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Open, Heaven

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Open, Heaven

By: Seán Hewitt
Narrated by: Sebastian Croft
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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

TWO BOYS MEET. EVERYTHING CHANGES.

On the cusp of adulthood, James dreams of another life far away from his small village. As he contends with the expectations of his family, his burgeoning desire – an ache for autonomy, tenderness and sex – threatens to unravel his shy exterior.

Then he meets Luke. Unkempt and handsome, charismatic and impulsive, he has been sent to live with his aunt and uncle on a nearby farm. Luke comes with a reputation for danger, but underneath his bravado lie anxieties and hopes of his own.

With the passing seasons, the two teenagers grow closer and the bond that emerges between them transforms their lives. James falls deeply for Luke, yet he is never sure of Luke’s true feelings. And as the end of summer nears, he has a choice to make – will he risk everything for the possibility of love?

‘Hewitt writes with such tenderness and grace’ ANNE ENRIGHT

‘I loved it... Beautiful’ FERDIA LENNON

‘A beautiful novel about how a first love can shape a whole life’ HELEN MACDONALD

‘Open, Heaven does what the very best coming-of-age stories do’ MICHAEL MAGEE

‘God’s Own Country meets Heartstopper… People will love it’ BRANDON TAYLOR

‘A gorgeous ache of a novel’ COLIN WALSH

© Seán Hewitt 2025 (P) Penguin Audio 2025

 Coming of Age Editors Select Genre Fiction Literary Fiction Literature & Fiction Romance Small Town & Rural Heartfelt

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Editorial Review

Queer fiction that reads like poetry
Although Open, Heaven may be his debut novel, award-winning poet and memoirist Seán Hewitt is no stranger to good writing. Set in a remote English village in the early aughts, this heart-wrenching coming-of-age story captures the yearning, sorrow and angst of exploring your sexuality and finding first love. Hewitt perfectly depicts the nuance and heartbreak of young queer discovery, and also explores the often thin line between platonic and romantic entanglements. Told in the lyrical prose of a poet—and beautifully performed by narrator Sebastian Croft— Open, Heaven is sure to be one of the most bittersweet novels of the year, and perfect for anyone in need of a good ugly cry. —Michael C., Audible Editor

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A sensitive, touching exploration and capture of First Love. Of UNREQUIETED first Love in all its thrilling life changing secrecy and fear. Its exhilaration and heartbreak. It’s hopes and possibilities.. The sheer ecstatic highs and the bruises.. It’s exactly the debut novel I expected from this fabulous writer. Stands as a mini classic in my books! Outstanding. Epic in its intimacy. Lands straight in the heart.

Perfection. Every word rings true

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A beautiful story, thoughtfully read by Sebastian Croft. The pain & wonder of unrequited love explored in a sensitive, moving narrative.

Fantastic narration

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Having spent my entire adolescence in (undeclared) love with a straight schoolmate, I empathised 100% with the novel's hero. Sean Hewitt perfectly captures the agony and ecstasy of this delightful doom.

Beautifully written, beautifully read

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