Sarah Thornhill

By: Kate Grenville

Narrated by: Emma Fielding

Length: 8 hrs and 22 mins

Publisher's summary

Sarah Thornhill is the youngest child of William Thornhill, convict-turned-landowner on the Hawkesbury River. Her stepmother calls her wilful, but handsome Jack Langland loves her and she loves him. 'Me and Jack', she thinks. 'How could it go wrong?' But there's an ugly secret in Sarah's family. That secret takes her into the darkness of the past, and across the ocean to the wild coasts of New Zealand.

Among the strangers of that other place, she can begin to understand. Kate Grenville takes us back to the early Australia of The Secret River and the Thornhill family. This is Sarah's story. It's a story of love lost and found, tangled histories and how it matters to keep stories alive.

©2012 Kate Grenville (P)2012 Canongate Books

Oh God, the Emotional Joy of this Listen!

Would you listen to Sarah Thornhill again? Why?

I felt myself walking along not wanting to miss even one sentence Sarah Thornhill spoke. So refreshing, the insight of author Kate Grenville into human nature. A fast paced story. The editing is near perfect. The tale is sprinkled with details that cause a smile, anger, concern . . . I was drawn into their lives. Thank you Kate Grenville and especially the reader Emma Fielding. She is just too wonderful.

What did you like best about this story?

As the story moved on, the remarks of quirky human foibles were so genuine. The interaction of Emma with her childhood friend Jack (and later lover) was so lovely. The characters were so clearly developed . . . there values, their morality or immorality. These issues were the story, but not in a stuffy way.

Which character – as performed by Emma Fielding – was your favorite?

Emma Fielding talked for all characters, but her beautiful Australian speak as she expressed herself as Sarah Thornhill, Oh, her portrayal was beyond convincing. She WAS Sarah Thornhill. There is no empty spaces in this book.

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

Yes, indeed. Sarah Thornhill became my friend, I loved to listen to her talk (actually Emma Fielding) and felt her moments of emotion, desire to be free, suffer emotional heart ache and disappointment.

Any additional comments?

I look forward to Grenville's next story. I am sure she will be a favorite for many.

Absolutely wonderful

This novel is beautifully written. The story is compelling. The narration is perfect. I loved every minute of it. Listen to Secret River first for context that makes this story even more meaningful

great listen

Great story line , follows on from Secrete River. I love the way it was read also.

not bad

Great Narrator. Story was a bit disappointing. Could have been more. ending left me short.

The story continues

A great continuation of The Secret River. Sarah Thornhill is a terrific book which captures the essence of colonial Australia.

Very interesting

Who was your favorite character and why?

Sarah was my favourite character, perhaps as she was the main one.

What about Emma Fielding’s performance did you like?

She had the accent down pat. She was engaging and interesting to listen to.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

yes. but I didn't like the ending

Any additional comments?

Loved listening to this book, especially as it was about the early days of the Hawkesbury river and beyond. The ending was disjointed from the rest of the book though.

Absorbing, first-rate historical novel

What a great book! Read a glowing review of it in the NYTimes and the audio book did not disappoint. The story is a continuation of Grenville's "The Secret River" - also a great listen - and I really recommend reading/listening to that first to get the full impact of this story. What a compelling character Grenville has crafted in Sarah - I rooted for her, my heart broke for her and I was uplifted when she was uplifted. Emma Fielding does a top-notch job of capturing Sarah's unique voice and making it her own - no play-acting here, just real feeling. Excellent all around.

A good read

Sarah Thornhill was a good read and it followed on from a revious novel by Kate Grenville, the Secret River. It was well narrated by Emma Fielding. I loved the characters and the way the story unfolded.

Great story

Would you consider the audio edition of Sarah Thornhill to be better than the print version?

Can only listen unable to read for long

What other book might you compare Sarah Thornhill to and why?

The Secret River because this is the sequel

Have you listened to any of Emma Fielding’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Not heard her before

If you could rename Sarah Thornhill, what would you call it?

I consider the name correct

Any additional comments?

A great story rarely listen to a book twice but this one I did and enjoyed it again