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All the Broken Places

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All the Broken Places

By: John Boyne
Narrated by: Helen Lloyd, Kristin Atherton
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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

1946. Three years after a cataclysmic event that tore their lives apart, a mother and daughter flee Poland for Paris, shame and fear at their heels, not knowing how hard it is to escape your past.

Nearly 80 years later, Gretel Fernsby lives a life that is a far cry from her traumatic childhood. When a couple moves into the flat below her in her London mansion block, it should be nothing more than a momentary inconvenience. However, the appearance of their nine-year-old son, Henry, brings back memories she would rather forget.

Faced with a choice between her own safety and his, Gretel is taken back to a similar crossroads she encountered long ago. Back then, her complicity dishonoured her life, but to interfere now could risk revealing the secrets she has spent a lifetime protecting.

All the Broken Places is John Boyne's masterful sequel to his classic best seller The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas, taking a character from that novel on a journey to a place she never goes—the past. Through her story, he explores the aftermath of the war and the effects of a lifetime of guilt.

©2022 John Boyne (P)2022 Penguin Audio 20th Century Family Life Fiction Friendship Genre Fiction Historical Fiction Heartfelt Inspiring Thought-Provoking War

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All stars
Most relevant  
John Boyne was already one of my favourite authors before reading this book. I cannot over emphasise how good this book is - living up to every expectation and more.
John Boyne has crafted a novel that tick's all the boxes. The author is on top of his material and weaves the narrative together into a satisfying whole. The dialogue is taut and generates real suspense. Difficult listening at times but Boyne doesn't shy away from the important issues. Neither does he manufacture a feel good ending, but there is a clever twist at the end which I didn't see coming. Never does the plot lapse into sentimentally. The characters are presented warts and all. There is no attempt to exonerate past behaviour, Gretl has to face up to to her part in the holocaust and isn't presented as a literary heroine. You will feel the tension and may shed a tear or two.. Brilliant novel which deals with a story that can never be told too often.

John Boyne delivers a sensational triumph

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A compelling book which raises lots of questions about how someone might deal with repressed emotions. And ultimately how guilt affects each and every thing that sculpts their lives.

Superb stand alone sequel

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I’m am devastated this book has ended and found it so compelling and moving. Another masterpiece from a great story teller.

Masterpiece

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This book is so well written you feel completely immersed in it and the history from the very start. The plot is just incredible skipping back in time and returning to the present day in alternate chapters so seamlessly. The narration is just brilliant and both narrators bring the characters to life so brilliantly!!! I didn't want it to end!!
Another piece of literary brilliance from John Boyne.

Having not read The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas prior I most definitely will now.

Masterfully written, brilliantly read.

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Brought many different emotions up for me throughout. Narrator was excellent and so easy to listen to. Really loved this book and would highly recommend it as a read.

Excellent story about such an important time in history.

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Enjoyed the dual narrative of the character from opposite ends of life. Great ideas for the affects of the events in TBiSP on the lives of those whose narrative continues.

Affecting story of a great character

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Brilliant follow up to The Boy in striped pyjamas. Great narration, gripping story. Thank you John Boyne!

A wonderful follow up

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Such a good read. Loved the time hopping element of the story and how the author dealt with some incredibly complicated emotions.

Fully immersed in this

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I love John Boyne’s writing!
In his final words about this book he asks the reader to decide having read his story what we feel about the protagonist Gretel .. again like his other work and other wonderfully drawn characters, I will… his work barely ever ends on the last page of his words.

Emotion

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John Boyne as always produces insights into human behaviour and emotion in a story that I didn't want to finish. I rarely write reviews but this time feel impelled to as I was so impressed by the narrators. The voices come across as so authentic and true to the accents and ages of the individuals. Thank you.

Superb

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