The Vacation House

A Novel

By: Jane Shemilt

Narrated by: Amalia Vitale

Length: 7 hrs and 35 mins

Publisher's summary

The Edgar-nominated, #1 internationally bestselling author of The Daughter and The Playground weaves a breathtaking tale of betrayal, family, and secrets from the past in this crackling novel of psychological suspense.

Two women. Two secrets. One terrible night.

PAXOS, GREECE

The vacation house is a luxurious getaway for a wealthy English family, windows open to sun and the sea, a sparkling swimming pool, and a verdant garden. One hot summer night, while the parents and their friends drink wine and amuse themselves, a young woman—the teenage daughter of the Greek caretaker—ventures for a walk on their private beach. Her life will never be the same again.

LONDON, ENGLAND, TEN YEARS LATER

Julia is the perfect spouse and mother. Slender, blonde, expensively dressed, she’s the classic “yummy mummy” of high society: cook, organizer, arm candy, and speechwriter to her influential husband.

But behind her winning smile is a stifled woman trapped in a gilded cage, stricken with anxiety and perfectionism. When Julia meets Laurel, a therapist who promises to help her find fulfillment, Julia opens herself up to the hope of a different future.

BOUND BY THE PAST

What happened in Greece all those years ago that binds these two women together? And will uncovering the truth destroy everything… or set them free?

©2023 Jane Shemilt (P)2023 HarperCollins Publishers

Not bad

I enjoyed the listen. At first it dragged. But then you get into it. My heart broke listening to Sophie’s story. I predicted how it would go pretty much so nothing was a shock to me.

Excellent

The story pulled me right in, even though I had the mystery figured out fairly early in the game. While this book is not what I would call literature, I thoroughly enjoyed the listen. I'll be looking to read other books by this author.

Cool & Clever

Privilege vacations /Local caretaker and family become victims of the Privileged vacationers/ .KARMA.
Karma can be revenge or karma can be understanding followed by forgiveness.
Usually the Universe seeks balance.
You get both in this read.
Cool and Clever

Excellent Story

I absolutely loved the duel timeline and how the author chose to tell the story. The subject matter was tough but nothing was told gratuitously or in more detail than was necessary. There are quite a few heartbreaking moments but all is triumphant in the end. I love this author and will read whatever she chooses to write.

Excellent, Unique, Original

This is an outstanding book.
The characters, the locations, the plot are all solid and fully realized.
There is one scene that is quite brutal and the reader should be prepared for it, as it involves a young child and is difficult to listen to.
But this one thing is the driver behind so many aspects of the story that it is critical to the inner and out workings of these character’s lives.
The narration is exceptional, the ending is pitch perfect and complete.
A very beautifully written book, I couldn’t put it down.

Boring and Then Predictable

I half listened to the first three hours. I was easily distracted from the non-riveting storyline. When I started getting interested in the story, I figured out the plot line with its predictability. It wasn't a horrible book. But. it also wasn't a standout.

Ok listen but predictable…

Not a super complicated story and some pretty dark details about abuse. Frustratingly weak female main character