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The Book of Wonders

The perfect feel-good novel for summer 2020!

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The Book of Wonders

By: Julien Sandrel, Ros Schwartz
Narrated by: Lucy Paterson
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About this listen

Open your heart to the most life-affirming and uplifting novel of the year...

Thelma and Louis, it's always just been the two of them, Thelma and her beloved son, Louis.

But when Louis is involved in an accident, their lives are turned upside down, as Louis falls into a coma. Feeling lost without him by her side, Thelma finds Louis' book of wonders - a bucket list of all the things he wants to accomplish in his life. She suddenly sees a way to feel close to him: she will fulfil Louis' dreams, living them out for him, in the hope that it will inspire him to survive.

Thelma is about to set off on the adventure of a lifetime... and in a way, so is Louis...

The Book of Wonders is a heart-warming and charming story about finding the joy in every moment of life and making each and every day count. Perfect for fans of The Keeper of Lost Things and A Man Called Ove. ©2019 Editions Calmann-Lévy (P)2019 Quercus Publishing
Contemporary Contemporary Romance Family Life Fiction Literary Fiction Romance Women's Fiction Feel-Good Heartfelt
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What listeners say about The Book of Wonders

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Where has the ending gone?

i was impressed by the depth of feeling this book evoked in me. One feels and immediate empathy with the characters and the situation. However, the book ends, almost mid sentence and certainly Leaves the reader in total mid air as to the outcome of Louise fate!

The book therefore is disappointing and frustrating in the extreme, and feels as if the authors avoided giving a satisfactory conclusion to the story. We do not even know what else was contained in the book of wonders.

I will ring audible to question whether there has been an error in the download so dissatisfied was I, with a sense of unfinished anticipation.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Reminiscent of Me Before You

3.5 stars.

Sweet and teary family story, with a sub-plot about sexism in the workplace. For me though, neither lived up to the promise.

Thelma adores her adolescent son, Louis, and is as distraught as any parent would be when he is hit by a lorry and sent into a coma. Luckily, Louis has written a diary with a Bucket List of things he'd wanted to do with his life (this didn't quite sound like the actions of a typical 12-year-old but never mind), and Thelma decides that, if she tries to fulfil his wishes on his behalf and let him know about her progress, he might just wake up from unconsciousness.

At the same time, Thelma struggles to hold onto her job, one in which she has experienced daily acts of chauvinism.

I wanted more from the workplace storyline, but this was actually wrapped up very neatly and quickly, with little drama, I'm not sure why it was there really. And the book itself being quite short, Thelma's international exploits didn't last particularly long either, it felt as though it could have been expanded. There were some rather funny moments (Louis wanting to do something that is quite typical of adolescents but that is entirely inappropriate as well as embarrassing for his mother) which brought up issues of consent as well as objectification.

While it was pretty agreeable, it felt too short, tidied itself up neatly (or left things far too open), and didn't make the most of the potential of either interesting storyline.

Worked well as an audiobook however, Thelma's voice as mother and professional working woman came across strongly through the narrator, and her telling us the story worked.

With thanks to Nudge Books for providing a sample Audible copy.

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  • Overall
    1 out of 5 stars
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    1 out of 5 stars
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    1 out of 5 stars

What happened?!?

This story ends way to soon. I’m so frustrated I wanted answer! The story literally finishes half way through. I have no idea if it’s a down load issue or ifs it meant to be this way?!?

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