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The White Hare

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The White Hare

By: Jane Johnson
Narrated by: Sofia Engstrand
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About this listen

In a valley steeped in legend lies an abandoned house where Edens may be lost, found and remade....

The White Valley in the far west of Cornwall cuts deeply through bluebell woods down to the sea. The house above the beach has lain neglected since the war. It comes with a reputation, which is why Mila and her mother, Magda, acquire it so cheaply in the fateful summer of 1954.

Magda plans to restore the house to its former glory: the venue for glittering parties, where the rich and celebrated gathered for bracing walks by day and sumptuous cocktails by night. Mila's ambitions, meanwhile, are much less grand; she dreams of creating a safe haven for herself, and a happy home for her little girl, Janey.

The White Valley comes with a long, eventful history, laced with tall tales. Locals say that a white hare may be seen running through the woods there; to some, she's an ill omen, to others a blessing. Feeling fragile and broken-hearted, Mila is in need of as many blessings as she can get. But will this place provide the fresh start she so desperately needs?

©2022 Jane Johnson (P)2022 W F Howes Fantasy Fiction Genre Fiction Literary Fiction Sea Adventures Small Town & Rural Women's Fiction Adventure Magic Heartfelt

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All stars
Most relevant
Jane Johnson has crafted a haunting tale that perfectly captures the wild beauty of Cornwall alongside the complex dynamics of three generations of women seeking refuge from their past. Set in 1954, The White Hare follows Magdalena and her daughter Mila as they purchase a neglected house in the mysterious White Valley, hoping to create a new life for themselves and Mila's young daughter Janey.
Sofia Engstrand's narration is absolutely sublime and elevates this atmospheric story to new heights. Her voice captures the mystical quality of Cornwall beautifully, and she brings distinct personality to each character without overdoing the accents. Her portrayal of young Janey is particularly impressive - she manages to convey the child's wonder and vulnerability without falling into that overly precious tone that can ruin audiobook performances. The way Engstrand handles the folklore elements gave me genuine chills, especially during the scenes involving the white hare legend.
The atmosphere Johnson creates translates wonderfully to audio. Cornwall comes alive through Engstrand's narration, from the bluebell woods to the rugged coastline, and the White Valley feels like a character in its own right. The local folklore woven throughout - particularly the legend of the white hare - adds layers of mystery that kept me completely engrossed during my daily walks. There's something deeply satisfying about experiencing a book that grounds its magical elements in genuine Celtic tradition while listening to it in nature.
The three-generational aspect works beautifully in audio format. Engstrand differentiates between Magdalena's determined voice, Mila's worried maternal tones, and Janey's bright curiosity perfectly. The family tensions come through clearly, and there were several moments where I found myself genuinely worried for Janey's safety - Engstrand's delivery during the more suspenseful scenes had me completely hooked.
While the family drama provides emotional depth, it's the supernatural elements that truly shine in audio. The question of whether the white hare represents blessing or curse threads through the narrative with genuine tension, and Engstrand's atmospheric delivery makes the magical realism feel completely natural rather than forced.
I'll admit the resolution felt slightly too neat for my taste, though the journey to reach it was filled with enough unexpected turns to keep me listening well past my intended bedtime. The pacing builds beautifully in audio, particularly in the final third where past and present collide in ways I genuinely didn't see coming.
This audiobook is perfect for listeners who enjoy atmospheric historical fiction with supernatural undertones. Fans of Kate Morton or Alice Hoffman will find much to love here, and Sofia Engstrand's narration makes it an ideal choice for those who appreciate skillful voice work that enhances rather than distracts from the story.
Rating: 4/5 stars
A beautifully atmospheric novel brought to life by exceptional narration. The White Hare is both a compelling family saga and a love letter to the mystical landscape of Cornwall, made even more immersive through Sofia Engstrand's captivating performance.

Atmospheric Celtic Magic Brought to Life - Superb Narration

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Loved the mixture of history and more recent times and the idea of the pre Christian sensitivities towards nature. Not so keen on on the story of the recent characters as rather cliched in places and outcome obvious

The historical aspect

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Richly descriptive and having all the folk eerieness that I love in a book. Couldn't leave it alone!

A wonderful modern folk story

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An unusual story that is interesting throughout and well presented by the narrator. It is quite an intricate plot based around folklore from the Cornish people, which develops at a reasonable pace. If I hav one minor criticism, it would be that it was a bit wordy in places and would have been slightly more enjoyable, for me, if it was a tad more succinct. Primarily I am thinking of the emotive stuff, but having said that I guess it would appeal more to those that like that kind of thing.
Overall, I still recommend this book and if you like a ghost story, then I’m sure you’ll like this one.

Clever story, well presented

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I have loved this book in so many ways. It is a story of people who have their own stories, backgrounds and histories entwined with historic and magical land. I finished it in 5 days and when it ended I wanted more.
Spooky in some places to enlightenment in others. If you like witches and pagans and healing with herbs than this book is for you.

Beautifully magic

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