Shark Heart

A Love Story

De: Emily Habeck

Narrado por: Karissa Vacker, Shaun Taylor-Corbett, Soneela Nankani

A New York Times Editors’ Choice
A USA TODAY Bestseller
A Booklist Editor’s Choice
A Goodreads Choice Award Nominee
A Massachusetts Book Awards Fiction Honors Selection
Shortlisted for the Brooklyn Public Library Book Prize

A “beautifully written” (Anthony Doerr, Pulitzer Prize–winning author of All the Light We Cannot See) debut novel of marriage, motherhood, metamorphosis, and letting go, this intergenerational love story begins with newlyweds Wren and her husband, Lewis—a man who, over the course of nine months, transforms into a great white shark.

For Lewis and Wren, their first year of marriage is also their last. A few weeks after their wedding, Lewis receives a rare diagnosis. He will retain most of his consciousness, memories, and intellect, but his physical body will gradually turn into a great white shark. As Lewis develops the features and impulses of one of the most predatory creatures in the ocean, his complicated artist’s heart struggles to make peace with his unfulfilled dreams.

At first, Wren internally resists her husband’s fate. Is there a way for them to be together after Lewis changes? Then, a glimpse of Lewis’s developing carnivorous nature activates long-repressed memories for Wren, whose story vacillates between her childhood living on a houseboat in Oklahoma, her time with her college ex-girlfriend, and her unusual friendship with a woman pregnant with twin birds. Woven throughout this “heart-wringing” (Adam Roberts, internationally bestselling author of Salt) novel is the story of Wren’s mother, Angela, who becomes pregnant with Wren at fifteen in an abusive relationship amidst her parents’ crumbling marriage. In the present, all of Wren’s grief eventually collides, and she is forced to make an impossible choice.

A sweeping love story that is at once lyrical and funny, airy and visceral, Shark Heart is an unforgettable, gorgeous novel about life’s perennial questions, the fragility of memories, finding joy amidst grief, and creating a meaningful life. This daring debut marks the arrival of a wildly talented new writer abounding with originality, humor, and heart.

©2023 Emily Habeck (P)2023 Simon & Schuster Audio

Reseñas de la Crítica

"Narrators Karissa Vacker, Shaun Taylor-Corbett, and Soneela Nankani breathe life into Habeck's novel, creating a unique and deeply emotional listening experience.... Together, the trio's voices seamlessly weave Habeck's unconventional narrative, exploring themes of love, loss, and transformation. This captivating and unforgettable auditory adventure delves into complexities of the human heart." (AudioFIle)

Beautiful in every way!

Thank you so much for this beautiful love story, Emily! Top books of the year for me!

The transformation & broken family

It was okay, a lot of loose ends not tied up for me. The chance of having this happen to the main character twice, how the other shark character knew Rynn’s history, Maybe Lewis told her & didn’t remember. Just okay for me

Interesting, unique story involving mutations

Loved this story and characters. Wonderful portrayal of real life feelings of grief that in some ways reminded me of situations I know such as my friend with an alcoholic mother. Of course in the story it was Wren’s mother going through her animal change but I felt the adolescent Wren mirrored my friend during that part. The narrators were wonderful. Great book!

Love in all its forms.

Love how vivid and strong you could feel each character’s emotions and reality. Loved it was broken into theatrical scenes. Storyline had a unique, creative, and supernatural spin. Didn’t care so much for the current gender fad integrated throughout the book.

Unexpectedly gorgeous and compelling read

From the very first word to the last, I couldn’t put this exquisitely written book down. It is a beautiful exploration of love, loss, and growth with a dash of wonder and whimsy mixed in.

Wanted to like it.

I like the strange concept, and I liked the first half of the book. The second half dragged for bit, got a little better, but the ending didn’t stick for me.

Had so much potential

I love the concept, I love the bizarre and interesting premise, but I wish it was fleshed out more. I was so excited to read this after my friend said it was her favorite book she’s written a long time, but I feel like there were way too many holes in the story and in the writing, there could’ve been a lot more explanation to make this deeper and richer and not feeling so disjointed. It wasn’t a page turner and it didn’t feel like there was an actual love story, it felt so disconnected in a number of ways that I found it lacking. I see the parallel to helping people see it as a connection to a loved one dealing with a terminal illness or dementia, but it could’ve been so much more impactful.

Beautiful!

Makes you appreciate life more . Truly makes life more beautiful!!!
Well written and the narrator was easy to listen too! A beautiful love story

Profound and Deeply Moving

At the heart of this novel is the story of Lewis and Wren, a couple whose journey together is painted with strokes of profound love and inexplicable challenges. Habeck's storytelling is sublime, weaving a complex tapestry of emotions that resonate with the truths of the human experience. The novel explores themes of love, transformation, and resilience with a delicate yet powerful touch.

Habeck's prose is both lyrical and evocative, drawing the reader into a world where the boundaries of reality are gracefully blurred. The narrative is imbued with a sense of wonder and depth, making each page a discovery in itself. The author's skill in balancing the extraordinary elements of the story with the universal themes of love and loss is nothing short of brilliant.

"Shark Heart" is a testament to the enduring power of love and the strength found in facing the unknown. It is a story that stays with you long after the last page, prompting deep reflection and emotional connection. The novel is a journey through the uncharted territories of the heart and soul, leaving the reader both enthralled and deeply moved.

In conclusion, Emily Habeck's "Shark Heart: A Love Story" is a stunning debut that deserves all its accolades and more. It's a book that not only entertains but also enriches, offering a unique and unforgettable reading experience. A five-star masterpiece that is highly recommended for anyone seeking a novel that is both imaginative and emotionally resonant.

Sad Good.

Loved the story, the characters, and the narrators. It was a tender read. I recommend it highly.