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The Voyage of the Narwhal

By: Andrea Barrett
Narrated by: George Guidall
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Publisher's summary

National Book Award-winner Andrea Barrett deftly blends fact and fiction to create this magnificent epic of Victorian polar exploration. An amazing wealth of period detail, heart-racing action, and engaging characters enable you to fully experience the 19th-century‘s romance with the mystery of the Arctic. In hope of making his reputation, scholar-naturalist Erasmus Darwin Wells embarks on a perilous expedition to the North Pole. Through his eyes, you witness the terrible beauty of the Arctic, with its looming icebergs, endless winters and exotic “Eskimaux.”

As the Narwhal’s voyage threatens to metamorphose into one man’s maniacal quest, Erasmus’ worst fears of failure seem to be realized. Andrea Barrett, whose own romance with the Arctic began at an early age, is celebrated for her scientific protagonists and impeccably researched fiction. George Guidall’s inspired performance of this stunning novel invites you to take your own soul-enhancing voyage to the last wild, unexplored regions.

©1998 Andrea Barrett (P)19999 Recorded Books
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What listeners say about The Voyage of the Narwhal

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exceptional!

the narration perfectly compliments this wonderful story, which is captivating, enjoyable and touching. just lovely.

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Most exciting book ever.

Most exciting book ever not only on the Arctic exploration trips but the relationships among the people after they return. I couldn’t stop listening

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a sensitive stirring exploration of Artic explorat

a sensitive stirring exploration of 18th century family loyalty, loss, Artic adventure and the human heart

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A slow burn

Oh But a great ending. Such a slow slow start though, I almost gave up.

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Wonderful Book Read by Wonderful George Guidall!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The research that Barrett put in is enormous, but it never burdens the story.

I listened to The Terror not that long ago, or I tried to, but it was so poorly conceived and executed I gave up a third of the way in. I have never understood the idea of a "difficult book," which to me really means that the author has some talent but you have to claw your way through dross and inflated ego to find it. That's not the case with The Voyage of the Narwhal. It is not a difficult book, it is a tightly edited work that you can just submerge yourself in, a page-turner with so many beautiful details.

If I have any quibbles, it is in the descriptions of some of the injuries the men endure when they are stuck in the ice. I fast-forwarded those as they were a little too stomach-churning for me.

Barrett was very fortunate to have George Guidall reading her book for Audible. When you see his name as narrator you know you will be listening to the book as the author intended. (I was so fed-up with my last Audible title, which was ruined by the narrator, that I deliberately looked for a Guidall-narrated book. I am so glad I did.)

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