Formentera

A Short Story

De: Norman Ollestad

Narrado por: Eric Yves Garcia, Taylor Meskimen

From New York Times best-selling author Norman Ollestad comes a captivating short story about the fraying relationship of a married couple and the bold, messy explorations of intimacy that only seem possible far away from home.

Jim Stenson has been flown to the bohemian island of Formentera for a monthlong gig: writing a screenplay for a famous Spanish director, loosely based on the classic French film Contempt. With his career flagging, Jim is determined to make the most of the opportunity. But the director raises the stakes, pushing Jim to draw inspiration for the script from his strained relationship with his wife Anna.

Anna arrives on the island with her own agenda, thinking this long-overdue break from her psychotherapy practice will offer a chance to clear her head and, perhaps, even reignite a spark in her marriage. Languid days and emotionally charged nights create a dynamic neither expects. And when Jim's writing and their time together begin to blur the lines between reality and fantasy, they must decide: Is this an opportunity for a breakthrough or the beginning of the end?

©2021 Norman Ollestad (P)2021 Audible Originals, LLC.

good short listen

it was good to listen to just to escape what's going on around you. it got confusing at times but pretty simple to catch up after a few lines. I wouldn't pay for the book but not bad for being free.

Great story breezes by, needs a sequel!

An evocative exploration of a married couple testing the boundaries of their own sexual appetites in order to reignite the spark. Expertly matched to the medium of the auditory short story, and especially great if listened to in headphones (Garcia is fantastic as Jim). With the carnal charge of Henry Miller and the astute exposition of James Salter, the author creates an immediate escape tinged with the melancholy of desires not met. Deftly crafted, Formentera makes for a wholly perfect summertime listen!

Language. Twisted relationships. Formentera.

I thoroughly enjoyed the craftsmanship and escape. Norman Ollestad has proven himself once again. My only complaint is I wanted more. Thank you.

A complete escape

Formentera completely swept me away to that small Spanish island and into the complex web of characters and the intense drama of a complicated multi layered marriage. Ollestad is a master with painting the backdrop and of immediately drawing the reader into this world and this marraige. I just finished and am starting it again and looking forward to catching all the nuance the second time around. Highly recommended!!

It was okay

I love listening to Taylor Meskimen but the story reminded of a book I just listened to that she narrated so the story was just okay because the characters were almost like the other one

Excellent

Excellent, engaging story. I have recommended it to many of my friends. Looking forward to reading more of Norman Ollestad’s books!

A perfect storm of events in the calm blue sea.

I didn’t want the story to end!
The cadence of the voice and the visuals of the sultry sea, this story instantly took me away.
I felt the tensions of the characters and at moments felt like I was sitting in on a Ester Perel therapy session.
The story was exciting but complex and I wanted to read more.
Hope this can be the beginning of an interesting series!

Engaging & Provocative

An engaging story that transports the listener to the colors and textures of the Mediterranean while navigating the complexities, vulnerabilities, fantasies and tension that exists in relationships as told from two perspectives with unfiltered candor. Fans of Ollestad will enjoy the subtly veiled references to past works including his best-selling memoir, Crazy for the Storm. A perfect early Summer "read."

Entranced and engaging!

Incredible writing and voice overs that pulls you into the mix. So many layers and dynamics in play: vulnerability/power, love/lust, inspiration/art, commitment/betrayal and the 5 or so different juxtaposed bilateral relationships. Amazing how the writer weaved a web of storytelling and relationships and cat’s cradled himself with Jim and Anna !! Bravo

More please!

Bottom line. I did not want this story to end! Jim and Annas journey in Formentera only makes me wonder what happens to them next. This is a sexy summer listen and you’ll be looking up flights to Spain before you even finish.