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)

not bad, not great.

I liked it, I guess. I didn't hate it. interesting look at how people viewed AIDS and gay people in the late 80s. But the story is really a look at siblings, jealousy, and love.

Angst ridden yet still a pleasure

Nuanced details of the young girls internal workings. Storyline was full of delicious twists and turns.

started slow but an OK story in the end.

just OK. a few chapters were exciting but on the whole it was quite a slow story.
I didn't like the narrator, I think it slowed the book down even further.

Stunning

This was a stunning and beautiful novel that will surely remain in my heart forever.

Wow

I can’t remember the last time a book made me feel so much. I enjoyed it even though some of the characters are frustrating and selfish, but it made it feel honest and raw.

Loved the performance!

Interesting story, well performed. Well written. I recommend this coming of age, young adult audiobook.

Really got into it

Fantastic book, took me a while to get used to a teenage narrator but the writer really nails her voice. I really love the way her thoughts and ability to express herself deepen throughout the story as she experiences life and essentially grows up a little more. Super artfully done and unexpected.
You can tell it’s a great novel if by the end, the writer has laced so much meaning into certain objects or places that even mentioning them again adds a layer of complexity and depth to the current scene. LOVE the ending.

Mesmerizing!

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

I have and would - bought the Kindle book for my best friend for her birthday! Although the protagonist was a teenage girl, I was wrapped up in the story, and was really able to see the natural progression of the actions and plot, and not get caught up in why people made the choices they made. I loved the way facts came forward over the course of the story, and the way characters interacted. I didn't know what to expect when I started the book, and soon found I couldn't stop until I was finished the whole thing! Very interested to read more from this author!

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

Her voice was really unique, and added to the uniqueness of the story. I found her to be a really great fit for the narration of this story!

Loved it.

This book reminds me how far our society has come in the last few decades. Wonderfully written story that is applicable to my life. I've listened to it many times. One of my favorites!!!

Gripping but pleasant

Excellent narrator & gripping story. Easy to follow. Easy to pick back up at any point. I recommend your reading it.