We Own the Sky

By: Luke Allnutt

Narrated by: Will M. Watt

Length: 9 hrs and 49 mins

Publisher's summary

A triumphant story about love, loss, and finding hope - against all odds

"We looked down at the cliff jutting into the sea, a rubber boat full of kids going under the arch, and then you started running and jumping through the grass, dodging the rabbit holes, shouting at the top of your voice, so I started chasing you, trying to catch you, and we were laughing so hard as we ran and ran, kicking up rainbow showers in the leaves."

Rob Coates feels like he's won the lottery of life. There is Anna, his incredible wife, their London townhouse, and, most precious of all, Jack, their son, who makes every day an extraordinary adventure. But when a devastating illness befalls his family, Rob's world begins to unravel. Suddenly finding himself alone, Rob seeks solace in photographing the skyscrapers and clifftops he and his son, Jack, used to visit. And just when it seems that all hope is lost, Rob embarks on the most unforgettable of journeys to find his way back to life and forgiveness.

We Own the Sky is a tender, heartrending, but ultimately life-affirming novel that will resonate deeply with anyone who has suffered loss or experienced great love. With stunning eloquence and acumen, Luke Allnutt has penned a soaring debut and a true testament to the power of love, showing how even the most thoroughly broken heart can learn to beat again.

©2018 Luke Allnutt (P)2018 Harlequin Enterprises, Limited

Critic reviews

"A breathtaking read that describes perfectly the joy and pain that comes with loving fully and all the compassion and forgiveness it requires. Brimming with hope to the very end." (Steven Rowley, author of Lily and the Octopus)

"Anyone who wishes David Nicholls would write faster needs to grab this with both hands. It's a truly stunning achievement." (Jill Mansell, author of Meet Me at Beachcomber Bay)

Beautiful, heart-aching, and full of hope! Will Watt shines!

I’m going to keep this review short because I truly don’t want to give anything away. This is a book that just needs to be experienced and felt. This book gutted me in the best way possible. This isn’t romance novel, but it is a story about love. It is a beautifully raw and enchanting book about life, loss, and love. Just like in life there are so many ups and downs, but the story was still infused with plenty of wit, some humor, and most of all lots of hope. It’s also a beautiful tribute to the love between fathers and sons. Luke Allnut wrote a story that gripped my heart from the very beginning and never let it go.

Narration by Will Watt was nothing short of exceptional. His performance was moving and heartbreakingly beautiful while managing to insert levity and so much joy into the story with his narration. Have tissues on standby, but don’t miss out on this audiobook. 5 stars.

Heart-wrenching but real and worth it!

Simply and strikingly written, this book really delivers in the end. No cheap tricks here, and I loved the ending! I have experienced both loss and cancer in my own life and this book deals with them admirably. This is not a cheap sentimental book and it will cause you to see different perspectives. The character development in the main character was impressive.

Will M. Watt, the narrator, is simply unmatched. I would listen to this guy read tax law or Terms and Conditions. His voice is masculine and emotive, adding another layer to the story. He was able to navigate seamlessly between the voice of a man, woman, and child without compromising at all, and each voice was so unique that I didn't need to be told who was speaking. Remarkably well done.

Sad and emotionally charged journey

This story is emotionally heart wrenching.
Rob and Anna Coates who after two miscarriages finally get a son, Jack. They are so happy and Jack is an amazing curious boy who loves to capture life thru a camera lens. Then tragedy strikes there world comes a part Rob finds solace in a bottle, Anna trying to cope with her own loss leaves Rob because of his often cruel callous behavior. Rob soon finds that there are no answers in the bottle and sets off on a journey to seek the answers to help himself and others thru photography and What his son Jack saw in his to short life.
You will need a box of tissues (often) while reading or listening to this story of Rob, Anna and Jack, it is sad, moving but heartbreakingly beautiful.
Kudos to this author for writing this emotionally charged story.
If you are going to listen rather then read I have to Say Will M Watt did an amazing job in the narration.

This book wrecked me

It is so beautiful but there were times I almost stopped, it just was a hard, hard listen if you are a sensitive person. But the performance is amazing, one of the best I have heard, and I am an Audible junkie. As is the writing. In the end, I am glad I hung in there. Once you begin, you really can't stop.

Boring

Predictable and overall dull. The book was so drab and annoying I was dreading picking it up. I’ve heard this same story line in 10 other books. Cliches and no character development.