List $29.99

Written by Alice Sebold - Audio book performed by Alyssa Bresnahan - Unabridged Fiction - 7 CASSETTES - 12 hours

Publisher, Recorded Books (July 2002)

A Publisher's Weekly Audio Bestseller

It may be difficult to imagine a life-affirming book which begins with the main character, a 14-year old girl, recounting her rape and murder, but Alice Sebold’s debut novel is just such a book. Having received advance critical acclaim that before now was reserved only for literary giants, this book will no doubt invite comparisons to works such as Tracy Chevalier’s The Girl With The Pearl Earring and Toni Morison’s Beloved.

When we first meet 14-year old Susie Salmon, she is already in heaven. In the first chapter she recounts her brutal rape and murder at the hands of a neighbor. The rest of the novel, spanning nearly 20 years, is narrated by Susie from heaven. Susie describes heaven for us as she watches her family struggle to come to grips with her death. She keeps a watchful eye on her younger brother and sister, her friends, and even her murderer and his fate.

Amazingly, The Lovely Bones is not a depressing novel. And, despite the magical elements, Sebold’s style can only be described as ultimately believable. Far from being sentimental, Susie’s story is crisp, clean and full of hope.

The Lovely Bones will take you on a journey you’ve never been on before. It will leave you transformed and filled with a deeper love of both life and family. The entire editorial staff at Recorded Books Direct wholeheartedly chooses this title as the best "listen of the summer. Alyssa Bresnahan’s powerful narration sets the perfect tone for this breathtaking story that will keep you spellbound until the very last word and even thereafter.