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The Bookseller at the End of the World

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The Bookseller at the End of the World

By: Ruth Shaw
Narrated by: Nicolette McKenzie
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About this listen

In the far south of New Zealand, in the remote Fiordland village of Manapouri, Ruth Shaw runs two tiny bookshops. In this memoir, she weaves together stories of the characters who visit her shops, musings about favourite reads, and bittersweet stories from her full and varied life, which has been crammed with incredible escapades.

After becoming the first New Zealand Wren to go AWOL, Ruth has sailed the Pacific for years, been boarded by pirates, and worked the yacht Breaksea Girl with her husband Lance. Travelling to various countries, she's worked as a chef and for an illegal bookie, run street gambling games and a free-range pig farm, provided counselling and assistance to drug users and sex workers, and campaigned on numerous environmental issues. And there have been deep losses and long-held pain—balanced out, though, by her beautiful love story with Lance, and her delightful sense of humour.

©2022 Ruth Shaw (P)2022 Aurora Audio Books Women Pirate
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This beautiful book made me smile, giggle and sometimes feel deep emotion. I loved this delightful, candid and
honest account of Ruth’s life. I came across the book through Paddy’s interview on Radio NZ. Just like Paddy; Ruth is a National Treasure 🥰 well my thoughts. I will definitely be taking a roady to Manapouri in the near future.

A delightful read.

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an honest down to earth book. full of love and life lessons.
I loved it every moment.

beautiful and real

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An excellent book is always hard to put down, it was hard to stop listening to this audible book. The story was full of emotion, hard times experienced, daring adventures but most of all enjoyed the honesty of the book. Ruth has had many life experiences that many of us could never imagine. She’s one gutsy brave lady!

What a life story

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What a life Ruth has had! A wonderful story of a colourful life and how facing your demons can lead to peace.

Honest, raw, tragic and funny

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Having grown up in Te Anau in the 1970/80s this was a wonderful read. What an incredible life with so many familiar names. Loved it!

Wonderful read

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