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Star of the Sea

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Star of the Sea

By: Joseph O'Connor
Narrated by: John Kavanagh
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About this listen

 A Richard and Judy Book Club Selection.

In the bitter winter of 1847, from an Ireland torn by injustice and natural disaster, the Star of the Sea sets sail for New York. On board are hundreds of fleeing refugees, some brimming with optimism, many more desperate. Among them are a maidservant with a devastating secret, bankrupt Lord Merridith and his wife and children, an aspiring novelist, and a maker of revolutionary ballads, all braving the Atlantic in search of a new home. Each is connected more deeply than they can possibly know. But a camouflaged killer is stalking the decks, hungry for the vengeance that will bring absolution. The 26-day journey will see many lives end, others begin afresh. Passionate loves are tenderly recalled, ducked responsibilities regretted too late; profound relationships shockingly unearthed where once it seemed there were none.

In a spellbinding story of tragedy and mercy, love and healing, the further the ship sails towards the Promised Land, the more her passengers seem moored to a past which will never let them go. A novel as urgently contemporary in its preoccupations as it is historically revealing, this gripping and compassionate tale builds with the pace of a thriller to an unforgettable conclusion.

©2004 Joseph O'Connor; (P)2004 Random House Audiobooks Action & Adventure Classics Historical Fiction Fiction Adventure Tear-jerking New York

Critic reviews

"This is a tremendous book; affecting, intelligent, ironic, humane, and utterly convincing. It is also extremely funny." (Spectator [London])
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A very contrived tale where the story telling perspective was changed in a most tortured way.

The underlying history is fascinating but the tale weaved on top of historical basis was just too awkward.

It was OK I suppose

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I found the interwoven stories really engaging. really recommend - don't let the idea it is based on a ship out you off!

pleasant surprise

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I haven't enjoyed a novel as much as this for a very long time. This is an engrossing, tragic and compelling story, full of interesting and well crafted characters set against a fascinating and troubling canvas. Joseph O'Connor has excellent narrative and literary skills. This passionate tale is perfectly complimented by John Kavanagh's outstanding narration. His breadth of characterization and interpretation added enormously to my enjoyment. Indeed, on several occasions I rearranged my social life to accommodate this excellent audio book which, incidentally, was my first Audible download.

Fabulous! A truly exceptional audio book!

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I enjoyed this audiobook more than I can say. It was totally absorbing and I was sorry that it was not a longer listen.

Exceptional story

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Good story, I got this book on audio because I was finding it difficult to read

Great book

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