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Tarka the Otter cover art

Tarka the Otter

By: Henry Williamson
Narrated by: Michael Maloney
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Summary

This is the tale of Tarka the Otter's growth to adulthood in the country of the Two Rivers. It is also the story of his life in the wild and how he is hunted by his enemy, the great hound Deadlock.

©1995 Henry Williamson (P)2014 Audible, Inc.

What listeners say about Tarka the Otter

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beautiful, classic literature

Tarka the otter is a beautiful and heart breaking account of the short life of a wild otter. While charming it does not shy away from the harsh realities of the hunt and the cruelty of man, leaving many listeners with a deep sense of guilt for the crimes of their own race. A must- listen for anyone who loves otters and other British wildlife.

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10 people found this helpful

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Fantastic

Overall as above five stars. Recommend to any reader no matter how old. A classic

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6 people found this helpful

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Heartbreakingly beautiful

A stunning book, beautifully read by Michael Maloney. It's a descriptive book, giving a lively insight into the life of a wild animal, which is sometimes bleak but also has its joys and freedoms. Mr Maloney's narration brought the North Devon countryside, and the animals and humans living within it to life - his voice is perfect for the poetic style of the book and he reads with feeling and understanding. He is also very good at the animal noises! I was moved to tears at times but am so glad I listened to it. This is a book that I'll listen to again and I'll also buy a paper copy too.

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4 people found this helpful

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Mesmerising

You live every moment of this wonderful story about Tarka. Despite the horror it is quite enchanting. How dreadful are some humans to wild animals, on top of a very difficult existence and all for sport.

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3 people found this helpful

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Beautiful & Brutal

I almost couldn’t continue but I’m so glad I did. The afterword is well worth listening to.

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2 people found this helpful

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Excellent first choice

loved it , with closed eyes you can imagine your really there on the banks of the river watching the otters.

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2 people found this helpful

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Utopia

Madly truly deeply wonderful
Having spent many summers holidays at Loch Hourn we were so privileged to see many otters and swim in waters at Camusfearna .

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1 person found this helpful

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Beautiful story, beautifully read.

I have always loved this book. From childhood. Being able to listen invokes a beautiful picture and deep emotions.

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  • Overall
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Excellent listen

Gripping, poetic, atmospheric. I loved it. Well worth a listen. Narration perfect. The life of an otter is a hard one.

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Very good story. Perhaps listen to the epilogue first.

I’m 59 years old. I’ve lived in Northumberland along the Tyne Valley and fished all of my life but I have never seen an otter; listen to this and you’ll know why. I did once see the otter hounds and huntsmen out on the River Allen near Ridley Hall / Allen Banks. How unbelievably cruel. Mankind killing otters to the point of extinction for ‘sport’ and because we considered them to be vermin.

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