Disappointing

I really struggled with this book. The story was ok but the writing was clunky and the characters one dimensional, I really didn't care what happened to them. It was only the excellent narration by Emilia Fox that kept me going.

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beautiful narration

I did enjoy this book at the beginning, I thought it was well written and of course emilia fox is always a pleasure to listen to. but I didn't warm to any of the characters and just felt the story could have done with some editing.

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1 person found this helpful

Wonderfully vivid story

This was a great read a heart wrenching story a family torn apart by tragic events the characters are so vivid beautifully written and the narration was brilliant would recommend

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3 people found this helpful

brilliantly observed

Any additional comments?

This book brilliantly observed how grieve ensnares us and how guilt can destroy the very being of a family. Sensetively told without relying on cliche

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jacquib333

This is a well written book read beautifully by Emilia Fox. Full of pathos, guilt and regret, this is not an easy book to listen to. The author writes skilfully and creates a maelstrom of heart rending emotions although the dialogue rambles in places. The end of the book is intended to be uplifting but I didn't find it so. It left me with a feeling of intense sadness that lasted long after I listened to the last word.

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Atmospheric

Loved this book, was sad when it finished,loved the mystery, the whole atmosphere of the story. Emilia Fox, was brilliant. Shows how secrets pull a family apart from the inside, but left you with hope for the future.

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Poignant and gripping family drama

This is a beautifully crafted and sensitively read novel which centres round an unbearable family tragedy. The main characters are beautifully drawn and you really get to know and sympathise with each of their predicaments and the awful situation they find themselves in. I found my emotions surging as the drama unfolded, and the ending was truly uplifting. Believable, poignant and a resounding good listen! Thanks Hannah.

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An emotional journey

An intense story describing difficult times and their fallout that hopefully not many will feel, beautifully read and presented by Emelia Fox. The book captures and describes situations, places and emotions clearly and in a way that makes it easy for the listener to feel part of.

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7 people found this helpful

Disappointing story

Beautifully narrated by Emilia Fox as usual. I thought the story was good till it got to the end and the very disappointing ending. I felt let down.

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Secrets revealed, if you have the patience.

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.

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