Past the Shallows
Written by: Favel Parrett
Narrated by: David Wenham
Length: 4 hrs and 43 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date: 08/02/2016
Publisher: Hachette Australia Audio
Description:
Past the Shallows is the award-winning, best-selling debut novel from Favel Parrett about the bonds of brotherhood and the fragility of youth, narrated by David Wenham.
Everyone loves Harry. Everyone except his father.
Three brothers – Joe, Miles and Harry – are growing up on the remote south coast of Tasmania. The brothers’ lives are shaped by their father’s moods – like the ocean he fishes, he is wild and unpredictable. He is a bitter man warped by a devastating secret.
Miles tries his best to watch out for Harry, the youngest, but he can’t be there all the time. Often alone, Harry finds joy in the small treasures he discovers in shark eggs and cuttlefish bones. In a kelpie pup, a big mug of Milo and a secret friendship with a mysterious neighbour. But sometimes small treasures, or a brother’s love, are not enough.
Winner – The ABIA Award (Newcomer of the Year) 2012. Winner – The Dobbie Literary Award 2012. Shortlisted for The Miles Franklin Literary Award 2012. Shortlisted for The ABIA Award (Book of the Year) 2012. Shortlisted for The ABIA Award (Literary Book of the Year) 2012. Shortlisted for The ABA’s Bookseller’s Choice Award 2012. Shortlisted for The Indies Award (Debut Fiction) 2012.
©2011 Favel Parrett (P)2016 Hachette Australia Pty Ltd
My View:
The combination of Favell Parrett’s words and David Wenham’s narration equals a beautiful experience for the soul and the ears! I have listened to a few audio books but this one beats them all – the narrative is poignantly read, is often heartbreaking, honest, and brutal and real. The ending – is not pretty – but pays homage to the bonds of siblings forged strong and unbreakable by the explosive temperament of a bitter and twisted father.
A mystery is slowly revealed. As a past tragedy unravels another is created. A brilliant audio book!
I have now added Favell Parrett to my must read authors list. David Wenham is a narrator of some note!
Reading, Writing and Riesling 
This is really interesting, Carol. As a rule, I don’t generally go for audio books. I suppose I just prefer reading. But sometimes stories do take on an added life if they’re narrated. I’m glad you enjoyed this one.
Loved it Margot and it was the perfect book to listen to on our long drive to Horrocks Beach
One of my favourite books and favourite authors. And set in Tassie, too!
The audio version is great Louise.
Carol, I searched our catalogue plus all the libraries in Victoria for an audiobook of this with no luck. What a pity 😔
It is a fairly new release – l’ll see what the publisher can tell me about availability Janine
I loved Wenham but found the spacing between chapters a bit off and the audio consistency mixed. Loved the book though.
Have you been converted to audio books Deb? That are great when traveling aren’t they? I am now listening to the Sam and connie Johnson one Love Your Sister
I haven’t read anything by this author yet but hope too soon… She’s been on my radar for a while and would be a perfect addition to my AWW titles!
You won’t be disappointed