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If I Let You Go

By: Charlotte Levin
Narrated by: Maxine Peake
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Summary

A Richard and Judy Book Club pick, If I Let You Go is a darkly comic tale of searing loss, coercive control and the consequences of taking the wrong path.

Every morning, Janet Brown goes to work cleaning offices. It calms her – cleanliness, neatness. All the things she’s unable to do with her soul can be achieved with a damp cloth and a splash of bleach. However the guilt she still carries, about a devastating loss that happened eleven years ago, cannot be erased.

When Janet finds herself involved in a train crash, she recognizes her chance to do what she couldn’t all those years ago. And she makes a decision. As news spreads of Janet’s actions, her story inspires everyone around her and, for the first time, her life has purpose. Her future is filled with hope.

But Janet's story isn't quite what it seems. And, as events spiral out of control, she soon discovers that coming clean isn't an option. Because if Janet washes away the lies, what long-buried truths will she finally have to face?

If I Let You Go by Charlotte Levin is a deeply moving and compelling portrayal of a woman coming to terms with loss.

©2023 Charlotte Levin (P)2023 Macmillan Publishers International Limited
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Critic reviews

"Simultaneously tragic and uplifting. And I have to say at times funny. Charlotte Levin is SUCH a clever writer... A magnificent read." (Ruth Jones, author of Love Untold)

"A thoughtful, beautifully written book about grief, and ordinary people being thrown into extraordinary circumstances. Unusual and compelling, with just a touch of humour. Loved it." (Catherine Cooper author of The Chalet and The Cruise)

"Impossible to put down, this is a darkly brilliant novel that balances the heartbreak with the humour." (Louise Hare, bestselling author of This Lovely City)

What listeners say about If I Let You Go

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

Great story

I found myself rooting for Janet throughout. Colin was obnoxious. All the characters were so well portrayed. A very good listen. Well narrated too

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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LOVED IT

Beautifully written, heartbreaking, hopeful and full of heart this is a great story about redemption, healing, hurt & the quest for forgiveness.
Brilliant narration from Maxine Peake just adds an extra dimension to the incredible writing.

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1 person found this helpful

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Brilliant

Really enjoyed this, as I did the other book by this author, can’t wait for the next book. Highly recommend author.

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    3 out of 5 stars
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Great narrating

Found the story a bit slow to listen to. Not boring. Interesting characters but a slow burn of a book.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Gripping

I really enjoyed this book. Absolutely kept me guessing right until the last chapter. Brilliant

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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definitely not comic in any nature

I was looking forward to a light enough read given the description but as a woman I think the word comic is not relatable anywhere in this story. it's a very very dark story of men manipulating women and women manipulating children. a good listen. narrative very good

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Wanted a different ending, but this was the right one!

A very easy to listen to story that dealt with complex issues of grief, guilt, psychological abuse, self confidence, love and truth.
Janet was a likeable character to the end, possibly because what she did was so close to being a heroine and yet what she didn’t do was exactly that. She was a flawed character, created by her desire to be loved and appreciated. Human traits that drive so many of us to do what we know we shouldn’t.
A great listen.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Fantastic story and narration

This is not my ‘normal read’ type but I was attracted by Maxine Peake as narrator. With an actor of her calibre I was expecting a good performance and she really delivers. Normally I listen though headphones, but the combination of story, characters and performance meant I found that to overwhelming and listened on speakers instead! Give this a go, it really is a good listen.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Best book ever! I loved it

I was hooked after the first chapter!
It was so easy to visualise, it felt as if I was watching an incredibly engaging film.
A great performance by the reader.

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4 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Superb!

Loved this book- will look up this author again!
the story, Maxine’s perfect narration- everything about it is 5 stars

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2 people found this helpful