The Barter

By: Siobhan Adcock

Narrated by: Meredith Mitchell

Sure to be one of the most talked-about debut novels of the year, The Barter is a heart-stopping tale as provocative as it is suspenseful, about two conflicted women, separated by 100 years and bound by an unthinkable sacrifice.

The Barter is a ghost story and a love story, a riveting emotional tale that also explores motherhood and work and feminism. Set in present-day Texas, and at the turn of the 20th century, the novel follows two young mothers at the turning point of their lives.

Bridget has given up her career as an attorney to raise her daughter, joining a cadre of stay-at-home mothers seeking fulfillment in a quiet suburb. But for Bridget, some crucial part of the exchange is absent: something she loves and needs. And now a terrifying presence has entered her home - only nobody but Bridget can feel it.

On a farm in 1902, a young city bride takes a farmer husband. The marriage bed will become both crucible and anvil as Rebecca first allows, then negates, the powerful erotic connection between them. She turns her back on John to give all her love to their child. Much will occur in this cold house, none of it good.

As Siobhan Adcock crosscuts these stories with mounting tension, each woman arrives at a terrible ordeal of her own making, tinged with love and fear and dread. What will they sacrifice to save their families - and themselves? Listeners will slow down to enjoy the gorgeous language then speed up to see what happens next in a plot that thrums with the weight of decision - and its explosive consequences.

©2014 Siobhan Adcock (P)2014 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Lackluster, unfulfilling

This story was lackluster for me.
I kept waiting for an explanation that never came.

Ghost?

Performance was over dramatized. Quite annoying. Story about two wives&mothers was a good comparison, but the whole ghost thing was awkward. Not certain it was needed, and made felt like it was forced. who or what is the ghost, anyway? Just too esoteric and almost like it was put in to be able to change the genre.

Missed it by this much

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

Probably not. I hated the ending.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Barter?

When the father dies

Which scene was your favorite?

When Bridgette first sees the ghost

Did The Barter inspire you to do anything?

Pull my hair out

Any additional comments?

The book was fascinating until the end. I still don't know what happened.

liked it

this book was good but the end was a bit confusing. feel like the plot should have been explained a bit better. but overall a good story. narrator was good.

Not exactly a romance, per se.

More of an existential examination of relationships through past lives than a feel good romance story. And a but creepy.