The Dig Audiobook By John Preston cover art

The Dig

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The Dig

By: John Preston
Narrated by: Simon Vance, Kate Reading, Fiona Hardingham, Derek Perkins
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About this listen

Reimagining the Sutton Hoo dig, the greatest Anglo-Saxon archaeological discovery on British soil, John Preston brilliantly dramatizes three months of intense activity on a small estate when locals fought outsiders, professionals thwarted amateurs, and love and rivalry flourished in equal measure.

In the long hot summer of 1939, Britain is preparing for war, but on a riverside farm in Suffolk there is excitement of another kind. Mrs. Pretty, a widowed farmer, has had her hunch proved correct that the strange mounds on her land hold buried treasure. As an archaeological dig proceeds against a background of mounting national anxiety, it becomes clear that this is no ordinary find, and the discovery leads to a host of jealousies and tensions.

Elegantly crafted with great tenderness and a poignant attention to detail, The Dig is more than a novel about archaeology. At its very core, this is a novel about the traces of life we all leave behind.

©2007 John Preston (P)2016 Blackstone Audio, Inc.
Action & Adventure Biographical Fiction Fiction Genre Fiction Literary Fiction Discovery
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Compelling Storyline • Intriguing Characters • Fascinating Historical Context • Lovely Imagery • Realistic Voices
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This was a nicely paced story with intriguing characters and plot. I enjoyed it very much and am hesitant to see the film because the images in my mind are so rich. I also loved the performances!

Beautiful story and imagery

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I read the book because I saw the movie. Fascinating subject because it’s true. Makes me want to see the artifacts after COVID.

Excellent sound recording

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Narration was great. One character was written sketchily. I had to speed her up. Nothing unpredictable written for her, but hope I was wrong. Something like skimming thru written paragraphs hoping for plot twist.

This book went very quick. wish it had been longer

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I enjoyed this story. found it very interesting. I understand there is also a movie though I have not seen it.

interesting

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What precisely is “a satisfying read”? To me, it needs to tell an interesting story, contain characters you like and dislike with varying intensity, and probably most importantly, be written with a linear pace, not necessarily agonizing over each detail one after the other, but manages to answer questions that arise in the readers head completely but in due course.
“The Dig” is just such a book.

Very Satisfying Read

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Loved it. Fascinating story, beautifully told. Narration good although I thought the actor who voiced Peggy leant to much into making her sound like a 12 year old. But the other 3 narrators were excellent.

Lovely, mournful book

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Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I found the language usage to be very effective, and reminiscent of Thomas Hardy.. A great cast of characters which were well developed, each with a different voice.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Dig?

When the first archeologist is replaced by a "big shot." That made me mad.

Have you listened to any of the narrators’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No I have not.

Unusual story bracketed by the WW I and WWII.

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I love Archeology and I loved this book. All of the subtle jealousy, backstabbing and greed that runs under the surface of a dig! I learned bunches about British Ancient History too! Great characters and great reading, she does realistic voices and all!

Great for Archeology Enthusiasts!

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I watched the movie prior to listening to the book, and as always I am so glad that I ended up listening to the story! Sutton Hoo has always fascinated me, so this was an interesting listen :) I also loved the voices, perfect for the characters!

Fantastic!

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I Very much enjoyed this production. Wonderful story and performance. Hope you will enjoy also.

Excellent

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