Audiobook Sample
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- Title: Obsession
- Author: Nora Roberts
- Narrator: Shannon McManus
- Length: 0.598611111
- Version: Abridged
- Release Date: 12-Apr
- Publisher: Brilliance Audio
- Genre: Romance, Mystery, Contemporary
- ISBN13: 9.78E+12
There’s something about the way the past lingers, like the landscape you see in the rearview mirror while driving through endless roads. Nora Roberts’ *Obsession*, narrated by Shannon McManus, is one of those rare audiobooks that transforms that lingering feeling into an evocative, edge-of-your-seat experience. Listening to it reminded me of a night I spent in the Scottish Highlands. The air was thick with mist, and the history of the place felt so present, so alive, that I could almost hear the whispers of past lives in every gust of wind. *Obsession* carries that same haunting resonance, weaving together love, trauma, and the search for a new beginning.
The story begins with a chilling discovery in the woods, as young Naomi Bowes uncovers the dark secrets of her father’s crimes. That moment—so vividly described—struck me like the time I first stood in the Atacama Desert, listening to *One Hundred Years of Solitude*. The narrator’s voice brought García Márquez’s magical realism to life then, and here, Shannon McManus does something equally remarkable. Her narration doesn’t just tell you Naomi’s story; it makes you feel it. It’s as if McManus is sitting beside you, with a campfire crackling in the background, her voice a mix of intimacy and urgency that pulls you into every scene.
Naomi, now living under the name Naomi Carson, is an accomplished photographer who escapes to Sunrise Cove, a small town filled with kind-hearted characters and a sprawling fixer-upper of a house she’s determined to make her own. Roberts’ descriptions of Naomi’s new home are lush and immersive, almost tactile. You can feel the chipped paint beneath your fingers and hear the creak of the old staircase. I couldn’t help but recall a time when I stayed at an ancient colonial home in Oaxaca, where every corner seemed to hold stories of its own. Roberts captures that same sense of place, of a house that’s more than just a structure—it’s a character, a confidant, and a sanctuary.
Thematically, *Obsession* is a masterclass in juxtaposition. On one hand, it explores the trauma of Naomi’s past and the scars it leaves behind. On the other, it’s a tender love story, as Naomi cautiously allows herself to connect with Xander Keaton, a mechanic with a heart of gold and a love for rock music. Roberts paints their relationship with such authenticity that it feels less like fiction and more like hearing about an old friend’s new romance. Their banter, their silences, their shared moments—all of it feels real and earned.
Shannon McManus elevates these themes with her performance. Her ability to shift between Naomi’s guarded vulnerability, Xander’s grounded warmth, and the eerie menace of Naomi’s past is nothing short of extraordinary. It reminded me of evenings spent with a storytelling grandmother in Oaxaca, whose voice could shift from laughter to solemnity in an instant, holding us spellbound. McManus captures that same magic here, making every character distinct and memorable.
The pacing of the audiobook is another strong point. Roberts balances moments of introspection with bursts of action, and McManus’ narration enhances this rhythm beautifully. Whether it’s a quiet scene of Naomi photographing the sunrise or a heart-pounding confrontation with the shadows of her past, the transitions feel seamless. The audio quality is crisp, with just the right level of ambiance to immerse you without overwhelming the narrative.
If there’s one limitation to mention, it’s that some secondary characters and subplots feel a bit underexplored. But honestly, in the grand tapestry of the story, these are minor quibbles. The core narrative is so compelling, and the audiobook experience so rich, that these slight gaps hardly detract from the whole.
For fans of contemporary romance and mystery, *Obsession* is a must-listen. Its blend of suspense, emotional depth, and heartfelt romance places it alongside some of Roberts’ best works. If you’ve enjoyed titles like *The Witness* or *Shelter in Place*, you’ll find similar themes here, but with a unique twist that keeps it fresh and engaging.
As I finished the audiobook, I found myself reflecting on the themes of redemption and the ways we carry our past into our present. It reminded me of the many journeys I’ve taken—both literal and metaphorical—and how the landscapes we traverse shape us, even as we try to leave them behind. *Obsession* isn’t just a story; it’s an experience, one that lingers long after the final chapter.
So, to my fellow lovers of stories, whether you’re driving through deserts, hiking through forests, or simply curling up at home, let *Obsession* accompany you. It’s a journey worth taking.
Until our next shared adventure in story and sound, Marcus Rivera
Marcus Rivera
