The Whalebone Theatre Audiobook By Joanna Quinn cover art

The Whalebone Theatre

A Novel

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The Whalebone Theatre

By: Joanna Quinn
Narrated by: Olivia Vinall
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NEW YORK TIMES BEST SELLER • A TODAY SHOW #ReadWithJenna BOOK CLUB PICK • A transporting, irresistible debut novel that takes its heroine, Cristabel Seagrave, from a theatre made of whalebones to covert operations during World War II—a story of love, family, bravery, lost innocence, and self-transformation.

“Absolute aces...Quinn’s imagination and adventuresome spirit are a pleasure to behold.” —The New York Times

“Utterly heartbreaking and joyous.” —Jo Baker, author of Longbourn

One blustery night in 1928, a whale washes up on the shores of the English Channel. By law, it belongs to the King, but twelve-year-old orphan Cristabel Seagrave has other plans. She and the rest of the household—her sister, Flossie; her brother, Digby, long-awaited heir to Chilcombe manor; Maudie Kitcat, kitchen maid; Taras, visiting artist—build a theatre from the beast’s skeletal rib cage. Within the Whalebone Theatre, Cristabel can escape her feckless stepparents and brisk governesses, and her imagination comes to life.

As Cristabel grows into a headstrong young woman, World War II rears its head. She and Digby become British secret agents on separate missions in Nazi-occupied France—a more dangerous kind of playacting, it turns out, and one that threatens to tear the family apart.©2022 Joanna Quinn (P)2022 Random House Audio 20th Century Family Life Fiction Genre Fiction Historical Fiction Literary Fiction Heartfelt Theater

Critic reviews

A Best Book of the Year: New York Times Notable, Washington Post, Sydney Morning Herald, Vox, Book Riot, Geek Girl Authority • A Best Gift Book: Seattle Times, Broadway Direct • A TODAY SHOW #ReadWithJenna BOOK CLUB PICK, in collaboration with the Queen Consort Camilla’s Royal Reading Room

“What’s remarkable, especially for a first novel, is Quinn’s deft way of depicting this lost world—whether a subsiding seaside aristocracy or a training school for British agents or a Parisian theater in wartime . . . Her vision is so fine and fully realized that it’s hard to imagine her doing anything else—and hard to have to wait to see what that might be.”—Washington Post

“An immersive, capacious delight . . . The pages fly by . . . The Whalebone Theatre is a supremely accomplished feat of storytelling. . . Quinn excels with the nuts and bolts of her craft—characterization, pace, plotting, and well-calibrated humor and suspense—and brilliantly depicts the rugged beauty of her county ‘on the crumbling bottom edge of England.'”—Minneapolis Star Tribune
Beautiful Writing • Compelling Characters • Rich Historical Setting • Imaginative Storytelling • Emotional Depth
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This was an interesting read for a first time author. I loved the characters and was sad when the last chapter ended. And although I could feel what was about to happen to Digby in Paris, I wanted to run away from that event. The narrator was outstanding. I could have listened to her for another hour.

Very original

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I really enjoyed this novel . The characters are well developed and I feel like I really got to know them . Time we’ll spent !

Great story

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Good story, wonderful writing, very good performance. I recommend this book to any historical fiction lover!

Wonderful Writing

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I purchased it based on reviews and description. Although it seemed to drag on at times. The narrator was good.

Not my normal

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From the carefree imaginings of children to the horrors of WWII—bravo Joanna Quinn and the reader, Olivia Vinall.

I lived with these characters

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This is one of the best books I have Lis, I thoroughly enjoyed the story the characters were well-developed and then ration was amazing. I cannot recommend this book enough

Excellent story amazing narration

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A brilliant first novel. A magical portrayal of a family of unique and powerful love.

Extraordinary story telling…

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This book is wonderful and beautifully written. In fact I enjoyed it so much I’m having a hard time diving into another book. The story speaks for many lives and is laid out so you feel as though you’re right there with every character.

The narration was excellent as well. I give it all two thumbs up! And can’t wait for the next novel!

Gorgeous Novel

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Beautifully written and expertly voiced. I will miss these characters and all of their interwoven stories.

The perfect book

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I have not sobbed for characters or so eagerly listened to a novel like this in many years. This is an amazing book, and tribute to the literary greats. It’s historical fiction set in early 20th century UK — centered around one girl. What an amazingly talented writer — I’m in awe!!!

Epic tale

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