Tell the Wolves I’m Home

A Novel

By: Carol Rifka Brunt

Narrated by: Amy Rubinate

Length: 11 hrs and 46 mins

Publisher's summary

In this striking literary debut, Carol Rifka Brunt unfolds a moving story of love, grief, and renewal as two lonely people become the unlikeliest of friends and find that sometimes you don’t know you’ve lost someone until you’ve found them.

1987. There’s only one person who has ever truly understood fourteen-year-old June Elbus, and that’s her uncle, the renowned painter Finn Weiss. Shy at school and distant from her older sister, June can only be herself in Finn’s company; he is her godfather, confidant, and best friend. So when he dies, far too young, of a mysterious illness her mother can barely speak about, June’s world is turned upside down. But Finn’s death brings a surprise acquaintance into June’s life - someone who will help her to heal and to question what she thinks she knows about Finn, her family, and even her own heart.

At Finn’s funeral, June notices a strange man lingering just beyond the crowd. A few days later, she receives a package in the mail. Inside is a beautiful teapot she recognizes from Finn’s apartment and a note from Toby, the stranger, asking for an opportunity to meet. As the two begin to spend time together, June realizes she’s not the only one who misses Finn, and if she can bring herself to trust this unexpected friend, he just might be the one she needs the most.

An emotionally charged coming-of-age novel, Tell the Wolves I’m Home is a tender story of love lost and found, an unforgettable portrait of the way compassion can make us whole again.

Carol Rifka Brunt’s work has appeared in several literary journals, including the North American Review and the Sun. In 2006 she was one of three fiction writers who received a New Writing Ventures Award, and in 2007 she received a generous Arts Council England grant to write Tell the Wolves I’m Home, her first novel. Originally from New York, she currently lives in England with her husband and three children.

©2012 Carol Silverman (P)2012 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

“A gorgeously evocative novel about love, loss, and the ragged mysteries of the human heart, all filtered through the achingly real voice of a remarkable young heroine. How can you not fall in love with a book that shows you how hope can make a difference?” (Caroline Leavitt, New York Times bestselling author)

“Tell the Wolves I’m Home is a charming, sure-handed, and deeply sympathetic debut. Brunt writes about family, adolescence, and the human heart with great candor, insight, and pathos.” (Jonathan Evison, New York Times bestselling author)

“Tremendously moving…Brunt strikes a difficult balance, imbuing June with the disarming candor of a child and the melancholy wisdom of a heart-scarred adult.” ( Wall Street Journal)

Great story

I immediately got into this story. It took me a whole to get used to the narrator and I'd say she bugged me up until the end of the book, but I still really enjoyed the story.

Worth listening again.

Generally, I don't listen or read books twice. My to read list is just so long. But this book would tempt me to make the exception. The relationships are so raw, and real. If I go further I would spoil the book. Just listen to it.

toughed it out

I did not like the narrator's voice, it was hard for me to listen to.

a bit melodramatic

Coming of age stories are not my thing and I found it to be longer than I wanted. The narration put me off in the first few chapters because it was very monotone, but it improved greatly as it went on. I imagine this was a challenging story to narrate so overall she did good considering.

Love

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I was so moved with this book it brought tears to my eyes more than once. At the same time I laughed out loud too! loved it threw and threw.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Gretta

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

N/A

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

Oh my goodness yes

Any additional comments?

Read it you'll love it too. MOVING.

Get this book! You will love it.

What made the experience of listening to Tell the Wolves I’m Home the most enjoyable?

The book is so engaging that you lose yourself in the sound of the readers voice. I listened every chance I got.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Tell the Wolves I’m Home?

The way the story weaves through the lives of characters is just so well timed.

What does Amy Rubinate bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

The freedom to listen to the book when you have to other things such as drive or do a workout at the gym.

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

Yes, I wanted to listen to the whole thing at once. Unfortunately, my life does not allow that but it was the quickest book I have been through in a while.

WOW.

The narrator was fantastic. I didn't know what to expect with this book, but I am so glad I gave it a listen. I don't know that I have ever read or listened to a book that was so touching. That felt so personal, honest and private.

Good story

I enjoyed listening to this book. I was able to connect with the characters, and enjoyed watching how their relationships changed during the course of the book.

Great story

Really struggles with the performance, the voice didn't fit the story at all for me. Story was great though!

good young adult book

An excellent book for adolescents with themes of first love and family conflicts. otherwise thought it was formulaic and predictable.