• The Deep End of the Ocean

  • By: Jacquelyn Mitchard
  • Narrated by: Dana Ivey
  • Length: 3 hrs and 7 mins
  • 3.9 out of 5 stars (133 ratings)

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The Deep End of the Ocean  By  cover art

The Deep End of the Ocean

By: Jacquelyn Mitchard
Narrated by: Dana Ivey
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Publisher's summary

"Masterful.... A big story about human connection and emotional survival." (Los Angeles Times)

The first book ever chosen by Oprah's Book Club

Few first novels receive the kind of attention and acclaim showered on this powerful story - a nationwide best seller, a critical success, and the first title chosen for Oprah's Book Club. Both highly suspenseful and deeply moving, The Deep End of the Ocean imagines every mother's worst nightmare - the disappearance of a child - as it explores a family's struggle to endure, even against extraordinary odds. Filled with compassion, humor, and brilliant observations about the texture of real life, here is a story of rare power, one that will touch listeners' hearts and make them celebrate the emotions that make us all one.

©1997 Jacquelyn Mitchard (P)2015 Penguin Audio

What listeners say about The Deep End of the Ocean

Average customer ratings
Overall
  • 4 out of 5 stars
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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

confused

Family seemed sad, confused, and not knowing how to handle the situation they found themselves in.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

Great reading, but way too much cut out

Would you try another book from Jacquelyn Mitchard and/or Dana Ivey?

Yes.

What other book might you compare The Deep End of the Ocean to and why?

I don't know.

What aspect of Dana Ivey’s performance would you have changed?

She reads sad moments too cheerfully.

Do you think The Deep End of the Ocean needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

No. After a story this dramatic and deep and the way it ends I prefer imagening myself how their lives carried on.

Any additional comments?

Don't purchase this audiobook if you want to know the full story. I've read this book before and HUGE important parts and events of especially the first chaptets have been cut out in this audio version. This is nowhere near as emotional as the physical copy version. Like, I can't believe how much they've left out!!! And can't understand why anything had to be cut out at all. That's why I gave the story only three stars. The original, full story in the physical paper copy is solid five stars.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Great Book

This book is great for people who like drama and depression it has many ups and downs, very sad.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

Good story line. . .

not too over the top. Felt like something was missing as story line moved on.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Beautifully Heartbreaking!

The emotions that you have when reading or listening to this story (especially as a parent) is a rollercoaster that you will both want to stay on and get off as soon as possible. Beautifully written. This story will stick with you once you are done. A parent's love is eternal and forever <3

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

great book

I read this book before but really enjoyed it on audible. It went too fast for me.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Lovely story.

It was different from the movie. I liked the complicated twist that the story too. Well written. Better than the movie.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

Confusing

Like other reviewers have noted-it seems as though much of the book is missing. Disappointing.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

A good listen

I found it hard to follow this story at times. I think the movie may have been slightly better than the book.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    2 out of 5 stars

Over Hyped

This book was recommended by several book clubs including Oprah’s. It fell flat, I lost interest. No real character development. Maybe listen to it if it’s free but definitely don’t waste a credit on it.

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