The Whalebone Theatre: A Read with Jenna Pick

A Novel

De: Joanna Quinn

Narrado por: Olivia Vinall

NEW YORK TIMES BEST SELLER • A TODAY SHOW #ReadWithJenna BOOK CLUB PICK • A transporting, irresistible debut novel that takes its heroine, Cristabel Seagrave, from a theatre made of whalebones to covert operations during World War II—a story of love, family, bravery, lost innocence, and self-transformation.

“Absolute aces...Quinn’s imagination and adventuresome spirit are a pleasure to behold.” —The New York Times

“Utterly heartbreaking and joyous.” —Jo Baker, author of Longbourn

One blustery night in 1928, a whale washes up on the shores of the English Channel. By law, it belongs to the King, but twelve-year-old orphan Cristabel Seagrave has other plans. She and the rest of the household—her sister, Flossie; her brother, Digby, long-awaited heir to Chilcombe manor; Maudie Kitcat, kitchen maid; Taras, visiting artist—build a theatre from the beast’s skeletal rib cage. Within the Whalebone Theatre, Cristabel can escape her feckless stepparents and brisk governesses, and her imagination comes to life.

As Cristabel grows into a headstrong young woman, World War II rears its head. She and Digby become British secret agents on separate missions in Nazi-occupied France—a more dangerous kind of playacting, it turns out, and one that threatens to tear the family apart.

I lived with these characters

From the carefree imaginings of children to the horrors of WWII—bravo Joanna Quinn and the reader, Olivia Vinall.

Excellent story amazing narration

This is one of the best books I have Lis, I thoroughly enjoyed the story the characters were well-developed and then ration was amazing. I cannot recommend this book enough

Extraordinary story telling…

A brilliant first novel. A magical portrayal of a family of unique and powerful love.

Gorgeous Novel

This book is wonderful and beautifully written. In fact I enjoyed it so much I’m having a hard time diving into another book. The story speaks for many lives and is laid out so you feel as though you’re right there with every character.

The narration was excellent as well. I give it all two thumbs up! And can’t wait for the next novel!

The perfect book

Beautifully written and expertly voiced. I will miss these characters and all of their interwoven stories.

Epic tale

I have not sobbed for characters or so eagerly listened to a novel like this in many years. This is an amazing book, and tribute to the literary greats. It’s historical fiction set in early 20th century UK — centered around one girl. What an amazingly talented writer — I’m in awe!!!

Loved it

Great narration with each character defined. The story flows smoothly
and I was sorry when it was over.

Loved this book!

So glad that Jenna Bush Hager suggested it for her book club and so glad I read it!!!

descriptive writing keeps interest going

Although somewhat long winded in beginning, the descriptions are so well orchestrated it keeps you interested. spanning several social era's, gives you another glimpse of the lead up to WWII, the war years and the aftermath.

A gorgeous story masterfully written

I kept mistakenly thinking of it as a show rather than a book. I’d look forward to watching, ope, I mean listening to more. The writing is descriptive in a way I (a mere mortal) can only describe as awe-inspiring in how uniquely, beautifully clear it is. The performance is phenomenal (still wondering where she’s actually from because she nailed every accent). I don’t know if I’ve ever read something so well written—original, breathtaking, and just glorious.