Audiobook Sample
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- Title: Dear Edward: A Novel
- Author: Ann Napolitano
- Narrator: Cassandra Campbell
- Length: 11:37:32
- Version: Abridged
- Release Date: 06/01/2020
- Publisher: Random House (Audio)
- Genre: Fiction & Literature, Literary Fiction, Coming of Age, Family Life
- ISBN13: 9.78E+12
There are stories that hit you like a sudden gust of wind in a desert canyon – unexpected, raw, and unforgettable. ‘Dear Edward: A Novel’ by Ann Napolitano is one of those stories, and listening to it as an audiobook has only deepened its impact. This literary fiction gem, steeped in themes of coming of age and family life, unfolds like a long, winding road through grief and hope. It’s a narrative that feels as personal as a whispered conversation under a starry sky, and I’ve found myself reflecting on it long after the final chapter.
I first pressed play on this audiobook while driving through the vast, lonely stretches of the American Southwest, a landscape that seemed to mirror the desolation in young Edward Adler’s heart. The story centers on Edward, a twelve-year-old boy who becomes the sole survivor of a devastating plane crash that claims his family and 183 other passengers. As a travel writer, I’ve logged countless hours in airports and on planes, often brushing off the inherent fragility of those moments suspended in the sky. But this story forced me to confront that vulnerability, to imagine what it means to lose everything in an instant. It reminds me of a time when I was stranded in a remote village in Peru after a sudden storm washed out the only road. I felt untethered, cut off from the world I knew, much like Edward must feel as he grapples with a life forever altered.
The audiobook experience of ‘Dear Edward’ captures the multidimensional portrait of not just Edward, but the passengers whose lives are tragically cut short. Napolitano weaves their stories – ranging from a Wall Street prodigy to a veteran returning from war – into a tapestry of human connection that feels almost tangible. You can almost hear the hum of the plane, the quiet fears and unspoken dreams of those on board. This is literary fiction at its finest, exploring profound questions about survival, meaning, and the ways a broken heart learns to love again. The coming-of-age arc of Edward, as he navigates a world without his family, resonates deeply with anyone who’s ever had to rebuild after loss. It’s a family life narrative that doesn’t shy away from the messiness of grief, yet offers glimmers of hope like sunlight breaking through storm clouds.
What elevates this listening experience even further is Cassandra Campbell’s narration. Her voice is a steady companion, imbued with a warmth and empathy that feels like sitting with an old friend. She captures Edward’s innocence and pain with a delicate balance, never over-dramatizing but always conveying the weight of his emotions. The way she shifts tones for the various characters – each with their distinct backgrounds and struggles – adds a richness to the storytelling. It’s reminiscent of those evenings I spent in Oaxaca, listening to a grandmother weave tales with perfect timing and silence as powerful as words. Campbell’s pacing is impeccable, allowing the heavier moments to breathe while keeping the narrative moving forward. The audio quality itself is crisp and immersive, making it easy to lose yourself in the story whether you’re on a long drive or curled up at home.
That said, the audiobook isn’t without its challenges. At times, the nonlinear structure of the novel – shifting between Edward’s present and the passengers’ pasts – can feel disorienting in audio format. Without the visual cues of a printed page, I occasionally had to rewind to reorient myself. But this minor hiccup doesn’t detract from the overall impact; if anything, it mirrors the fragmented nature of memory and trauma that Napolitano so masterfully explores. Another aspect to consider is the emotional intensity of the story. This isn’t light listening for a casual afternoon; it’s a tearjerker that demands your full attention and a box of tissues nearby. For some, that depth might feel overwhelming, but for me, it’s what makes ‘Dear Edward’ so transformative.
Comparing this to other works in the literary fiction and coming-of-age genres, I’m reminded of novels like ‘A Tale for the Time Being’ by Ruth Ozeki, which also grapples with loss and identity through a young protagonist. Yet, ‘Dear Edward’ stands out for its unflinching focus on survival as both a physical and emotional journey. It’s less abstract than Ozeki’s work, more grounded in the raw immediacy of grief. If you’ve enjoyed audiobooks that delve into family life dynamics, such as ‘Little Fires Everywhere’ by Celeste Ng, you’ll find a similar emotional resonance here, though Napolitano’s story leans more heavily on individual transformation.
I’d recommend this audiobook to anyone who craves stories that challenge and heal in equal measure. It’s perfect for listeners drawn to literary fiction that explores the human condition, or for those who’ve faced their own losses and seek narratives of resilience. If you’re new to audiobooks, Cassandra Campbell’s narration makes this an accessible entry point, her voice guiding you through even the toughest moments. And if you’re lucky enough to find this audiobook free, as some platforms occasionally offer, don’t hesitate to snatch it up – it’s a listening experience worth every minute.
Reflecting on ‘Dear Edward,’ I keep coming back to a memory of driving through the Atacama Desert in Chile, listening to ‘One Hundred Years of Solitude.’ Just as García Márquez’s magical realism matched the surreal landscape, Napolitano’s poignant realism in this novel mirrors the stark beauty of human endurance. This story has lingered with me, much like the faces and voices of people I’ve met on my travels – strangers whose stories become part of your own. It’s a reminder that even in our darkest moments, there are threads of connection waiting to be discovered, if only we’re brave enough to reach for them.
Until our paths cross again, keep seeking stories that move you, whether on the page, through headphones, or in the world around you. This is Marcus Rivera, signing off with a heart full of ‘Dear Edward’s’ bittersweet wisdom. Safe travels, amigos.
