The Woman Behind the Waterfall

By: Leonora Meriel

Narrated by: Helen Taylor

Length: 8 hrs and 38 mins

Publisher's summary

Heartbreak and transformation in the beauty of a Ukrainian village.

For seven-year old Angela, happiness is exploring the lush countryside around her home in western Ukraine. Her wild imagination takes her into birds and flowers, and into the waters of the river.

All that changes when, one morning, she sees her mother crying. As she tries to find out why, she is drawn on an extraordinary journey into the secrets of her family, and her mother's fateful choices.

Can Angela lead her mother back to happiness before her innocence is destroyed by the shadows of a dark past?

Beautiful, poetic and richly sensory, this is a tale that will haunt and lift its listeners.

©2011 Leonora Meriel (P)2023 Leonora Meriel

Critic reviews

"Readers looking for a classic tale of love and loss will be rewarded with an intoxicating world." ( Kirkus Reviews)

Not for me.

I struggled to finish this book. I lost the struggle. Guess it just wasn't for me. Not even sure how to describe it. Maybe 2 stars is too much. I hate to not like a book as the author has poured their soul into it but sometimes it just isn't meant for everyone.

Not my cup of tea

This book was well written and narrated but the story could not keep my interest. But I will try another Leonora Meriel book. I was voluntarily provided this free review copy by the author, narrator or publisher

Just Lovely :)

I just finished listening to Leonora Meriel's novel "The Woman Behind the Waterfall." The story is about a young girl who, with the help of her grandmother's spirit, tries to help her mother battle her depression. It is a heartfelt, charming tale which somehow manages to make Ukraine seem like a place worth visiting. The only downside is first three chapters are tough to follow. However, once you figure out who everybody is, it turns into a fun listen. On a scale of "so bad I never want to listen to a book again" to "the greatest book ever." This one comes in as a "lovely read."

Too slow, unconvincing character voice

I tend to enjoy descriptive and ethereal books. The Woman Behind the Waterfall, however, was not one of those. I failed to connect to the characters and the plot was molasses slow. Worst of all, in my opinion, was the first person narrator, whose inner voice and world view did not sound at all convincing of a young child.

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review. This review is my honest opinion.

Beautiful Story

Hauntingly beautiful, wonderfully written and thought-provoking - these are my thoughts after finishing this story. I loved the strong connection between Angela, her mother and her grandmother and how one generation can give strength to another. The writing had an ethereal quality and I was lost in the imagery and culture of the Ukraine. I just loved this heart-warming story even though it left me a bit drained emotionally after finishing it. This was something to be experienced, not merely listened to and I was grateful for it. Helen Taylor as narrator did a wonderful job conveying the emotions of the story and her voice was just lovely. If you're looking for a truly rewarding listen, I would highly recommend The Woman Behind The Waterfall.

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review. This review is my honest opinion.

Brilliant

This is a stunning book worth listening to. The story centers around a young girl and her view of a difficult world in a small village as the child of a single mother. As the story weaves the tail of how this came to be childhood optimism shines through and leads her mother from the edge of despair.

The prose of the scenery alone is wonderful to hear. The descriptions of villagers reactions and whispers reminds of how gossip can impact lives. This was delightful to listen and leaves you with a great sense of redemption.