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The Bay

By: Julia Rampen
Narrated by: Steve Worsley, AnYi
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Summary

A tender and poignant debut of the redemptive power of unexpected friendship.

In an old-fashioned fishing community on Morecambe Bay, change is imperceptibly slow. Treacherous tides sweep the quicksands, claiming everything in their path.

As a boy, Arthur had followed in his father’s and grandfather’s footprints, learning to read the currents and shifting sands. Now retired and widowed, though, he feels invisible, redundant. His daughter wants him in a retirement home. No one listens to his rants about the newcomers striking out nightly onto the bay for cockles, seemingly oblivious to the danger.

When Arthur’s path crosses Suling’s, both are running out of options. Barely yet an adult, Suling’s hopes for a better life have given way to fear: she’s without papers or money, speaks no English, and chased by ruthless debt collectors. Her only next step is to trust the old man.

Combining warmth and suspense and recalling a true incident, The Bay tells a tender story about loneliness, confronting prejudice, and the comfort of friendship, however unlikely—as well as exposing one of the most pressing social ills of our age.

The Bay is an engrossing novel recalling the Morecambe Bay cockling disaster of 2004.

©2023 Julia Rampen (P)2024 Saraband
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Critic reviews

“Careful and compassionate…subtle, human and meaningful, but also full of humour, and precise and beautiful description.” Emma Healey, author of Elizabeth Is Missing

“A study of empathy and compassion, in lyrical prose. It examines human connections and asks how we should care for others, and be cared for ourselves…immersive and thought-provoking. There is a luminous, shimmering sense of place.” Catherine Simpson, author of One Body

What listeners say about The Bay

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Beautiful writing… completely drawn in to the characters.

This book is so beautifully written… so much thought, insight and imagery…
I loved the characters and their portrayals.
I especially loved Julia’s postscript and acknowledgements… all so moving and enlightening.
I really can’t wait for her next one!

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Wonderful

This was a wonderful listen. The narrators are fabulous and really bring the characters alive. The story focused on the human element of a terrible tragedy, and emphasised the things we all have in common, even when we feel isolated and lonely. The characters were so quirky, and I loved the names Suling gave to people.

A story about not judging people, and taking the time to see the similarities we all share. There may be barriers, but these can be overcome if we are willing to try and accept help. It has made me want to do further research into the tragedy. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this book.

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