The Breaking Wave

By: Nevil Shute

Narrated by: Patrick Tull

Length: 8 hrs and 57 mins

Publisher's Summary

Allan had been away from Coombaragana, flying in the Royal Air Force. Now he has returned, wounded and disillusioned, to his ancestral home. Days before, Jessie Proctor had taken her own life. Why? Allan looked at the young face in the photograph in Jessie’s passport and froze. He knew who she really was.

©1983 Mrs. Donald C. Mayfield (P)1988 Recorded Books, LLC

A Touching Tale

Who was your favorite character and why?

Alan the Australian RAF pilot. He was a young man who had everything, until he lost his brother and his feet. Alan and his surviving friends from World War II suffer from what we now call post-traumatic stress. The story revolves around how these characters deal with this stress.

Which character – as performed by Patrick Tull – was your favorite?

This book was produced by Recorded Books LLC, the best producer of audio books in the world by far, and read by Patrick Tull, the best narrator in the world! Most of the book is narration by the main character Alan, and Tull captures him perfectly. One has the sense that Alan is speaking directly to the listener.Tull doesn't read or perform, he becomes Alan!

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

In Europe this book is known as 'Requiem for a Wren'.The core of the story takes place in and around the Isle of Wight in the weeks prior to D-Day in World War II. Like the characters in this novel, Shute himself was in the thick of the invasion preparations. He was an engineering officer in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve responsible for various secret weapons used in the invasion of France. Shute takes the reader into this pressure cooker environment from the point of view of the 'worker bees' rather than the Generals, Kings and politicians. The story absolutely rings with authenticity. This book is as close to a time machine taking you to Southern England in May 1944 as you'll ever find.

Any additional comments?

The story is compelling, poignant, and a bit sad. The books shows the listener the heroism, camaraderie, and glory of a just war, but it equally shows the terrible human cost.The characters come to life, the performance is superb, the story is original. Highly recommended.

Not Nevil Shute's best, but still good

What did you like best about The Breaking Wave? What did you like least?

The parts about WWII were well written and convincing.

If you’ve listened to books by Nevil Shute before, how does this one compare?

I think it's best to start with A Town like Alice, which is really great. The Breaking Wave is good but just not up to that level.

What about Patrick Tull’s performance did you like?

Everything. He is one of the best readers.

Another great Shute!

Would you consider the audio edition of The Breaking Wave to be better than the print version?

Much better! The only issue with Tull is his lack of knowledge of English names-Lymington is not "lime-inton" but lim-ington-otherwise he is good!

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Breaking Wave?

When Alan discovers the dead girl-Janet- is Bill's(his brother) girlfriend

Which scene was your favorite?

When Janet manages to outshoot the whole navy!

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

Absolutely if there was time enough!

Any additional comments?

This book is a great-if sad-read! All the Shutes are excellent stories with little violence and no sex-try them all "Town like Alice" On the Beach, Round the bend etc-I think there are 16 or 17 in all

powerful

Powerful emotional compassionate. I wasn't hooked into this book until the last 1/4. I like it better than On The Beach, but it's tied for my favorite with A Town Like Alice.

Maybe my Favorite Nevil Shute Novel

Shute knows Britain before Operation Overlord like he lived it-- which he probably did. Unbelievably great story line and characters coping with the tragedy of the war and it's aftermath while doing their duty to the best of their abilities. It focuses on doing what's right while the world crumbles around you.

Excellent Story. Well Written.

I read this book when I was a teenager. I’m 73 and I remember it very well. I learned a lot about England, Australia and social behavior during WWII.
Nevil Shute was a fantastic storyteller and Patrick Tull was the very best narrator ever!

another great Shute novel

Similar Shute themes: England, Australia, planes, WWII and few years after. An excellent story, well told and narrated.

Nevil Shute- One of the Great Ones

Nevil Shute is one of the best writers of modern times. Extremely fine characterizations and deeply touching and meaningful stories. Excellent narration as well.