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The Choke

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The Choke

By: Sofie Laguna
Narrated by: Danielle Baynes
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About this listen

Abandoned by her mother as a toddler, only occasionally visited by her volatile father and raised solely by her tormented Pop, Justine finds sanctuary in The Choke, a place where the banks of the Murray River are so narrow they can almost touch.

Although Justine doesn't know it, her father is a menacing criminal, and the world she is exposed to is one of great peril to her. She must make sense of it on her own - and when she eventually does, she knows what she has to do....

©2017 Sofie Laguna (P)2017 W F Howes Ltd Fiction Genre Fiction Literary Fiction Heartfelt Thought-Provoking
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I loved this book although I found the narration grating at times. The story was captivating and the fact that it was set local to me made it even better!

Captivating!

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Hard hitting but beautiful and innocent. Highlights some of hardships of a broken family, domestic and sexual violence as well a girl that has slipped through the cracks at school. Story that is hard not to listen all in one go.

very hard to press stop

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Interesting book albeit sad story but can imagine it happening in reality. Very well written

Keeps you wondering

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A deeply human story, sometimes ugly, yet told beautifully in the voice of Justine, a most engaging young narrator.

Compelling story, with a unique voice

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This book reminded me of Melina Marchetta's early work. Loved all of the Australian references.

Absolutely loved this!

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Sofie Laguna understands people and her sharp insight is what underpins this wonderful story. The characters are finely drawn and entirely believable.The main character is an outsider and the story is told from her point of view. The author makes the reader really care about what happens. A great read.

A contender for the great Australian novel

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Now I am somewhat closer to understanding poverty, love, friendship, evil, abuse and the vast complexities and responsibilities of familial love. I couldn't wait until the ending. What an authentic and raw Australian book!

Raw and authentic

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Loved it, it was challenging to listen at times and sad. Justine is inspiring 👏 🙂

Enjoyed it very much

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Despite the heavy emotional themes this story weaves, the author has woven light beauty through her words; giving a naive yet insightful voice to the protagonist, Justine. I revelled in her unlikely friendship and was distressed by her circumstances. This child falls through the cracks, is plunged in the depths of despair and alone. It has me questioning how many others live this life? The Choke at times clogs with the low-life’s actions, behaviours and comments then acts of human kindness restore faith in humanity. The narrator has me convinced I was listening to a child’s voice. Even with this emotional load, it is a story I didn’t want to stop listening to and feel it will stay with me for a very long time. Brilliant!

Amazing narration of a truly heart-melting tale

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This was one of those books that I really didn’t want to end. Sophie Laguna’s ability to take us into the lives of these people is just brilliant.

Brilliant!

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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.