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Secrets of the Sea House

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Secrets of the Sea House

By: Elisabeth Gifford
Narrated by: Cathleen McCarron, Douglas Russell, Sarah Barron, Various
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About this listen

Scotland, 1860. Reverend Alexander Ferguson takes up his new parish, an isolated patch on the Hebridean island of Harris. His time there will change his life, but the Sea House, on the edge of the dunes keeps its silence long after Alexander departs. More than a century later, Ruth and Michael buy the grand but dilapidated building for the family they hope to have. But their dreams are marred by a shocking discovery.

©2013 Elisabeth Gifford (P)2014 W F Howes Ltd Family Life Fiction Genre Fiction Historical Fiction Literary Fiction World Literature Heartfelt

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Critic reviews

"An arresting tale of the things that haunt us." (Liza Klaussmann, author of Tigers In Red Weathe)
"A sweeping summer read, packed with an epic tale of loss, love and hope." ( Irish News)
"Secrets of the Sea House is an arresting tale of the things that haunt us. But the real pleasure in this debut novel is Elisabeth Gifford's finely wrought prose; at turns acute, delicate and fierce." (Liza Klaussman)
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I enjoyed this story and thought the use of different narrators worked well. The story developed in a way that made me want to find out more about Ruth and how her life interacted with the past, the links with the island and the previous inhabitants of the Manse. The story reached point where resolution was revealed but the conclusion was hurried. Perhaps this allows for the listener to assimilate their own conclusion but felt a little rushed. This does not stop me recommending this audio book as a good listen.

Interesting explanation for mermen/maids!

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Well narrated by skilful readers, although some recurring mispronunciations were annoying. An interesting story of a tragic childhood and the subsequent physiological impact on adult relationships, intermingled with an account of historical events. A Highland fling through generations! Enjoyable.

Atmospheric!

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If you could sum up Secrets of the Sea House in three words, what would they be?

ancient faces modern

What was one of the most memorable moments of Secrets of the Sea House?

the mythological story of Ishmael and the selkie

What about the narrators’s performance did you like?

the three narrators read their characters well

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

satisfied with the explanation and reasoning behind the mermaid / merman mythology.

Any additional comments?

good story immersed in folklore

like reading a classic black & white film at times

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Beautifully written, detailed description and research , the best narration I have listened to,

totally engaging

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If you like Western Scottish isles, nature, history, folklore , a good plot and a western Scottish , this is a book for you. It has all these elements!

Transport me to Scarrista, Scotty!

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Beautifully written and narrated.
True accents lend to the story and knowing the isles it was easy to visualise. Highly recommended

Beautiful

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The book transported me to the island of Harris and painted such a beautiful landscape that I feel as though I have actually been there, although , in reality,I have never been near.

Wow

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What a beautiful story very atmospheric the narrator's were first class could not put it down excellent.

Oh so wonderful!!!

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a couple move into a new home by the sea and find the remains of a deformed baby under the floor boards.
the woman becomes obsessed with finding out who lived in the house before them.
she has to face her past before she can have a future.

loved this story

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Briliant book from start to finish. It reminded me of a story that a story teller told us recently. You can imagine the house by the sea and the family living in it over generations.. All narrators were ace and enjoyed their voices throughout 5his audable book.

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