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The Return  By  cover art

The Return

By: Victoria Hislop
Narrated by: Jane Wymark
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Publisher's summary

An atmospheric, vibrant and moving tale of pain and passion at the heart of war-torn Spain, from Victoria Hislop, the million-copy best-selling author of The Island and The Thread.

Beneath the majestic towers of the Alhambra, Granada's cobbled streets resonate with music and secrets. Sonia Cameron knows nothing of the city's shocking past; she is here to dance. But in a quiet café, a chance conversation and an intriguing collection of old photographs draw her into the extraordinary tale of Spain's devastating civil war.

Seventy years earlier, the café is home to the close-knit Ramírez family. In 1936, an army coup led by Franco shatters the country's fragile peace, and in the heart of Granada the family witnesses the worst atrocities of conflict. Divided by politics and tragedy, everyone must take a side, fighting a personal battle as Spain rips itself apart.

©2008 Victoria Hislop (P)2013 Headline Digital

Critic reviews

"Aims to open the eyes, and tug the heartstrings, of readers... Hislop deserves a medal for opening a breach into the holiday beach bag." ( Independent)
"Like a literary Nigella, she whips up a cracking historical romance with a dash of family secrets and a splash of female self-discovery." ( Time Out)
"Powerful stuff." ( Daily Mail)
"Hislop somehow manages to capture the chaos and disintegration of Spain during the violence of the '30s and '40s in a dramatic, immediate way...keeps you reading at breakneck speed right to the end." ( Sunday Express)

What listeners say about The Return

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Brilliant and evocative

We listened to this story while living in Granada. It was brilliant to have this overlay of history and culture and The Return enriched our experience of this enchanted city.

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  • Overall
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Two stories woven into one...

Would you listen to The Return again? Why?

Probably. I enjoyed the writing and the descriptions of the Spanish Civil War. The contemporary story is less strong, and honestly somewhat unnecessary, but it's still a well-written book, so I will probably listen again

Have you listened to any of Jane Wymark’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I haven't yet, but I will dig some of them up!

Who was the most memorable character of The Return and why?

I would have to say mercedes, growing up and coming of age in such a difficult time in history.

Any additional comments?

Well-done! With the inclusion of some coincidences, I can't give this book 5 stars, but it is still a good read. I will read more from this author and narrator.

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