Audiobook Sample
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- Title: I Found You: A Novel
- Author: Lisa Jewell
- Narrator: Helen Duff
- Length: 0.418055556
- Version: Abridged
- Release Date: 25-Apr
- Publisher: Dreamscape Media, LLC
- Genre: Fiction & Literature, Contemporary Women, Family Life
- ISBN13: 9.78E+12
Sometimes, a story arrives at just the right moment in your life—like a message in a bottle, drifting onto your shore. Lisa Jewell’s *I Found You: A Novel*, narrated with haunting elegance by Helen Duff, feels like one of those serendipitous discoveries. I stumbled upon this audiobook while planning a trip to the windswept coasts of Cornwall, and Jewell’s vivid depiction of a seaside town, coupled with Duff’s intimate narration, transported me before I even packed my bags.
The novel opens with Alice Lake, a single mother living in a quirky, weathered home near the beach. She finds a man sitting alone in the sand, his memory wiped clean and his identity a mystery. Despite her better judgment, she invites him into her home. Meanwhile, in London, Lily Monrose—a twenty-one-year-old newlywed—is grappling with the inexplicable disappearance of her husband, Carl. The police inform her that Carl’s identity isn’t just missing; it never existed. These two seemingly unconnected narratives gradually intertwine, revealing a tapestry of secrets, betrayals, and unexpected connections.
Listening to this story reminded me of my time in Oaxaca, sitting on the veranda with a local family as their grandmother unraveled stories from her youth. Her voice carried the weight of decades—both a balm and a spark to the imagination. Helen Duff’s narration achieves a similar effect. Her pacing is precise, her tone intimate, and her ability to embody multiple characters is nothing short of remarkable. When Alice speaks, you can almost feel the briny wind whipping through her hair; when Lily panics in London, you sense the claustrophobia of unfamiliar surroundings pressing down on her. Duff’s performance gives each character their own life, their own pulse.
Jewell’s narrative style is clever and deliberate, peeling back layers slowly, yet purposefully. The seaside setting is painted with such detail that you can almost hear the gulls cawing and the waves crashing—an atmosphere so vivid I was reminded of driving through the Atacama Desert while listening to Gabriel García Márquez’s *One Hundred Years of Solitude*. Just as Márquez’s magical realism mirrored the surreal beauty of that landscape, Jewell’s prose captures the melancholy charm of a British coastal town, making it feel alive and integral to the story.
Thematically, the novel explores trust, identity, and the lengths we go to protect those we love. Alice’s impulsive decision to help a stranger is both heartwarming and fraught with tension. Lily’s unraveling of her husband’s secrets is a poignant commentary on how much—or how little—we truly know about the people closest to us. Jewell’s characters are flawed yet relatable, their struggles echoing universal fears and desires.
However, the novel isn’t without its minor flaws. At times, the pacing of Lily’s narrative felt slightly uneven compared to Alice’s, and some readers might find the resolution of certain mysteries predictable. But these are small quibbles in the grander scheme of a deeply engaging story.
For audiobook enthusiasts, the production quality is impeccable. The transitions between chapters are seamless, and Duff’s voice remains consistent, whether she’s portraying a weary mother or an anguished bride. If you’re someone who, like me, treasures the art of oral storytelling, you’ll appreciate how the narration enhances Jewell’s already compelling prose.
In comparison to similar works, *I Found You* stands out for its emotional depth and atmospheric setting. Fans of Paula Hawkins’ *The Girl on the Train* or Liane Moriarty’s *Big Little Lies* will find themselves drawn to Jewell’s intricate plotting and multilayered characters. Yet, Jewell’s voice is distinctly her own, blending suspense with a heartfelt exploration of human connections.
I would wholeheartedly recommend this audiobook to anyone who enjoys suspenseful dramas with a touch of humanity. It’s perfect for a long drive, a quiet evening at home, or even a walk along the beach—if you’re lucky enough to have one nearby. If you’re new to Jewell’s work, this is a wonderful introduction to her storytelling prowess.
As I listened to the final chapters, I couldn’t help but think back to the grandmother in Oaxaca. Her stories stayed with me because they felt personal, alive, and timeless. Lisa Jewell and Helen Duff achieve that same magic here. *I Found You* is more than a novel; it’s an experience—a reminder that sometimes, even strangers can lead us to discover hidden parts of ourselves.
Happy listening, and may the stories you find enrich your journey.
With warmth and wanderlust, Marcus Rivera
Marcus Rivera
