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The Narrowboat Lad: The Narrowboat Lad, Book 1 cover art

The Narrowboat Lad: The Narrowboat Lad, Book 1

By: Daniel Mark Brown
Narrated by: Daniel Mark Brown
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Summary

The Narrowboat Lad tells the true story of author Daniel Mark Brown's first steps into the world of living on a boat.

At the age of 25, during the summer of 2012, Dan found his ideal home, the fact that it was nearly 100 miles of canal away from his workplace, friends, and family gave him a rough and ready introduction to what it meant to own a boat as his first task was to travel the slow way home... in his home.

Dan recounts the first trip day by day, the highs of being a homeowner where every room has a view that can change daily, the lows of having steam burst from below deck and an overheating engine, and everything in between - from the perfect natural surrounds to the long hard days of lock working.

After the long trip home, we are then given a view of his first year onboard as Tilly the narrowboat is transformed into a full time home and the seasons bring their own tint to boat life, particularly a winter that won't soon be forgotten.

Written with honesty and humour, Dan gives listeners an insight into living on a boat, his own life and personality, and why people in his local area instantly know who someone is referring to when they say "The Narrowboat Lad".

Read by Daniel Mark Brown, the author himself, in his trademark Shropshire accent, this book comes alive in audio as never before.

©2013 Daniel Mark Brown (P)2015 Daniel Mark Brown

What listeners say about The Narrowboat Lad: The Narrowboat Lad, Book 1

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A wonderful and rich account of the dream life!

As i began .....this is a true account of a young man's dream. Surrounding his life with natural beauty, passion, simplistic living ... and Canals. A wonderful and rich account of a life some of us can only dream of, this daring 20's man made real life, Canal Life. If you've ever wondered what it's like, a perspective from a soul that appreciates natural beauty, Canals, living aboard a narrow boat, simple life, writing and the story of how a lad realised how wonderful life could be without the computer games of "today's teenager" ........read this endearing tale and find yourself wishing it was you. Life at 3mph? Compared with how rushed we live nowadays? Yes please!
Well done Dan on bringing your memoirs to life!

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4 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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A great listen

A great chillout listen.
excellently narrated.
would highly recommend it can't wait for the next book to be released.

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3 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Loved it

Dan has such enthusiasm and a great way of looking at life. Off to buy the next installment. Thanks Dan.

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1 person found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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A great insight into canal life

I have never had any interest in boating but I love the canals and I really enjoyed hearing about Dan's venture into canal life. I would definitely recommend it if your into the boating or the canals or mabye if you just fancy hearing something different!

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1 person found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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A Gentle, Honest and Enjoyable listen

If you could sum up The Narrowboat Lad: The Narrowboat Lad, Book 1 in three words, what would they be?

Honest, pleasant, refreshing

What did you like best about this story?

Dan reads his own story here. This isn't a slick, studio produced thing and I needed to adjust to that. However when Igot into the style, it was like having a friend talk - very pleasant

Which scene did you most enjoy?

The scenes where Dan discusses his own, needless. panics bring myself to mind

Any additional comments?

We need more of this stuff please Dan - but a full book next time

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Enjoyable and amusing.

Lovely little story and some amusing situations. I couldn't help but listen with a smile on my face. Terrible diet though Daniel! 🤣. Read a little fast though but pleasant and enjoyable. Many thanks.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Superb!

I've been toying with the idea of boatlife myself for some time and this short book sealed the deal.
Maybe we'll see eachother on the water some day.

Sincerely, thank you!
peace and love.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Took me back to wonderful family holidays spent on the canals.

Enchanting and from the heart. I really enjoyed Daniel reading his book ; his evolution of a new life that brings both challenges and immense richness and appreciation of the simple things in life. Makes me want to get back on a narrowboat today! Loved it.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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An inspiring memoir which will stay with me.

I listened to this audiobook in one sitting, charmed by the honesty and self-depricating humour of the author/narrator. On a basic level it's the story of his first few months living on a narrow boat - but it's also so much more; a guide to overcomming your doubts in order to fulfill a dream, a social commentary about our current housing crisis, a journal of nature and the changing seasons, and an inspiring tale of what can be achieved with dedication and tenacity. Highly recommended.

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  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
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    1 out of 5 stars
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Disappointing read

I found this book very disappointing. no story to to it ..I found it boring .very badly read . no full stops no commas . and no paragraph ..

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