Playing Beatie Bow

By: Ruth Park

Narrated by: Kate Hood

Length: 6 hrs and 14 mins

Publisher's Summary

The game is called Beatie Bow, and the kids play it for the thrill of giving themselves a scare. It’s Beatie Bow, risen from the dead!

When Abigail is drawn in, the game quickly changes from a harmless little scare to an extraordinary adventure, as she is transported to a place that is strangely familiar....

And in a Sydney she barely recognises, she’ll meet the real Beatie Bow and the family that will change her life.

©1980 Ruth Park (P)2012 Bolinda Publishing Pty Ltd

Good coming of age story with time travel

Who was your favorite character and why?

Beattie, as she was so feisty and prickly, but brave

What does Kate Hood bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Beautiful narration by Kate Hood. She adds an atmosphere and authentic voice that really lifts the story off the page, giving life to the lovely Dovey, feisty Beattie and even the awful Gibbie..

Any additional comments?

Very much a coming of age story, so plenty of reflection/dwelling on a very female take on first love. Bit much for the 8-10 year-old boys I was playing it too. Better suited to mid teen girls.

not in the least interesting story or characters

What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you?

just not interested in this type of story line.

What could Ruth Park have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

too little interest in main character.

How could the performance have been better?

no ...it was good

You didn’t love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

only if you like this type of story and character.

Any additional comments?

none ...wish i had not purchased...wish i could have listened to part of a chapter in the middle of the book I would have decided this storyline was not for me...not interested in it at all.

One of my favourite books

Would you consider the audio edition of Playing Beatie Bow to be better than the print version?

I have read the print version half a dozen times and loved it. The audio version is good because it helps to create the various accents which I could not hear in my head when I read the book.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Granny Is my favourite character because she is warm and loving, she holds her own family together and she shows kindness and understanding as she helps Abigale to find strength and maturity to deal with her own challenges.

Which character – as performed by Kate Hood – was your favourite?

Judah Bow

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes and when I got to the end I wanted to start again

Any additional comments?

I love this book, it has stood the test of time.