The Trick Is to Keep Breathing cover art

The Trick Is to Keep Breathing

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The Trick Is to Keep Breathing

By: Janice Galloway
Narrated by: Siobhan Redman
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About this listen

Janice Galloway's inventive first novel is about the breakdown of a 27-year-old drama teacher named Joy Stone.

The problems of everyday living accumulate and begin to torture Joy, who blames her problems not on her work or on the accidental drowning of her illicit lover but on herself.

While painful and deeply serious, this audiobook holds great warmth and energy: it's the wit and irony found in moments of despair that prove to be Joy's salvation.

©2015 Janice Galloway (P)2015 Audible, Ltd Fiction Women's Fiction

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Critic reviews

"A real achievement; its dialogue sparks and its voice is true. For Janice Galloway the trick is simply to keep writing." ( Scotsman)
"An account from the inside of a mind cracking up...its writing is as taut as a bowstring. From brilliant title to closing injunction, it hums with intelligence, clarity, wit; and, its heroine's struggle for order and meaning seduces our minds, exposes how close we all of us are to insanity. Joy, as Galloway's heroine reluctantly lets us know that she's called, is simply that dangerous step or two nearer the edge." ( Listener)
"Claustrophobic but extraordinary." ( Sunday Times)
All stars
Most relevant  
Definitely would recommend this book. Brilliantly written and Siobhan Redman reads it so well. Heart wrenching.

Great Audio Book

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very character driven
Great narration
trigger warnings apply for self harm, eating disorders, and grief.

little happens but can't put it down

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I read this before a while ago. Enjoyed it even more with this excellent reading.

Audio enhances this book

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Would you listen to The Trick Is to Keep Breathing again? Why?

No, although I enjoyed the book, listening to it once was enough.

What did you like best about this story?

it was a very clever book - it got into your head

Which character – as performed by Siobhan Redman – was your favourite?

all the same

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I have an understanding of what the main charactor has gone through, so it was very intense at times.

almost not fiction

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Loved this book narrated beautifully by Siobhan Redman. Takes place in Glasgow, my home town. which added to the interest for me.

Compelling Listening

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Where does The Trick Is to Keep Breathing rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I'd say it's up there in my top ten or so.

Who was your favorite character and why?

There is really only one character, the central, much troubled narrator. Many others appear, but all are inflected by her. Despite the central character's depression (that's surely not a spoiler) there are great touches of cynicism which any well person would also come up with. Cynicism is sometimes the only suitable response to some behaviours, suggestions etc.

Which scene did you most enjoy?

The content of the book is so dark that I feel 'enjoy' is not the word. Some scenes are wonderfully written and narrated such as the 'memorial service' scene - you could tell something unfortunate was building - so much more dramatic to be hinted at than stated.

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

...and for that you need your head to be above the water...

Any additional comments?

Siobhan Redmond was the perfect choice for this. Although the story is not exclusively Scottish, the character is and Redmond would have been my choice. If you know the book and are wondering how the 'marginalia' are handled, I think you'll be as impressed as I was. If you didn't know they were there, you'd still 'get' what was happening.

Enjoy is scarcely the word...

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Very depressing insight into a life of someone going through a horrible point in life. This person doesnt seem to be trying to make any changes in her life for the better. A very real insight.

Depressing

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Jumbled and poor story line which I found very boring. Persevered in the hope that the point of the book would be revealed but was very disappointed. Don't usually write these reviews but found this a complete waste of money 😕

Really didn't enjoy this

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I had no idea what this book was about. I was intrigued but it turns out the main character has an eating disorder described in pretty graphic detail. Graphic enough for anyone who struggles with ED to avoid. A real shame as I enjoyed the narrator and the general writing style.

Needs a trigger warning

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I couldn't tolerate the accent, tone or style of the narrator. I tried to keep going, but the story was plain and uneventful.
If you see my reviews I am very enthusiastic when reviewing a good book, I frequently give 4-5 stars if I have thoroughly enjoyed a book, I never give 4-5 star reviews unless I feel the book, author and narrator are deserving.
So it is with regret when I review and give 2-3 stars, rarely do I award 1....but I regret wasting my money buying this book. I've seen 3 other titles by this author and played the clip, they sound the same so shall be avoiding them.
I have many awesome audiobooks that I frequently replay, same as rereading good books, they stay with you, you love the characters so much, inevitability sequels are hoped for.
Thankfully there are many excellent books awaiting discovery!

Very sorry but found it very boring

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