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A Short Walk Through a Wide World  By  cover art

A Short Walk Through a Wide World

By: Douglas Westerbeke
Narrated by: Saskia Maarleveld
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Publisher's summary

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue meets Life of Pi in this dazzlingly epic debut that charts the incredible, adventurous life of one woman as she journeys the globe trying to outrun a mysterious curse that will destroy her if she stops moving.

Paris, 1885: Aubry Tourvel, a spoiled and stubborn nine-year-old girl, comes across a wooden puzzle ball on her walk home from school. She tosses it over the fence, only to find it in her backpack that evening. Days later, at the family dinner table, she starts to bleed to death.

When medical treatment only makes her worse, she flees to the outskirts of the city, where she realizes that it is this very act of movement that keeps her alive. So begins her lifelong journey on the run from her condition, which won’t allow her to stay anywhere for longer than a few days nor return to a place where she’s already been.

From the scorched dunes of the Calashino Sand Sea to the snow-packed peaks of the Himalayas; from a bottomless well in a Parisian courtyard, to the shelves of an infinite underground library, we follow Aubry as she learns what it takes to survive and ultimately, to truly live. But the longer Aubry wanders and the more desperate she is to share her life with others, the clearer it becomes that the world she travels through may not be quite the same as everyone else’s...

Fiercely independent and hopeful, yet full of longing, Aubry Tourvel is an unforgettable character fighting her way through a world of wonders to find a place she can call home. A spellbinding and inspiring story about discovering meaning in a life that seems otherwise impossible, A Short Walk Through a Wide World reminds us that it’s not the destination, but rather the journey—no matter how long it lasts—that makes us who we are.

©2024 Douglas Westerbeke (P)2024 Simon & Schuster Audio

What listeners say about A Short Walk Through a Wide World

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One credit left find

I had one credit left and I couldnt decide on what to get so i went and just searched for books narrated by Saskia, who is far and above my favorite narrator. This like her other performances i've listened pulled me into this world. This really blended a lot of things together for me but i enjoyed it. Lots of things going on that are never really fully explained though but i'm ok with that. It provokes thinking and opens up conversation.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Exquisite story

It is so delightful to listen to a book that is filled with wonderment. This book tops in my favorite fiction books of all times.

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Great Story

I enjoyed this book - the description and all the detail
within the story line made one feel they were part of the story.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Stop bossing me puzzle ball!

Saskia Maarleveld's narration is nothing short of mesmerizing in this enigmatic tale! With a tapestry of accents to navigate, she crafts an immersive experience that earns a resounding 5 stars from me.

The story itself is akin to a labyrinthine puzzle, beckoning to be explored from every angle. Its secrets whisper tantalizingly, urging me to embark on a second reading to unveil the hidden truths. An unquestionable 5-star marvel! 🌟📚 #MysteriousNarration #IntriguingJourney"

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A feel good story.

whether you want to cry, laugh, or relax this book is for you. Aubrey is tasked with seeing the world. She didn't choose to leave home at 9 and never return, but she must. She can never go back to somewhere she has been before. How long can you travel the world and never return to a place you have been.
I loved this story so much. It made me think about what I would do in this situation, and imagine what is in the world that only one or two people have seen. I will recommend this book to everyone.

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Jaw Dropping First Book

Wow! If this is where Douglas Westerbeke begins, I want to be along for the ride. I cannot stop thinking about this book. I am amazed by the concept and awed by the execution. How did Mr. Westerbeke do it? Where did this idea emanate from? How did he nurture it to its conclusion? I am excited by all of the questions reading this has generated. Kudo's to the author. I am anxious to read more from him.

I listened to the audiobook and have nothing but admiration for Saskia Maarleveld. I don't know it it was my imagination but did her accent alter ever so slightly with each new place Aubry found herself? It was an amazing performance.

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    2 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Bleak, lonely, weary story with no real point

I liked it at first, the writing was strong and great narration. But the interesting adventure scenes were sparse between the larger story of an unfortunate woman forced to constantly travel the world alone her entire life, with no apparent reason given for her fate. She is forced to leave anyone she ever loves and it goes on and on line this until I just felt exhausted and sad for her.

What was the point of the book overall or the reason this happened to her? Maybe it finally was unveiled in the last hour, but 10 hours in I couldn't take any more so if so I missed it.

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Great narration, but the story was a letdown

I have nothing against magical realism but this was just one stupid step after another.

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