The Possible World

De: Liese O'Halloran Schwarz

Narrado por: John Kroft, Tandy Cronyn, Morgan Hallett

A richly compelling and deeply moving novel that traces the converging lives of a young boy who witnesses a brutal murder, the doctor who tends to him, and an elderly woman guarding her long buried secrets.

Clare, one of the oldest women in Rhode Island, believes that all the painful secrets of her long life have been laid to rest, until an unexpected encounter with a piece of her past forces her to realize the time has come to tell her story. Ben, a shy, precocious six-year-old being gently raised by a devoted mom, witnesses a terrible crime and is taken to the hospital, bewildered and alone.

Lucy, an overworked resident physician in Providence, meets Ben when he's brought into the ER. But between all-night shifts and trying to pick up the pieces of her failing marriage, she doesn't know how to help.

In time, Ben begins to uncover pieces before, just half-memories at first, then it all comes rushing back: Mama, Clyde, Brother Timothy, a stone cottage, and the woman who loved and cared for him. His psychiatrist believes these are inventions triggered by the horror of what the little boy saw, but Ben is determined to find the one person who can rescue him.

Bit by bit, Ben, Clare, and Lucy discover what they all have in common.

An expertly stitched story that spans nearly a century - from the 1920s through the Vietnam War era and into the present, The Possible World is a gorgeous novel about the special relationships between mothers and sons, the complicated ways our pasts shape our identities, the loneliness born out of loss, and how the healing act of retelling can create timeless connection.

©2018 Liese O'Halloran Schwarz (P)2018 Recorded Books

l loved this book

A beautiful story that was beautifully written. Characters were memorable! Not a dull moment. I thought the performances for this audible book were terrific!

Fresh, fascinating, and finely crafted

Lately I have been disappointed with some of the books I have read or tried to read. The Possible World is not one of those. I have LOVED the book and could not put it down. Character development is a real strength; Clare, Lucy, and Ben will be forever memorable. The plot is fascinating, and the hospital background provides a fresh literary setting for human drama, as well as an intriguing medical mystery.

Beautifully written

Loved the story. Well developed characters. Narrator was excellent. Beautiful message. Adding to my Favorites collection.

Excellent

My first audible and I loved every minute of it. Wonderful characters with a deep rich story line. It brought out such emotion in me, a sign of really good storytelling. I can’t stop thinking about it. I am thinking of starting again, but reading it this time.

Engrossing

This isn’t the kind of book I usually read (or listen to), but I thoroughly enjoyed it! Liese has a wonderful way of building characters that are relatable, from their backstories to their mannerisms. In the audiobook version, these traits are supported by the performance of each reader, adding a voice and tone that seem fit the characters well. I especially enjoyed Liese’s insights into the medical field (having been in that field herself), and ability to turn paint a picture of life in a senior home. Very glad for the recommendation from my friend to read this book.