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The Quality of Silence

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The Quality of Silence

By: Rosamund Lupton
Narrated by: Rachel Atkins, Harriet Carmichael
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About this listen

Set in the extreme landscape of Alaska, The Quality of Silence follows the story of Yasmin and her deaf daughter, Ruby. Yasmin arrives in Alaska to be told her husband, Matt, is dead, the victim of a catastrophic accident. Yasmin, unable to accept this as truth, sets out into the frozen winter landscape, taking Ruby with her, in search of answers.

But as a storm closes in, Yasmin realises that a very human danger may be keeping pace with them. And with no one else on the road to help, they must keep moving, alone and terrified, through an endless Alaskan night.

In a story that explores the very limits of human resilience, The Quality of Silence is as much about a mother learning to hear her deaf daughter as it is about their journey across the vastness of Alaska, and proves, once again, that Rosamund Lupton is a storyteller of class and elegance.

©2015 Rosamund Lupton (P)2015 Hachette Audio Contemporary Fiction Genre Fiction Fiction Alaska Heartfelt Scary Thought-Provoking

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Critic reviews

"Like a breath of icy air, this relentlessly tense thriller is also a child's-eye family drama like none other. Not since Miss Smilla's Feeling for Snow have I shivered like this." (Emma Donoghue)
"Masterful pacing, riveting plotting. The Quality of Silence will have your heart thumping. Absolutely gripping." (Louise Penny)
All stars
Most relevant  

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

No. I found the story tedious and felt it was a rant on fracking. Not that I am for fracking but very preachy about how our earth is being damaged by people. Some how the story forgot to mention how much oil etc it takes to drive huge trucks across Alaska, and although the wonders of satalites are constantly mentioned. How did they get up there? hmmm... let me see. Power and fuel from our earth.

Would you ever listen to anything by Rosamund Lupton again?

I have listened or read other books by Rosamund and thought they were quite good.

Have you listened to any of Rachel Atkins and Harriet Carmichael ’s other performances? How does this one compare?

Not sure but their performances were good.

Did The Quality of Silence inspire you to do anything?

No.

Any additional comments?

No.

Chance to rant

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Completely enthralling to the last. The beauty and ugliness will stay. Brilliantly written and narrated.

Stunningly beautiful!

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This was an excellent story with twists and turns to keep you thinking along the way. I kept thinking the writer must have been deaf herself to understand how it feels so well. Anyone listening to this story will be gripped by the little girls courage and understanding of the things that just pass other people by. A very unique and descriprive style of writing.

brilliant

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Compelling story, a real page turner, until the last chapter where the story becomes ridiculously implausible and spoils a good book. I didn't like the narration of Ruby, the child, to begin with, but I became accustomed to her.

Brilliant story until the most ridiculous ending!

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I loved the descriptions of the bleakness of the Alaskan winter and the way the perspective of the deaf daughter was sensitively (and presumably accurately) described. I found the pace rather tedious at times and almost gave up, but the need to unravel the mystery of the husband's disappearance and find out what happened in the end kept me going.

I would have preferred less narration from Ruby's perspective and if I hear the word 'supercoolio' once more, I will scream!

Very moving, but would have liked tighter editing

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Where does The Quality of Silence rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Amongst the best contemporary novels.

What other book might you compare The Quality of Silence to, and why?

?

Which character – as performed by Rachel Atkins and Harriet Carmichael – was your favourite?

I liked both the readings.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes.

Any additional comments?

I felt thoroughly involved in the story, the characters were portrayed sensitively and the book was read very well and consistently. I do enjoy a story where I like and believe in the characters.There were lovely insights from the viewpoint of the deaf heroine throughout, and wonderfully vivid descriptions of the Arctic - its beauty and its intense cold.The suspense built brilliantly and although the denouement of the plot was a little complicated as the story gathered pace towards the end, it was logical and credible. I still carry vivid images from the book in my mind.Rosamund Lupton is getting better and better!

Gripping, atmospheric, thought-provoking

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What did you like most about The Quality of Silence?

Enjoyed this well read and well written book.

Have you listened to any of Rachel Atkins and Harriet Carmichael ’s other performances? How does this one compare?

No

Any additional comments?

Enjoyable to listen to . The ending left me thinking.

Good

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thoroughly enjoyable piece . likeable characters believable too. Well written audio well performed definitely highly recommended.

excellent

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a brilliant story which keeps you captivated would recommend this book, actually already have to my bookworm sister

a brilliant story

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I love Lipton's style, and the substory about the deaf girl's experiences and relationships is excellent. However, the main story is so far-fetched that I found it hard to care, although the last few chapters got quite exciting again.

beautifully written but unrealistic

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