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The Offing

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The Offing

By: Benjamin Myers
Narrated by: Ralph Ineson
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About this listen

Bloomsbury presents The Offing by Benjamin Myers, read by Ralph Ineson.

FROM THE WALTER SCOTT PRIZE-WINNING AUTHOR OF THE GALLOWS POLE COMES A POWERFUL NEW NOVEL
A TIMES BOOK OF THE YEAR
_______________________

‘What a radical thing, these days, to have written a book so full of warmth and kindness ... Gorgeous’ – Max Porter, author of Lanny

‘Glorious ... Leaves an indelible impression ... A moving and subtle novel in many ways, infused with a love of the minute pleasures in life, and the lasting regrets’ – Scotland on Sunday
_______________________

One summer following the Second World War, Robert Appleyard sets out on foot from his Durham village. Sixteen and the son of a coal miner, he makes his way across the northern countryside until he reaches the former smuggling village of Robin Hood’s Bay. There he meets Dulcie, an eccentric, worldly, older woman who lives in a ramshackle cottage facing out to sea.

Staying with Dulcie, Robert’s life opens into one of rich food, sea-swimming, sunburn and poetry. The two come from different worlds, yet as the summer months pass, they form an unlikely friendship that will profoundly alter their futures.
_______________________

An i Book of the Year
A Reading Agency Book of the Year
A BBC Radio 2 Book Club Pick
A BBC Radio 4 'Book at Bedtime'
An Observer Pick for 2019

©2019 Benjamin Myers (P)2019 Bloomsbury Publishing Plc
Contemporary Fiction Genre Fiction Fiction Feel-Good Heartfelt

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Featured article: embracing the British seaside this summer? Here’s 10 listens for your travels


Whether you’re visiting Brighton, Blackpool, or the Outer Hebrides, here’s a title for every trip. It’s a selection as varied as our beloved British coast, with laughs, thrills, and romance to accompany you on what’s (hopefully) a sunny summer holiday.

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Most relevant  
A most memorable read which often brings a smile to your face and leaves you wanting more

A good read

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a captivating distraction from the news you'll be hungry reading this longing for the sea

Post war set novel enchanting Ralph Ineson wonderf

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Thank you for writing a truly beautiful book .At the age of seventy seven and an avid reader,I cannot say how wonderful it was to be transported and lost in this beautiful story ! As an audible book the narrator was so adept at drawing the listener into this odd duo of opposites and allowing us to be part of this gentle evolving relationship! It will be a book I will return to !

The Offing

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Thoroughly beautiful ! I’m off to find more of Mr Benjamin Myers. Such poetic writing, setting the scene just after the 2nd World War in a time I can just remember, painting the story in and around Yorkshire. Also Ralph being an actor with his deep and melodic voice added no end to the description and brought Benjamins’ words to life!

Superb writing.

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Such a great book. I simply couldn’t stop listening. Great narration which brought the story to life.

Listened in one sitting.

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I loved the description of the countryside and the gradual reveal of Dulcie’s life history. A remarkably poignant story set in an age of change and upheaval. Brilliant!

An absorbing rite of passage, beautifully told.

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One of the best books I've listened to. Beautiful and heart breaking all in a tight glorious package.

Beautiful

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When I first began to listen, I wasn't sure if I would enjoy this book. However, I soon discovered that I Loved it...and devoured it in two or three sessions. We hear Robert going from an unsure and anxious 16 year old to a mature and then much older man.

Everyone needs a 'D....' in their life ... irreverant. funny and abundant in her generosity. I really did not want this book to end.

The narrator is excellent too. A good use of 1 credit.

Loved This Book - Sad when it ended

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An absolutely wonderful read: beautifully written, real and relatable characters and an entirely captivating story. I'd read it all over again - happily!

Glorious!

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A beautifully written tale centered around two very likeable, interesting characters. Nicely paced with enthrallingly descriptive prose. The narrator’s interpretation is perfectly pitched; his mellifluous voice is captivating. Brilliant!

Enchanting

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