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  • The Sudden Appearance of Hope

  • By: Claire North
  • Narrated by: Gillian Burke
  • Length: 16 hrs and 29 mins
  • 4.1 out of 5 stars (469 ratings)

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The Sudden Appearance of Hope cover art

The Sudden Appearance of Hope

By: Claire North
Narrated by: Gillian Burke
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Summary

Winner of the 2017 World Fantasy Award

Claire North has been shortlisted for The Sunday Times/PFD Young Writer of the Year Award

My name is Hope Arden. I am the girl the world forgets.

It started when I was 16 years old.

A father forgetting to drive me to school. A mother setting the table for three, not four. A friend who looks at me and sees a stranger.

No matter what I do, the words I say, the crimes I commit - you will never remember who I am.

That makes my life tricky. It also makes me dangerous....

The Sudden Appearance of Hope is the tale of a girl no one remembers, yet her story will stay with you for ever.

©2016 Claire North (P)2016 Hachette Audio

Critic reviews

"A mesmerising writer." (Alex Marwood, author of The Wicked Girls)
"North's talent shines out." ( The Sunday Times)
"Little short of a masterpiece." ( The Independent)

What listeners say about The Sudden Appearance of Hope

Average customer ratings
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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    2 out of 5 stars

Disappointing

I like to read Claire north books and have read a few so far. this story is possibly the worst I've read. it is in no way a selection of her writing but more an opinion that the story lasted too long and in that time it was easy to lose what was going on. the ending was disappointing too and lacked to flair I ha e come to know from Claire's books. not for me but others may find its meandering appealing

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

North is a wonderful writer

This is probably not quite her very best, but still a cut above most contemporary fiction

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Not quite hitting the spot

When the story is actually happening it's interesting. I found it hard to get past what could only be described as a heavy peppering of really bad poetry at every emotive opportunity.

This book had a lot of good ideas but I find myself looking at it like a cake someone decorated poorly, thinking what a shame. At least it tastes nice.

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7 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Great idea for story

I felt the narrative was excellent and really aided the story
This book focuses on Hope who is forgotten by all who meet her as soon as she cannot be seen. This is a wonderful take on life and I found it interesting to consider.
At the start of the book we learn that from her teenage years Hope Arden is ‘forgotten’ by her family acquaintances and everyone else. As a result Hope ventures off alone excelling as a thief. Hope makes contact with a rich beautiful woman using the phone App ‘Perfection’. When the woman dies in mysterious circumstances Hope is determined to close down ‘Perfection’ in retribution.
‘Perfection’ is an app telling its followers what to do eat where to go. Points are given when the instructions are followed.
It was interesting to see Hope’s story mingling with her desire for revenge. The middle of the book did drag a bit and could have (in my opinion) been edited more
Its very difficult to take in that as soon as someone looses sight of Hope they have no knowledge of ever seeing her.
I would definitely look out for next book by this author and would recommend it.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Fascinating concept

Brilliant book, engaging, couldn't wait to finish it and definitely recommend. Great performance by the narrator.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Not quite sure

The book itself seems really good, it's just the fact that the book itself doesn't seem to match to my taste. When I read the synopsis, I was hoping the story would focus on how The main character hope lives on a day to Day basis, and the challenges she faces, such as getting a job, dating, and other such things. Whilst all these things are mentioned in the book, the story seems to be more of a mystery or a thriller than just an interesting piece of fiction, which is good, but not really something I'm interested in, especially with the book being so long. I'll probably come back to it later, but I'd rather move on to a book with a plot that holds my interest instead at this moment. This is the advice I give to customers who just prefer stories that focus more on realistic issues and character development instead of drilling mysteries and heists, as you may be a bit disappointed. To anyone who is into that kind of thing though, I'd highly recommend the book, as it is truly seeming to be a good book.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Really thought provoking

I really enjoyed the book, thought twice about listening to it on audible, but I loved it and think Gillian Burkes performance really enjoyable, the narrators voice makes an audible book come alive and she did that for this novel. It’s on my repeat list I took so much from it

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

Interesting idea worth a listen

liked it alot but not as good as other Claire North books. Narration by Gillian Burke first class.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Excellent novel from Claire North

North produces a compelling character in Hope Arden. Fascinating back story to her. Well worth a listen.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Brilliantly written and read

Claire North has the most amazing, clever mind and, once you get through the first couple of chapters, this book grabs you and keeps you wanting to pick it up at the next available chance.
Quite long but never disappoints

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2 people found this helpful