We Begin at the End

By: Chris Whitaker

Narrated by: George Newbern

Length: 10 hrs and 30 mins

Publisher's summary

2021 Hudson Booksellers Best of the Year

An Instant New York Times Best Seller

"A vibrant, engrossing, unputdownable thriller that packs a serious emotional punch. One of those rare books that surprise you along the way and then linger in your mind long after you have finished it." (Kristin Hannah, number one New York Times best-selling author of The Nightingale and The Four Winds)

Right. Wrong. Life is lived somewhere in between.

Duchess Day Radley is a 13-year-old self-proclaimed outlaw. Rules are for other people. She is the fierce protector of her five-year-old brother, Robin, and the parent to her mother, Star, a single mom incapable of taking care of herself, let alone her two kids.

Walk has never left the coastal California town where he and Star grew up. He may have become the chief of police, but he’s still trying to heal the old wound of having given the testimony that sent his best friend, Vincent King, to prison decades before. And he's in overdrive protecting Duchess and her brother.

Now, 30 years later, Vincent is being released. And Duchess and Walk must face the trouble that comes with his return. We Begin at the End is an extraordinary novel about two kinds of families- the ones we are born into and the ones we create.

A Macmillan Audio production from Henry Holt and Company

"Heartbreaking, unexpected, and hopeful, this audiobook is a must-listen. Narrator George Newbern's nuanced delivery engages listeners and helps the layers of the story unfold." (AudioFile Magazine)

©2021 Christopher Whitaker (P)2021 Macmillan Audio

Moving

I found this novel by Chris Whitaker (my first) to be excellent from beginning to end. All the characters were well developed and gripping. There was always a good storyline that contained both sorrow and humor throughout. I give the highest ratings for this excellent novel. Also, George Newbern was outstanding in his narration.

Out of all the books I’ve read Miss Duchess Day’s character is one of my favorite!

Miss Duchess’s character, I laughed often at her witty jokes and appreciated how wise she was beyond her 13 years. There were also unexpected twists at the end. Will definitely be recommending it to friends.

Loved it

Best story that I have totally enjoyed in quite a while. From the beginning to the end.

Loving a book I can't guess the ending!

I LOVED this book. It is very tough, the circumstances, the innocence lost on all levels. It is redeemed by it's great prose, and a few hero's and heroine's you just can't let go.If you love a book you simply can't guess it's twists and turns, and don't mind crying through, this one is for you. I never listen twice to anything, but in a few months, I'm coming back to this again.

Outstanding

Moved me to tears! Extremely strong character development. Duchess will remain embedded in my brain. Loved her!

Bittersweet

I bought this on sale after listening to the sample. Duchess pulled in my heartstrings from the sample alone. It keeps you guessing with a surprise ending. Very bittersweet.

However, why do authors feel the need to have so much cursing? You can still get the same emotions without it.

Well worth the read

This is a story that transports you and makes you feel like you’ve always lived in their small town. You understand and care for each character even though they are flawed and broken, each in their own way. The plot is well crafted and the deeper themes of pain, suffering, guilt and forgiveness are powerful and authentic.

Never a disappointment!

I adored how the character of the young girl needed to be an outlaw, and I’ll be damned if she wasn’t!
The story certainly took many unexpected turns, every one a piece of the puzzle.
George Newbern is one of my favorite narrators, so that was a plus.

One of my favorites!

Excellent! Just finished and now I’m on the hunt for more books from this author. Get it you won’t regret it for a second! Enjoy!

wasn't expecting this deep of a connection

it's been awhile since a book made me connect with characters so deeply. I laughed, I ached, I felt. loved this book!