Audiobook Sample
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- Title: Throwaway Children
- Author: Diney Costeloe
- Narrator: Anne Dover
- Length: 0.747916667
- Version: Abridged
- Release Date: 20-Dec
- Publisher: Dreamscape Media, LLC
- Genre: Fiction & Literature, Historical Fiction, Family Life, Sagas
- ISBN13: 9.78E+12
Listening to Diney Costeloe’s *Throwaway Children* audiobook, narrated by Anne Dover, felt like stepping into a carefully crafted world where innocence and resilience collide with the harsh realities of life. As a travel writer, I often encounter narratives that explore humanity’s ability to endure and adapt, but this audiobook was something else entirely—it was a journey of the soul.
The story centers on Rita and Rosie Stevens, two young sisters thrust into a cruel world when their widowed mother marries the violent Jimmy Randall. Their tragic fate of being abandoned at an orphanage and eventually sent to Australia as part of a consignment of orphans is deeply moving and, at times, devastating. Costeloe’s narrative unfolds with the precision of a historian and the empathy of a poet. It reminds me of a time when I visited a remote village in Peru where the stories of displaced families were etched not just in words but in the very fabric of their homes—wooden planks and broken windows speaking volumes of resilience amidst adversity.
Anne Dover’s narration deserves its own spotlight. Her voice carries the weight of the story with an intimacy that reminded me of evenings spent in Oaxaca, listening to a grandmother weave tales that felt both personal and universal. Dover’s pacing is deliberate, her tone empathetic, and her ability to distinguish characters through subtle vocal shifts is nothing short of masterful. You can almost hear the rustle of the orphanage’s cold sheets and the distant hum of a ship carrying Rita and Rosie to an unfamiliar land. Listening to this audiobook felt like sitting by a fire, the flames flickering as a trusted storyteller reveals a tale you will never forget.
Thematically, *Throwaway Children* delves into issues of abandonment, resilience, and the enduring bond between siblings. Costeloe doesn’t shy away from the darker aspects of human nature, but she also offers glimpses of hope and kindness where you least expect them. The story unfolds like a tapestry, each thread revealing a facet of humanity’s complexities. It brought back memories of driving through the Atacama Desert in Chile, listening to *One Hundred Years of Solitude*. The surreal beauty of García Márquez’s magical realism mirrored the stark yet profound imagery of Costeloe’s historical fiction.
One strength of the audiobook lies in its ability to evoke a visceral response. As much as I admired Costeloe’s storytelling and Dover’s narration, there were moments when the unrelenting cruelty depicted felt overwhelming. While necessary for authenticity, some listeners might find the emotional weight difficult to bear. However, this only underscores the power of the narrative—it doesn’t let you escape its truths.
In comparing *Throwaway Children* to other works in the genre, I couldn’t help but think of Lisa Wingate’s *Before We Were Strangers*. Both novels explore the heartbreaking realities of displaced children, but Costeloe’s focus on historical accuracy and the transcontinental journey of Rita and Rosie offers a unique lens that sets it apart.
If you are drawn to stories that explore resilience in the face of adversity, this audiobook is for you. It’s a reminder of how far familial bonds can stretch and of the scars history leaves on the innocent. Costeloe’s prose paired with Dover’s narration creates an immersive experience that will linger long after the final chapter.
On a personal note, this audiobook brought me back to my own childhood memories of hearing stories about migration and displacement, of family members separated by borders but united by love. It’s a testament to the power of storytelling to bridge gaps between time and place, reminding us of our shared humanity.
So, grab your headphones, settle into a quiet space, and let *Throwaway Children* take you on a journey. You’ll find yourself transported—not just across continents, but into the hearts and minds of characters who will stay with you long after the story ends.
With heartfelt appreciation for the power of storytelling, Marcus Rivera
Marcus Rivera
