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A Beautiful Family

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A Beautiful Family

By: Jennifer Trevelyan
Narrated by: Ruby Hansen
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QVB FICTION BOOK OF THE MONTH

BOOKTOPIA BOOK OF THE MONTH


As the long summer holiday stretches ahead, with her older sister more interested in boys, her mother disappearing on long walks and her father, beer in hand, watching the cricket, the youngest in the family often finds herself alone. At the beach, she meets Kahu, a boy who tells her a tragic story. A couple of years ago, a little girl went missing, presumed drowned. But no one ever found her body.

Suddenly, the summer has purpose—they will find the missing girl and become local heroes. With her family caught up in their own intrigue, she is free to diligently search for clues with her new friend. It also means she is the only one to notice her next-door neighbour, in turn, watching them. Among dips in the ocean, afternoon barbecues and lazy sunbaking, their detective work dislodges and brings to the surface shocking discoveries that will change all of their lives forever.

This thrilling debut is an assured, nostalgic meditation on growing up. A time where the space between what is observed and what is understood holds an innocent truth, on the cusp of being overtaken by an adult knowing, seen through the eyes of a brave and funny protagonist, who is worthy of a place in the pantheon of beloved child narrators.©2025 Jennifer Trevelyan (P)2025 W. F. Howes ltd. and Allen & Unwin Coming of Age Family Life Genre Fiction Suspense Thriller & Suspense Exciting Funny
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This was such an absorbing listen, I couldn’t stop myself from indulging so long I’d fall asleep and then have to rewind back and delisted to parts I did not want to miss.
Excitement, fear, amusement, it brought it all back especially from the point of view if a ten year old child, knowing and guessing meaning in adult situations. Even the sibling fights felt familiar.
Loved it!

So Kiwi childhood nostalgia

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Just finished this book, which I absolutely LOVED. Set on N.Z’s Nth Island in the 80’s - lots of brilliant references! - and told through the eyes of a ten yr old girl (similar style to To Kill a Mockingbird, with a beautiful mix of naivety & spirit!). So so good. Narrated on by a kiwi too, which worked so beautifully.

Feels like I’ve just had a trip back to my Walkman using, MickeyMouse-watch-wearing, summertime youth!!

I want a red Walkman now!

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I enjoyed this very much ..
Through the eyes of a child , i could picture tje beach and the holiday destinations of my childhood.

Innocence

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What a very different and wonderful story. Told through the eyes of a likeable 10 year old, navigating family life, a missing girl, a creepy neighbor and a death. Just your usual family holiday. Fabulous.

I couldn’t stop listening

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A wonderful novel full of twist and turns, great child characters. I couldn’t put it down. So fascinating to see a family and a summer holiday through the eyes of a ten year old.

Wow a great novel.

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