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  • Past the Shallows

  • By: Favel Parrett
  • Narrated by: David Wenham
  • Length: 4 hrs and 43 mins
  • 4.4 out of 5 stars (317 ratings)

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Past the Shallows cover art

Past the Shallows

By: Favel Parrett
Narrated by: David Wenham
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Publisher's Summary

Past the Shallows is the award-winning, best-selling debut novel from Favel Parrett about the bonds of brotherhood and the fragility of youth, narrated by David Wenham.

Everyone loves Harry. Everyone except his father.

Three brothers - Joe, Miles and Harry - are growing up on the remote south coast of Tasmania. The brothers' lives are shaped by their father's moods - like the ocean he fishes, he 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 treasures he discovers in 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 - The ABIA Award (Newcomer of the Year) 2012. Winner - The Dobbie Literary Award 2012. Shortlisted for The Miles Franklin Literary Award 2012. Shortlisted for The ABIA Award (Book of the Year) 2012. Shortlisted for The ABIA Award (Literary Book of the Year) 2012. Shortlisted for The ABA's Bookseller's Choice Award 2012. Shortlisted for The Indies Award (Debut Fiction) 2012.

©2011 Favel Parrett (P)2016 Hachette Australia Pty Ltd

Critic Reviews

"Wintonesque." ( Herald Sun)
"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)
"I loved Past the Shallows." (Kevin Powers, author of The Yellow Birds)

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What listeners say about Past the Shallows

Average Customer Ratings
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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Heartbreaking, honest and brutal and real.

My View:
The combination of Favell Parrett’s words and David Wenham’s narration equals a beautiful experience for the soul and the ears! I have listened to a few audio books but this one beats them all – the narrative is poignantly read, is often heartbreaking honest and brutal and real. The ending – is not pretty – but pays homage to the bonds of siblings forged strong and unbreakable by the explosive temperament of a bitter and twisted father.

A mystery is slowly revealed. As a past tragedy unravels another is created. A brilliant audio book!
I have now added Favell Parrett to my must read authors list. David Wenham is a narrator of some note!

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3 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Loved the story , touching narration by David Wenham

A strong story line, read with such understated passion. I will love listening to this book again

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3 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

As good as Winton

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

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2 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Heart is aching - beautifully written

A wonderful story and David Wenham was the exact right person to read this. Tragic and hopeful all in one. Highly recommend.

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1 person found this helpful

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Stunning

A heartbreaking book so evocative, brutal and redemptive. Narration, by David Wenham, was perfect. The characters of Miles and Harry will remain with me a long time.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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wow!

I hesitated downloading this one, and I have to say I am glad that I decided to get it as I loved it. it is beautifully written and utterly tragic. I will listen to it again

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

Beautiful imagery

Beautiful story, depth of character and imagery. David Wenham’s narration was perfect. I have finished and now restarted it and enjoying connecting the dots with random things that initially passed me by.

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Totally Brilliant

Narration was perfect and the story was compelling .I had to read it all without pause.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Glittery dark and deep all at once

Well narrated by David Wenham.
A story that was simple and deep all at once.
About grief anger loss loyalty family and human connections.
I know this was the edited version. I feel like it did miss a few beats in places.
Still very good.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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The Story Was Brilliant 👏

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

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