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The Phone Box at the Edge of the World

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The Phone Box at the Edge of the World

By: Laura Imai Imai Messina, Lucy Rand - translator
Narrated by: Yuriri Naka
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About this listen

'Absolutely breathtaking' Christy Lefteri, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Beekeeper of Aleppo.

We all have something to tell those we have lost . . .

On a windy hill in Japan, in a garden overlooking the sea stands a disused phone box. For years, people have travelled to visit the phone box, to pick up the receiver and speak into the wind: to pass their messages to loved ones no longer with us.

When Yui loses her mother and daughter in the tsunami, she is plunged into despair and wonders how she will ever carry on. One day she hears of the phone box, and decides to make her own pilgrimage there, to speak once more to the people she loved the most. But when you have lost everything, the right words can be the hardest thing to find . . .

Then she meets Takeshi, a bereaved husband whose own daughter has stopped talking in the wake of their loss. What happens next will warm your heart, even when it feels as though it is breaking...

The Phone Box at the Edge of the World is an unforgettable story of the depths of grief, the lightness of love and the human longing to keep the people who are no longer with us close to our hearts.

©2020 Laura Imai Messina and Lucy Rand (P)2020 Bonnier Books UK Family Life Fiction Genre Fiction Literary Fiction Women's Fiction World Literature Feel-Good Heartfelt Inspiring Tear-jerking Thought-Provoking Natural Disaster

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Critic reviews

"Absolutely breathtaking...a story of universal loss and the power of love. It will remain engraved in my heart and mind forever." (Christy Lefteri, Sunday Times best-selling author of The Beekeeper of Aleppo)

"Beautiful. A message of hope for anyone who is lost, frightened or grieving." (Clare Mackintosh, Sunday Times best-selling author of After the End)

"Incredibly moving. It will break your heart and soothe your soul." (Stacey Halls, Sunday Times best-selling author of The Familiars)
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I wasn't sure at first but the story unfolded and has given me a new understanding of grief, hope and happiness. Beautifully and brilliantly written and read with great empathy and quiet emotion. I am glad I chose the book and persevered when I wasn't sure.

Beautiful, Peaceful & Insightful

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Every line poetry! For anyone who has ever experienced loss, the wisdom thoughts and stories interwoven throughout are like a balm to the soul, a warm weighted blanket for a heart grown cold. In fact, everyone should read it. Simply beautiful.

The most beautiful book I’ve read this year

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One thing that i've learnt this year is that a book doesn't have to be perfect for it to be good. It doesn't have to be amazing for it to be 5 stars. As long as it touches you in some way or another, and means something to YOU alone.

And that's exactly how it is with this book.

Sure there are certain moments/parts that ask for you to extend your disbelief.. But it's a great read. And i'm thankful it's my final read of 2021, my final review. A great round off to the year.

If you enjoyed 'Before the Coffee Gets Cold' or any other translated novels then I'm sure you'll enjoy this one.

A book based on a true story, about a phone box at the edge of the world, that carries your words out to your lost loved ones. A poignant, moving and memorable story.

A book that speaks of hope.

A book that will stay with you

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what a lovely narrated story. Very sensitive. It must bring peace to anyone who has lost someone.

loved this book.

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The concept of this story is just lovely. There were parts to the story that the concept kept me going but all in all a lovely story and one that warms your soul and brings faith to humanity. Would recommend

Lovely concept and nicely told

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Despite getting a bit lost in the back and forth in time, I just loved the language, descriptions and ways to look at life that the book offers. Great narration as well. I wish there were more books this interesting.

Such a pleasure to listen to

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There is one word to describe this book, beautiful. It is so a refreshing tail of humanity and courage.

Sweet, and beautifully written

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I struggled to finish this. By the time I was close to the end, I was no longer sure what it was about . Just not my type of book

Not my thing!

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It was such a beautiful story, and great to hear the impact the phone box has had in peoples lives. A great book absolutely enjoyed it

Loved this book

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This a beautiful and moving story, I think the narrator was excellent . very moving

a beautiful story

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