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The Forgotten Letters of Esther Durrant

By: Kayte Nunn
Narrated by: Arianwen Parkes-Lockwood
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Publisher's Summary

A cache of unsent love letters from the 1950s is found in a suitcase on a remote island in this mysterious love story by Top 10 bestselling author, Kayte Nunn

1951. In the shadow of the Second World War, Esther Durrant, a young mother, is committed to an isolated mental asylum by her husband. Run by a pioneering psychiatrist, the hospital is at first Esther's prison but soon becomes her refuge.

2018. Free-spirited marine scientist Rachel Parker embarks on a research posting in the Isles of Scilly, off the Cornish coast. When a violent storm forces her to take shelter on a far-flung island, she discovers a collection of hidden love letters. Captivated by their passion and tenderness, Rachel determines to track down the intended recipient.

Meanwhile, in London, Eve is helping her grandmother, a renowned mountaineer, write her memoirs. When she is contacted by Rachel, it sets in motion a chain of events that threatens to reveal secrets kept buried for more than sixty years.

The Forgotten Letters of Esther Durrant is a deeply atmospheric, resonant novel that charts the heart's wild places, choices and consequences. If you love Elizabeth Gilbert and Kate Morton you will devour this book.

©2019 Kayte Nunn (P)2019 Hachette Australia Audio

Critic Reviews

'A sensitive, atmospheric and often heartbreaking story told with real mastery' WHO Weekly

'The characters are all vivid and interesting, and there's a dash of romance and a splash of intrigue. A really enjoyable read' KATE FORSYTH

'Vivid descriptions highlight intertwining plot lines that seamlessly build to a satisfying climax. For fans of Kate Morton' Library Journal

What listeners say about The Forgotten Letters of Esther Durrant

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  • Overall
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enjoyable listen

A little predictable but, nonetheless, very enjoyable. Makes we want to visit the Scilly Isles next time I am in the UK.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Poignant, such a beautiful book

Such an enjoyable book to listen to, beautiful storyline, didn't want the book to end. Well narrated, very easy to listen to. Loved it immensely.

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2 people found this helpful

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Lovely story

Really enjoyed this lovely dual timeline story. Both timelines were interesting and the island setting was beautiful. The story did end up tied in a pretty pink bow but that was to be expected. Narration was excellent.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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loved this

loved this, easy listen and a heartwarming story. really loved the narrator too. overall a good listen

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Beautifully written and very well narrated

Lovely story very well told. I cared about the characters and what happened to them.

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2 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars

In the genre of Penny Vincenzi & Kate Morton.

Travels back & forth across generations. Heart-warming, sad at times,maddening. A wonderful and satisfying story.

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Enjoyable read

Really enjoyed this book, was different and not too sappy. Nice story, easy to listen to.

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1 person found this helpful

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Really Enjoyable

Really enjoyed this book. The narrator was great and the story also great. Well done

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Excellent

This is different to what I normally listen to found this a truly lovely change. was a really easy and enjoyable from start to finish . narration easy to listen to. overall a good story.

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Promising but not quite

This novel appealed to me because it mixed a historical narrative with a present-day story. I love to hear stories about the impact of the past on the present. However, I felt like some of the plot points were a bit contrived and the happily-ever-after ending strangely disappointing.

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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.