As the Smoke Clears

By: Zoe Holohan

Narrated by: Zoe Holohan

Length: 11 hrs and 1 min

Publisher's summary

As the Smoke Clears is an inspiring true story of finding hope after heartbreak.

This audiobook begins on July 23rd 2018 in the seaside town of Mati, Greece, where Zoe and her husband of four days, Brian, were enjoying their honeymoon. On that day wildfires swept across the area, killing 103 people. Zoe and Brian fled their villa, chased by the flames. In the end, Zoe was one of the few survivors from that particular area, having been miraculously rescued from the boot of a burning car, just seconds from death. She suffered severe burns all over her face and body. Her husband, Brian, was killed in front of her. 

Here Zoe reveals her innermost private thoughts, the emotional journey of grappling with the loss of her true love and partner, the media circus that ensued while she fought for her life in a Greek hospital and her second brush with death when she contracted a rare, near-fatal condition known as TEN on her transfer to an Irish hospital. She describes what it was like to learn how to walk, talk, use her limbs and face a future with a deeply disfigured body.

Zoe takes the listener on a deeply personal journey through that life-altering year which teaches us to seek hope and happiness, even in the most tragic of circumstances.

©2021 Zoe Holohan (P)2021 Bolinda Publishing Pty Ltd

Breathtaking

I don’t want to be one of those stupid people who say stupid things and yet I don’t have the skills to do this book justice with my inadequate review!
This book is written and narrated beautifully by a simply amazing woman. I literally could not stop listening and marvelling at her courage, loving heart, humour, strength and sheer guts.
Thank you for sharing your truly heartbreaking story and also for your positivity, incredible perspective and hope. I cannot wait to read your next book! xxx

truly amazing and hit home

Having had the pleasure of meeting zoe several times and calling her a friend this book really hits home. My last memory of me and brian is at my stag party where he apologised over a pint and cigar for shooting me in the arse during paintball earlier that day! Brian was an incredible man, generous, humble and one of the nicest human being's i have ever met. This book made me feel every emotion and zoe tells it in an incredible way that celebrates the life of a great man and shows her mental and physical toughness.
John

very interesting read

Very well narrated, I felt it a very honest account of a extremely sad story. Good luck to you Zoe you deserve everything good to come your way.

courageous lady

i enjoyed listening to Zoes story i felt her pain and sadness while listening .

Beautifully sad

This had me weeping, laughing and analysing my own grief. What Zoe went through is heartbreaking but her battle is inspiring

Incredibly heartbreaking and inspiring

I was amazed at the bravery and strength Zoe showed in telling her harrowing and incredibly sad story.
It’s hard to imagine how someone can survive such a heartbreaking and physically and emotionally life altering experience.
Zoe narrates the story with such emotion and at times humour, it had me riveted to the very last word.
I look forward to her next book.

Take a deep breath and then read it

brilliant, brave and very funny sometimes when really there is nothing funny about the bigger story at play. You're inspiring Zoe Hollahan, and you can sing too!

heartbreakingly sad but also an empowering read

Read by Zoe herself every detail told in such vivid and raw form. my heart breaks for her devastating loss but also rejoices that the live she shared with Brian has been an epic power source to help get face her times yet to come xx thank you for sharing

Outstanding

Zoe articulated her story with incredible compo sure and warmth. She managed to capture all emotions from complete sadness to laughter in a commendable manner. Thank you for sharing your true story.

Beautifully told account of devastation

I was deeply touched by this book on many levels. Zoe's incredible bravery at the loss of her darling husband in the most awful way, and her recovery from devastating personal injuries are told with such genuine feeling and heart. She has a beautiful speaking voice and a great way with words, and her unflinching honesty makes this a really compelling read. I am in awe of how she has coped with the most dreadful emotional and physical pain, and her gratitude, appreciation and love for all who have helped her along the way shines out. I would highly recommend this book and I admire Zoe more than words can say,