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The Quality of Silence cover art

The Quality of Silence

By: Rosamund Lupton
Narrated by: Rachel Atkins, Harriet Carmichael
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Summary

Set in the extreme landscape of Alaska, The Quality of Silence follows the story of Yasmin and her deaf daughter, Ruby. Yasmin arrives in Alaska to be told her husband, Matt, is dead, the victim of a catastrophic accident. Yasmin, unable to accept this as truth, sets out into the frozen winter landscape, taking Ruby with her, in search of answers.

But as a storm closes in, Yasmin realises that a very human danger may be keeping pace with them. And with no one else on the road to help, they must keep moving, alone and terrified, through an endless Alaskan night.

In a story that explores the very limits of human resilience, The Quality of Silence is as much about a mother learning to hear her deaf daughter as it is about their journey across the vastness of Alaska, and proves, once again, that Rosamund Lupton is a storyteller of class and elegance.

©2015 Rosamund Lupton (P)2015 Hachette Audio

Critic reviews

"Like a breath of icy air, this relentlessly tense thriller is also a child's-eye family drama like none other. Not since Miss Smilla's Feeling for Snow have I shivered like this." (Emma Donoghue)
"Masterful pacing, riveting plotting. The Quality of Silence will have your heart thumping. Absolutely gripping." (Louise Penny)

What listeners say about The Quality of Silence

Average customer ratings
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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    2 out of 5 stars

Chance to rant

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

No. I found the story tedious and felt it was a rant on fracking. Not that I am for fracking but very preachy about how our earth is being damaged by people. Some how the story forgot to mention how much oil etc it takes to drive huge trucks across Alaska, and although the wonders of satalites are constantly mentioned. How did they get up there? hmmm... let me see. Power and fuel from our earth.

Would you ever listen to anything by Rosamund Lupton again?

I have listened or read other books by Rosamund and thought they were quite good.

Have you listened to any of Rachel Atkins and Harriet Carmichael ’s other performances? How does this one compare?

Not sure but their performances were good.

Did The Quality of Silence inspire you to do anything?

No.

Any additional comments?

No.

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

Brilliant story until the most ridiculous ending!

Compelling story, a real page turner, until the last chapter where the story becomes ridiculously implausible and spoils a good book. I didn't like the narration of Ruby, the child, to begin with, but I became accustomed to her.

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5 people found this helpful

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

Very moving, but would have liked tighter editing

I loved the descriptions of the bleakness of the Alaskan winter and the way the perspective of the deaf daughter was sensitively (and presumably accurately) described. I found the pace rather tedious at times and almost gave up, but the need to unravel the mystery of the husband's disappearance and find out what happened in the end kept me going.

I would have preferred less narration from Ruby's perspective and if I hear the word 'supercoolio' once more, I will scream!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Stunningly beautiful!

Completely enthralling to the last. The beauty and ugliness will stay. Brilliantly written and narrated.

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4 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

brilliant

This was an excellent story with twists and turns to keep you thinking along the way. I kept thinking the writer must have been deaf herself to understand how it feels so well. Anyone listening to this story will be gripped by the little girls courage and understanding of the things that just pass other people by. A very unique and descriprive style of writing.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

An interesting story spoilt by annoying narration

Would you be willing to try another one of Rachel Atkins and Harriet Carmichael ’s performances?

Probably not. I don't seem to be able to get the audio sample to play. If I had been able to I probably wouldn't have bought it. Really spoilt the book for me & would rather have read it in print.

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8 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Slow start but well worth persevering

Tbh it started a bit slow and i was beginning to doubt continuing listening but as soon as the gist of the story comes in and the journey begins its a great book.
Chilling at times, very inciteful, well researched and presented.

Narration excellent as always wuth a good narrator you forget them ans getvdrawn into thw story.

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

Terrible narration

What did you like best about The Quality of Silence? What did you like least?

Ruby's voice was so annoying I found it difficult to finish the book

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

Not to have used such a 'silly' voice for Ruby

Would you be willing to try another one of Rachel Atkins and Harriet Carmichael ’s performances?

Probably not.

Do you think The Quality of Silence needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

I enjoyed 'Sister'

Any additional comments?

Wish I hadn't bought it.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Gripping, atmospheric, thought-provoking

Where does The Quality of Silence rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Amongst the best contemporary novels.

What other book might you compare The Quality of Silence to, and why?

?

Which character – as performed by Rachel Atkins and Harriet Carmichael – was your favourite?

I liked both the readings.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes.

Any additional comments?

I felt thoroughly involved in the story, the characters were portrayed sensitively and the book was read very well and consistently. I do enjoy a story where I like and believe in the characters.There were lovely insights from the viewpoint of the deaf heroine throughout, and wonderfully vivid descriptions of the Arctic - its beauty and its intense cold.The suspense built brilliantly and although the denouement of the plot was a little complicated as the story gathered pace towards the end, it was logical and credible. I still carry vivid images from the book in my mind.Rosamund Lupton is getting better and better!

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars
  • ms
  • 24-09-16

Good

What did you like most about The Quality of Silence?

Enjoyed this well read and well written book.

Have you listened to any of Rachel Atkins and Harriet Carmichael ’s other performances? How does this one compare?

No

Any additional comments?

Enjoyable to listen to . The ending left me thinking.

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