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Secrets of the Sea House cover art

Secrets of the Sea House

By: Elisabeth Gifford
Narrated by: Cathleen McCarron, Douglas Russell, Sarah Barron
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Summary

Scotland, 1860. Reverend Alexander Ferguson takes up his new parish, an isolated patch on the Hebridean island of Harris. His time there will change his life, but the Sea House, on the edge of the dunes keeps its silence long after Alexander departs. More than a century later, Ruth and Michael buy the grand but dilapidated building for the family they hope to have. But their dreams are marred by a shocking discovery.

©2013 Elisabeth Gifford (P)2014 W F Howes Ltd

Critic reviews

"An arresting tale of the things that haunt us." (Liza Klaussmann, author of Tigers In Red Weathe)
"A sweeping summer read, packed with an epic tale of loss, love and hope." ( Irish News)
"Secrets of the Sea House is an arresting tale of the things that haunt us. But the real pleasure in this debut novel is Elisabeth Gifford's finely wrought prose; at turns acute, delicate and fierce." (Liza Klaussman)

What listeners say about Secrets of the Sea House

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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  • 14-05-14

Interesting explanation for mermen/maids!

I enjoyed this story and thought the use of different narrators worked well. The story developed in a way that made me want to find out more about Ruth and how her life interacted with the past, the links with the island and the previous inhabitants of the Manse. The story reached point where resolution was revealed but the conclusion was hurried. Perhaps this allows for the listener to assimilate their own conclusion but felt a little rushed. This does not stop me recommending this audio book as a good listen.

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12 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars

Atmospheric!

Well narrated by skilful readers, although some recurring mispronunciations were annoying. An interesting story of a tragic childhood and the subsequent physiological impact on adult relationships, intermingled with an account of historical events. A Highland fling through generations! Enjoyable.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

loved this story

a couple move into a new home by the sea and find the remains of a deformed baby under the floor boards.
the woman becomes obsessed with finding out who lived in the house before them.
she has to face her past before she can have a future.

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2 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Review

Briliant book from start to finish. It reminded me of a story that a story teller told us recently. You can imagine the house by the sea and the family living in it over generations.. All narrators were ace and enjoyed their voices throughout 5his audable book.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Loved this book.

So much to love about this book. A great mystery with several of the main protagonists trying to solve the case of an interred newborn girl on sacred grounds. The story is told by three of the main troubled characters.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

like reading a classic black & white film at times

If you could sum up Secrets of the Sea House in three words, what would they be?

ancient faces modern

What was one of the most memorable moments of Secrets of the Sea House?

the mythological story of Ishmael and the selkie

What about the narrators’s performance did you like?

the three narrators read their characters well

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

satisfied with the explanation and reasoning behind the mermaid / merman mythology.

Any additional comments?

good story immersed in folklore

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2 people found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

totally engaging

Beautifully written, detailed description and research , the best narration I have listened to,

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Transport me to Scarrista, Scotty!

If you like Western Scottish isles, nature, history, folklore , a good plot and a western Scottish , this is a book for you. It has all these elements!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Beautiful

Beautifully written and narrated.
True accents lend to the story and knowing the isles it was easy to visualise. Highly recommended

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Wow

The book transported me to the island of Harris and painted such a beautiful landscape that I feel as though I have actually been there, although , in reality,I have never been near.

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