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  • Water

  • By: John Boyne
  • Narrated by: Niamh Cusack
  • Length: 4 hrs and 38 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (284 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

Average customer ratings
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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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  • 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

Superb

This was a beautifully written book tackling a really tragic and complex subject but I would really heartily recommend it. I also have to say that Niamh Cusack as narrator is simply exceptional- I cannot think of another book in which the narrator has done such justice to the story and the main character- bravo !

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Unusual writing for a well known topic

Like the way the story is divided into the views of all involved. Can not imagine the next book and its outcome

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

Excellent, as with every John Boyne book I have read or listened to. Beautifully read.

Unlike some audio books of my experience, this was narrated by someone who was ideal for the job, and who therefore enhanced the experience.

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

Sad story beautifully told

Another excellent piece of writing from John Boyne. With the best narration I've experienced, from Niamh Cusack.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Dazzling

John Boyne at his best, telling a heartbreaking story with gentleness and truth. Lovely narration and as always moving in a way never to be forgotten.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A good story as ever.

The only thing I disliked was that it was too short. I realise it would have spoilt the story to make it longer. What I am saying is that although it was the perfect length from that point of view, it was such a shame when it had finished. More books please Mr Boyne.

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

Absorbed in the story and narration

Tina

I felt it was a quality story that I got absorbed in and the description of the nature and characters was excellent.

Amazing narration

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

Story and depth of feeling

A brilliant book with an intriguing story line. Beautifully read. Great characters that you feel you’ve met before!

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