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The Better Son

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The Better Son

By: Katherine Johnson
Narrated by: Steve Shanahan
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About this listen

Tasmania. 1952. The greens hills near Mole Creek hide a dark labyrinthine underworld of caves. They are dangerous and forbidden to children. But this is Tasmania — an island at the end of the earth. Here, rules are made to be broken.

For two young brothers, a hidden cave a short walk from the family farm seems the perfect escape from their abusive, shell-shocked father — until the older brother goes missing. Fearful of his father, nine-year-old Kip lies about what happened. It is a decision that will haunt him for the rest of his life.

Fifty years later, Kip has a young son of his own, but cannot look at him without seeing his lost brother, Tommy. On a mission of atonement, he returns to the cave they called Kubla to discover if it’s ever too late to set things right. To have a second chance. To be the father he never had.

©2016 Katherine Johnson (P)2019 W. F. Howes Ltd Contemporary Fiction Fiction Genre Fiction
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Great story. Love Steven Shanahan' narration. He has a fabulous voice and does an outstanding job.

Gripping story

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I could not put this book down,funny sad happy all rolled into one. Reminded me of my childhood growing up in the outback of Western Australia... Thank you Katherine i just loved it..

Ria Swertz, Perth

The Better Son

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A story that pulls on all your heart strings. It is very well read and written. Highly recommended

A sad story beautifully told

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very good story, great narration. not the happiest of tales, so much sadness ultimately, but worth the read. 2nd part dragged alittle if I'm honest, but ultimately rounded the story up well.

worth a read

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Katherine Johnson's "The Better son" is excellent right from the start the story grabs you and is difficult to stop listening to as you want to find out what happens next. This book delves into a complex family and community affected by war, violence, fear and the social norms of the era. Highly recommend.
Steve Shanahan as always brings the book to life so beautifully - he is an excellent narrator of Australian literature.

Wow thoroughly enjoyed this book

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This is a well read thoughtful book about the effect of lies rippling through lives and their legacy. The scences of the boys adventures are captivating against a backdrop of a world they fear.

the lies we live with

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A++++++
A tragedy set in Australia that moved me to gasp, laugh and cry out loud multiple times.

Couldn't put it down.

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What a story, what a tragedy. And so well narrated. Loved it. The characters are very well
developed and believable.

Heartbreaking and absorbing

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The kind of story you want to keep reading as the characters entwine and what you think will happen changes.

Well written and well read. The emotion of situations and relationships grab you

Heart wrenching story

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The book starts slowly. i wasn't sure if I was going to keep going. Glad I did. I cried and smiled without realising. Performer does a great job bringing the characters and places to life.

Slow start but builds to a good ending

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In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.