The Return

By: Victoria Hislop

Narrated by: Jane Wymark

Length: 14 hrs and 43 mins

Publisher's Summary

An atmospheric, vibrant and moving tale of pain and passion at the heart of war-torn Spain, from Victoria Hislop, the million-copy best-selling author of The Island and The Thread.

Beneath the majestic towers of the Alhambra, Granada's cobbled streets resonate with music and secrets. Sonia Cameron knows nothing of the city's shocking past; she is here to dance. But in a quiet café, a chance conversation and an intriguing collection of old photographs draw her into the extraordinary tale of Spain's devastating civil war.

Seventy years earlier, the café is home to the close-knit Ramírez family. In 1936, an army coup led by Franco shatters the country's fragile peace, and in the heart of Granada the family witnesses the worst atrocities of conflict. Divided by politics and tragedy, everyone must take a side, fighting a personal battle as Spain rips itself apart.

©2008 Victoria Hislop (P)2013 Headline Digital

Critic Reviews

"Aims to open the eyes, and tug the heartstrings, of readers... Hislop deserves a medal for opening a breach into the holiday beach bag." ( Independent)

"Like a literary Nigella, she whips up a cracking historical romance with a dash of family secrets and a splash of female self-discovery." ( Time Out)

"Powerful stuff." ( Daily Mail)

"Hislop somehow manages to capture the chaos and disintegration of Spain during the violence of the '30s and '40s in a dramatic, immediate way...keeps you reading at breakneck speed right to the end." ( Sunday Express)

Brilliant and evocative

We listened to this story while living in Granada. It was brilliant to have this overlay of history and culture and The Return enriched our experience of this enchanted city.

Two stories woven into one...

Would you listen to The Return again? Why?

Probably. I enjoyed the writing and the descriptions of the Spanish Civil War. The contemporary story is less strong, and honestly somewhat unnecessary, but it's still a well-written book, so I will probably listen again

Have you listened to any of Jane Wymark’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I haven't yet, but I will dig some of them up!

Who was the most memorable character of The Return and why?

I would have to say mercedes, growing up and coming of age in such a difficult time in history.

Any additional comments?

Well-done! With the inclusion of some coincidences, I can't give this book 5 stars, but it is still a good read. I will read more from this author and narrator.

compelling

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

I had no idea about the Spanish civil war, this book has spurred me onto to read more about the party of Europe's history

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

I loved the whole thing really

Beautifully written, superbly narrated

If you could sum up The Return in three words, what would they be?

Captivating, enchanting, atmospheric

Any additional comments?

This was a really good read and gripping all the way through. Jane Wymark's narration is particularly good and kept me drawn in throughout the story.

Spanish Civil War plus love story

This was the first Victoria Hislop book I have listened/read and like other reviewers I found the information on the Spanish Civil War incredibly interesting as this conflict is something I feel I know too little about. The characters are wonderfully drawn and whilst being fairly hard nosed I am still a girl who likes to think true love exists. I saw the end of the plot very early on but that didn't spoil the listen. This is a female read but a worthwhile one.

Another Great book from Victoria Hislop !

I loved this book, even though I found the love story bit just a little bit far fetched. I learned so much about the spanish civil war which I knew little about and found this really interested. Its a tragic love story but still manages to leave you feeling very satisfied. Overall I would say if you like Hislop's books then read this one.

Please don't!

What sentimental, unrealistic drivel this book is. It is childishly written - adverbs and adjectives are not essential for every single verb and noun! Clichés abound, and the device of putting words, feelings and events into the old man's narrative is asking too much of me, anyway.
The true story of the Spanish civil war needs to be told, but not like this.
The reader has a lovely voice but she cannot help hamming this up and the Spanish accent is both unnecessary and inappropriately funny.

wonderful book

I loved the picturesque descriptive text so well read with feeling and character. superb story.

Excellent

Lovely story and very informative about the Spanish Civil War. Really enjoyed this book.
I will recommend it to friends and family.

Interesting

This is not the sort of thing I usually listen to. It was to graphic for me but they it was I assume based on true stories.
The subject was interesting as I knew nothing about the Spanish civil war .
I enjoyed The island by Victoria Hislop more

Wonderful story and great narrative by Jane Wymark

This is the second book by Victoria Hislop that I have read. I really enjoyed the story and how it developed and the history aspects of the Spanish Civil War. The characters were well rounded and interesting and I felt the narrative by Jane Wymark really was fab and made the story so much more interesting. It was very sad in parts but I would highly recommend it.

Good

A must listen for anxiety reduction. The narrator hits it on the head in a simple to listen and understand way.