, now a fast-rising pilot – don’t welcome these changes. Least of all the arrival of Jack, the boy who casts doubt on each of their futures.

The war inflicts danger and social upheaval like never before. But the most unlikely friendships are forged in times when people live like they don’t want tomorrow to come…

20th Century Fiction Genre Fiction Historical Historical Fiction Literary Fiction Romance War & Military Women's Fiction War Military

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Critic reviews

‘A rich and skilful novel dramatizing how the war changed so many lives’ Elizabeth Buchan

‘The sure-footedness of a pro, an amazing debut’ Jeffrey Archer

‘This is a story about class changing conventions, as much as it is a war story . . . De Haan writes with depth and compassion’ The Times

‘The second world war brings three people's lives crashing together in this nuanced debut . . . Carefully researched and sensitively written, this is an emotional and memorable read’ Woman’s Own

‘A beautifully layered, expressive novel’ Historical Novel Society

‘Packs a powerful emotional punch . . . a wonderfully engaging new voice' Toronto Star
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This was one of the best books I have ever had the pleasure of experiencing! It was read brilliantly too. I can definitely say I will be listening to this again in the future. Highly recommended!

Wow ! Amazing story !

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One of the best Audio books i have listend to. i must have listend to over 300 books! I hate writing reviews! But this book was really good. and I realy think it deserves a review from me. Thank you! I loved this!

Awsome Book!

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I enjoyed this book a lot. The author really takes you back to war-time Britain, Europe and the Artic. It’s beautifully descriptive and deeply moving (I cried three times throughout the book). For me, it’s a book about relationships, hope, love, loss and the challenges our ancestors had to face trying to be a compassionate human-being in extremely challenging times. I loved it and I look forward to reading the next novel by Vanessa de Haan.

What a lovely story

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