Eloise

By: Judy Finnigan

Narrated by: Anna Bentinck

Length: 9 hrs and 18 mins

Publisher's summary

The number one best seller.

From the Queen of Book Club Fiction.

She was a daughter, a wife, a mother. She was my friend. But what secrets did Eloise take to her grave?

After her best friend Eloise dies from breast cancer, Cathy is devastated. But then Cathy begins to have disturbing dreams that imply Eloise's death was not all it seems.

With a history of depression, Cathy is only just recovering from a nervous breakdown and her husband Chris, a psychiatrist, is acutely aware of his wife's mental frailty. When Cathy tells Chris of her suspicions about Eloise's death, as well as her ability to sense Eloise's spirit, Chris thinks she is losing her grip on reality once again.

Stung by her husband's scepticism, Cathy decides to explore Eloise's mysterious past, putting herself in danger as she finds herself drawn ever deeper into her friend's great - and tragic - secret.

Compulsively-readable and incredibly haunting, this is the worldwide bestselling novel from broadcaster, journalist and Book Club champion, Judy Finnigan.

©2012 Judy Finnigan (P)2012 Hachette Digital

Critic reviews

"Romantic and rain-lashed...a stirring and intriguing read." (Louise Candlish)

"Gripping...captures the mystery and menace of Cornwall in glorious gothic style." (Liz Fenwick)

"Highly readable, incredibly moving...Eloise had me turning pages late into the night." (Dorothy Koomson)

Wearisome

I loved the concept of this story, and I look out for Anna Bentinck's great performances, but halfway in some recycled themes began to irritate me seriously; the strong but powerless female motif disturbed me, the over-confident, insensitive male motif equally bothered me, and the muddled thinking tying them in knots drove me dilly. I was glad to finish the book and see how the story concluded, and I was happily surprised.
Not one to listen to again, though, for sure.

Enjoyable

When I began reading this book, I thought it was about the conflict between the rational and intuitive aspects of the mind, in the guise of a ghost story. But, I wasn't exactly right. It isn't a love story either, for the lovers barely spend any time with each other, though they are both fascinating characters. It isn't a story of family life, domestic conflict and its resolution either. But all these elements blend well and the story moves along at a fast clip. The beautiful coastal village where the story is set, is lovingly described. The narration is excellent. I loved the fact that this is a happy story. Trouble hovers like gathering storm clouds, but the storm is exciting and enjoyable in its own way. Unlike 'The Thirteenth Tale', this is not a dark and gloomy tale. If I have any complaint, it is that the behavior of Cathy's husband is unrealistic. It is difficult to believe that he is not concerned about the children's safety at the end. Also, he does not deal with his disagreement with his wife like a man who has enjoyed a long, stable and happy marriage. His approach to protecting his wife's peace of mind isn't convincing either. But, l had a good time listening to this book and would strongly recommend it to others.

Easy listening

Story was good, a little unbelievable that Cathy's husband would really treat her like that or that she would really put up with being spoken to like that either.
Reader was ok I felt she gave the main character a voice that was too pathetic.
Overall an way listening experience and good first book.