The Hourglass

By: Tracy Rees

Narrated by: Charlotte Strevens, Imogen Church

Length: 15 hrs and 4 mins

Publisher's summary

2014. Nora has always taken success for granted, until suddenly her life begins to fall apart. Troubled by anxiety and nightmares, she finds herself drawn to the sweeping beaches of Tenby, a place she's only been once before. Together with a local girl, she rents a beautiful townhouse and slowly begins to settle in to her new life. But Tenby hides a secret, and Nora will soon discover that this little town by the sea has the power to heal even the most painful memories.

1950. Chloe visits Tenby every summer. She stays with relatives, and spends the long, idyllic days on the beach. Every year is the same, until she meets a glamorous older boy and is instantly smitten. But on the night of their first date, Chloe comes to a realisation, the aftermath of which could haunt her forever.

The Hourglass is a moving novel about finding love even after it seems too late and the healing power of a magical place by the sea.

©2017 Tracy Rees (P)2017 WF Howes Ltd

Critic reviews

"Tracy Rees writes from the heart." (Kathryn Hughes, author of The Letter)

Worth keeping at it

The book is long and slow for quite a bit of it. But it's a really good story and gets very interesting so I recommend pushing through.

A tale with 2 narrators.

This was a very enjoyable story. The only problem is that I felt there needed to be only one narrator, not two. The narrator for Nora (a 39 year old going on 40) has an older voice, 60-65. This bothered me the whole way through, because the narrator for Chloe did an excellent job for older and younger Chloe and other characters. As it happens in chapter 63, Nora and Chloe finally come together in one chapter. It’s narrated by the Chloe narrator, and it was perfect. I don’t know why this couldn’t be the case for the entire book. But like I said, I liked the story-despite the the questionable casting.

I Love This Book!

If you are looking for a book to fall in love with look no further.... this is it! I enjoyed every minute and when it ended I felt sad! I might have to listen to it again! I loved the narrators... amazing!

Great read, like every other Tracey Rees book .

Great read, like every other Tracey Rees book. Love them all! Great narration, as always.

Brilliant from start to finish! Highly recommend.

Tracy Rees has become my favourite modern writer. Her words weave the reader (or listener) directly into the world of Chloe and Nora as their lives reconnect from past to present. The intricacies and complexity of relationships, love, longing and self discovery unfold in yet another of Tracy's masterpieces. Listen to The Hourglass. You won't be disappointed. Imogen and Charlotte use their vocal and theatrical talents to bring Tracy's work to life. 5 stars all the way!

I laughed, I cried, I LOVED THIS BOOK!

What made the experience of listening to The Hourglass the most enjoyable?

Characters were immediately interesting and engaging. Narrators did a nice job with the different voices and accents. But the story was wound at just the right pace of foreshadowing and moving the plot forward, with a wonderful payoff at the end. I laughed, I cried, I LOVED IT!

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

The last several chapters. I would hate to spoil it for anyone. One great one, though, was the coffee/lunch scene with Nora and Logan. Perfectly crafted!

What does Charlotte Strevens and Imogen Church bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

How one would pronounce some of the Welsh words! Great job by both narrators.

If you could take any character from The Hourglass out to dinner, who would it be and why?

Leo, for his perception and authenticity.

Any additional comments?

Wish we had more from The author. I have really loved every one.

I love the characters

I saw so much of myself in the characters and learned a bit more about myself. I have been so inspired by the thoughtfulness put into the story. This will definitely be listened to again.

Great storyline

Did not want to put it down. Very good. Will look for more by this same author.

Liked the story

Really enjoyed the story and it was hard to stop listening. My only criticism is that the person reading the voices of the young boys or young men made them all sound old.

Detailed but good

I really have enjoyed listening to this book. Although it seemed long at times, it is because the author is detailed in her descriptions. The performers were excellent! It had a wonderful end.