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Past the Shallows

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Past the Shallows

By: Favel Parrett
Narrated by: David Wenham
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About this listen

 Everyone loves Harry. Everyone except his father.

Three brothers, Joe, Miles and Harry, are growing up on the remote south coast of Tasmania. The brother' lives are shaped by their father's moods - like the ocean he fishes, his is wild and unpredictable. He is a bitter man, warped by a devastating secret.

Miles tries his best to watch out for Harry, the youngest, but he can't be there all the time. Often alone, Harry finds joy in the small treasure he discovers, in the shark eggs and cuttlefish bones. In a kelpie pup, a big mug of Milo, and a secret friendship with a mysterious neighbour. But sometimes small treasures, or a brother's love, are not enough.

Winner, Newcomer of the Year, Australian Book Industry Awards (ABIA), 2012

Winner, Dobbie Literary Award, 2012

PRAISE for PAST THE SHALLOWS:

'that rare thing, a finely crafted literary novel that is genuinely moving and full of heart' THE AGE

'an understated and beautifully penned story set on the Tasmanian coast, gives voice to two brothers as their lives are influenced by unpredictable forces....Parrett's writing is exquisite in its simplicity and eloquence, and her narrative is heart-rending.This poignant story resonates.' KIRKUS REVIEWS, USA

'Beautiful, stripped-back prose...there is magic here. Like Cormac McCarthy, Parrett packs a huge emotional punch thanks to the elegant brevity of her style. Stark, but unforgettable...' MARIE CLAIRE, UK

'If you read only one book this year make sure it's this.' THE SUNDAY TIMES, Tasmania

'Wintonesque' HERALD SUN

'I loved Past the Shallows' Kevin Powers, author of THE YELLOW BIRDS Coming of Age Family Life Fiction Genre Fiction Literary Fiction Small Town & Rural Heartfelt Tear-jerking

Critic Reviews

So real, so true - this novel sweeps you away in its tide.
‘heart-wrenching stuff; keep a tissue stuffed up your sleeve’
an extraordinary debut. The directness and simplicity of Parrett’s writing belies an astonishing sensitivity to the secret lives of these boys and the brutal environment that has shaped them.
'Wintonesque'
a small gem of a story
If you read only one book this year make sure it's this one
Finely crafted literary novel...genuinely moving and full of heart'
My top could of books of all time thanks to the characters' voices, the beautiful writing and the achingly sad (yet hopeful) storyline.
Beautifully read by David Wenham.
a dreamy work of loss and childhood
All stars
Most relevant
A strong story line, read with such understated passion. I will love listening to this book again

Loved the story , touching narration by David Wenham

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good story. told well . 1st ever audio book I've listened too and enjoyed it. 😊

1st time listener. great story

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What did you like most about Past the Shallows?

Engaging.Believable and likeable characters.The story flows well and there is a lot of dramatic tension.

Step inside the characters world.

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Very well written and superbly narrated - tragic tale which is sadly too close to reality.

As good as Winton

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It was a brilliant story filled with addiction, grief, hope, strength and the power behind a strong and loving connection.

The Story Was Brilliant 👏

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