A Blissful Journey Into the Mysteries ofFriendship

Would you listen to When Marnie Was There again? Why?

Because it is about love and the mysteries of time, reality and the bonds than can exist between people in the fragility of the present, the past and the future. This is a vivid picture of how an external landscape the internal world of souls it sets free to bond and to love.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Ana because her journey from the unbearable isolation of depression to the freedom of love and fellowship is the lens through which all else is magnified and understood.

Have you listened to any of Jan Francis’s other performances? How does this one compare?

Exquisitely modulated to form distinct and engaging characters.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Cry buckets of both sadness and joy - it has haunted me way after listening to it

Any additional comments?

One of the best books I have ever come across in 45 years of serious reading

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1 person found this helpful

Tender, nuanced and clever novel for young adults

I really enjoyed the Studio Ghibli film, and was interested to learn it was based on a novel. The film and novel are very similar, save for the transposing to England here rather than Japan, and some slight plot differences towards the end. Both deal with mental health, parenting and neglect, and coming of age issues with subtlety, and the plot is inventive, warm and magical.

Anna is a really great character: she's got the teenage spunk, but she's also quiet and reserved, and not part of the popular clique at school, which I think most readers will relate to. And the novel definitely reads like it's on Anna's side, like the author was taking issue with how children were treated by adults. It feels on the side of young people in general, even today, which I think is impressive.

The novel feels more teen-orientated than the film, which I think is squarely aimed at adults (like most Ghibli films). I think it's because in the novel we have access to Anna's thoughts, which brings the teenage point of view to bear much more strongly; in the film, Anna comes across more quiet and contemplative (except when she's with Marnie of course), and so it has a less frenetic feel, more suited to adult tastes.

I felt in the novel that the plot of Anna transitioning between worlds (be that literally, or in her daydreams) was a little less plausible; I think because we have access to her thoughts, it begs why she wouldn't be more questioning of what was happening. In the film, without these thoughts, the audience I think is more inclined to roll with it, and perhaps assume Anna is confused as to what is happening, even if she's not voicing it. (Notably though in the film, the visuals work well to obscure the transition, which perhaps makes Anna's acceptance of it more believable.)

The novel was written in the 1960s, and the scenes with Marnie are set even further in the past - as a result it feels a little more old-fashioned than the film, like the adventures of the Famous Five, and which the voice performance also accentuates. The film to me has more modern sensibilities in its dialogue.

A final word on a difference between the book and the film: In the film I definitely felt like I was getting vibes of Anna and Marnie being attracted to one another in more than just friendship. Perhaps my wife and I read too much into it, but we both detected that, and thought it was incredibly refreshing to see in a drama about young people - certainly a lesbian or gay relationship is not something I think I've seen in any other Studio Ghibli film so far. The novel here felt like it was definitely friendship only, which is fine, and perhaps speaks to the time it was written as well. But still, I was hoping the novel may even explore their relationship on a deeper level, so I was a little disappointed.

Side note: The info page on Audible says the novel is abridged, yet the artwork says unabridged. I'm not sure which is right, but given the narrative I experienced, I felt like I got the whole story.

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Remarkable

such a touching and exciting story with a very wonderful tone, whimsical tone. This writer is the kind of writer that writes straight to your heart.

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A beautiful tale.

if you like the book, check out the Studio Ghibli film. Their last, and one of their best films.

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I love it!

This is a great book that I discovered through the Studio Ghibli film adaptation. I loved the film so decided to read the book and it was even better! It is a great book that leaves certain elements of the plot to the readers imagination. The narrator is brilliant and this is overall a great audiobook!!! :)

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Being outside and inside

Insightful into a child’s psyche,, beautiful written through very simply interwoven,, i can see what attracted Miyazaki,, loved it,, sad but sweet in the end..

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brilliant!

l love this story and even named my daughter Marnie as I love the name too!

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Beautiful and Haunting

I first heard this book when I was a child listening to the BBC’s Jackanory. One of my favourite programmes as a child. The story never left me and so having joined Audible, I was pleased to see it and listened again.
This adaptation delivered everything I could have asked for. Jan Francis, who I’ve always admired, reads the story exactly as I would have read it myself and this added to the nostalgia I felt hearing it again.
The story itself covers loneliness and overcoming some of life’s most challenging difficulties. It shows that with a little bit of care and understanding, we can reach out to others and make their lives a little better. It also delves into mental health issues, bullying and loss. Although it is clearly written in another time during the 1960’s I believe, many of the issues are still as prevalent today as ever. It’s a lovely story and one I treasure.
On another side note, I wish the creators of the music and the artwork had been credited here. I would love to have that piece of music to listen to and the artwork is beautiful and whimsical.

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