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Where the Trees Were

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Where the Trees Were

By: Inga Simpson
Narrated by: Inga Simpson
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About this listen

A beautiful new novel about the innocence of childhood and the scars that stay with you for life, written and read by the award-winning author of Mr Wigg and Nest.

Kieran cleared his throat. 'We swear, on these trees, to always be friends. To protect each other - and this place.'

Finding those carved trees forged a bond between Jay and her four childhood friends and opened their eyes to a wider world. But their attempt to protect the grove ends in disaster, and that one day on the river changes their lives forever.

Seventeen years later, Jay finally has her chance to make amends. But at what cost? Not every wrong can be put right, but sometimes looking the other way is no longer an option.

©2016 Inga Simpson (P)2016 Hachette Australia Pty Ltd Coming of Age Family Life Genre Fiction LGBTQIA+ Creators Literary Fiction Mystery Women's Fiction

Critic Reviews

"A truly rich novel." ( Sydney Morning Herald)
"A thoroughly enjoyable, uplifting read from one of the most creative nature writers of our time." ( Mindfoot)
"Beautiful and absorbing." ( Sydney Morning Herald)
"Simpson is a beautiful writer." ( Big Issue)
"That Inga Simpson can sustain the reader with pages of observations of birdlife is a testament to her talent as a nature writer. Her 2012 Eric Rolls Nature Writing Prize is consistent with her ability to blend observation with a gentle philosophical underpinning." ( Sydney Morning Herald)
"A poignant and page-turning story that touches on important themes of cultural appropriation and the lasting emotional repercussions of innocent childhood act." ( Bookseller+Publisher)
All stars
Most relevant
I liked the story but found the narrator lacking depth of character. author/ narrator same.

Incongruous<br />

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I did not enjoy the reading. It was too hurried. Not enough space between chapters.

Good story, mediocre performance

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I found my concentration wandering with the monotone narration, so I suspect I didn't get the full benefit of the story. I liked the descriptive writing and clever imagery that made me feel like I was right there in the story, and the accurate references to life in Canberra. But that was not enough to redeem this book for me.

Had potential but didn't get there

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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.