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  • Water

  • By: John Boyne
  • Narrated by: Niamh Cusack
  • Length: 4 hrs and 38 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (223 ratings)
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Water cover art

Water

By: John Boyne
Narrated by: Niamh Cusack
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Summary

Brought to you by Penguin.

The first thing Vanessa Carvin does when she arrives on the island is change her name. To the locals, she is Willow Hale, a solitary outsider escaping Dublin to live a hermetic existence in a small cottage, not a notorious woman on the run from her past.

But scandals follow like hunting dogs. And she has some questions of her own to answer. If her ex-husband is really the monster everyone says he is, then how complicit was she in his crimes?

Escaping her old life might seem like a good idea but the choices she has made throughout her marriage have consequences. Here, on the island, Vanessa must reflect on what she did - and did not do. Only then can she discover whether she is worthy of finding peace at all.

©2023 John Boyne (P)2023 Penguin Audio

What listeners say about Water

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Fantastic narration of a truly brilliant book

This was my first John Boyne novel, which I chose to listen to based on other reviews. I’m so glad I did! It’s rare in my experience to find a book which is so excellently narrated as this one. It was an easy listen, despite the harrowing subject matter. I’ll be listening to his other novels now as well. Wholeheartedly recommend.

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1 person found this helpful

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  • J
  • 03-12-23

Good tight storytelling - Boyne on great form

John Boyne’s the Hearts Invisible Furies was one of my all-time best listens, and A History of Loneliness was very compelling
I really enjoyed this and got through it quickly. I’ve recently downloaded some really really long books on audible that I’ve left unfinished, so his tight storytelling was so refreshing.
It’s finely observed, very funny and very deep.
Like with A History of Loneliness, Boyne bravely, and adeptly takes on very deep, difficult and worthwhile themes. He really is a chronicler of modern Ireland.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

the actress was wonderful

brilliant story this writer can do no wrong for me. Have thoroughly enjoyed every one of his books. The actress who narrated this book was excellent and definitely added to the story

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Atmospheric story

I loved this short story; a wonderful portrayal of human crisis in an atmospheric setting.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

The superb writing of John Boyne once again reaches out.

Once again, the superb writing of John Boyne reaches out and touches us all. His amazing, writing style, his narrative, his characters; all full, wholesome and soulful. 

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Very Irish story

It was slow paced but that fitted the story . It was believable as well as intriguing. Thank you

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Thought-provoking and beautifully written

I love John Boyne and this one, small as it is in comparison to his others, didn’t disappoint. I’m looking forward to the next in the series.

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Heartful

Such a heartful story beautifully read. John Boyne never ceases to delight me.
Just can't wait for the next one.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Excellent

John Boyle always tells a good story and this short book is no exception.
I listened to it in one go fixated and drawn in by the soft Irish accent.
It’s fast paced with never a dull moment
I loved every minute

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Thought provoking

I loved this book!! It is a dark read with very believable characters. Definitely recommend

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