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Beside a Burning Sea Audiobook
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(3.01) - 1,075 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
Best-selling author John Shors is a master storyteller. A novel of mercy, love, and renewal in a time of war, Beside a Burning Sea is hailed as "a magical read" (Publishers Weekly). During World War II, the hospital ship Benevolence is providing relief to victims in the South Pacific when she is torpedoed and sunk. Among the survivors are a troubled nurse named Annie and the wounded Japanese soldier named Akira who saves her life.
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"I really loved this book, this author is amazing. The story was interesting, some survivors of a ship wreak on a desert island during world war II and an unlikely romance between an American Nurse and a Janpanese officer. It's not really a romance ( I dislike most romance books), it is a story of acceptance and bravery and love. It really made me think and I loved the author little haikus in every chapter"
— Linda (5 out of 5 stars)
Quotes
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“From page one of Beside a Burning Sea, you know you are in the hands of a master storyteller. This novel has the aura of the mythic, the magical, and that which is grounded in history. Shors weaves psychological intrigue by looking at his characters’ competing desires: love, revenge, and meaning. Both lyrical and deeply imaginative, Beside a Burning Sea confirms again that Shors is an immense talent.”
— Amy Tan, author of The Joy Luck Club -
“Features achingly lyrical prose, even in depicting the horrors of war…Shors pays satisfying attention to class and race dynamics, as well as the tension between wartime enemies. The survivors’ dignity, quiet strength and fellowship make this a magical read.”
— Publishers Weekly -
“An astounding work. Poetic and cinematic as it illuminates the dark corners of human behavior, it is destined to be this decade’s The English Patient.”
— Booklist -
“Fast-paced and earnest.”
— Kirkus Reviews
Beside a Burning Sea Listener Reviews
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" I loved it---Now looking for his first book. Powerful story with great character development "
— Carolyn, 2/19/2014 -
" I love this time period. World War II was a fascinating time. I think I feel so connected because my grandfather was from that time. I feel like I am getting a glimpse of his life. He is one of my heroes. This is a love story that will have you hoping for a happy ending! The characters were beautifully written and the villan... well, lets just say that he's as bad as they come! "
— Amie, 2/16/2014 -
" started out good but so slow and too many descriptions of thoughts instead of a story "
— Lori, 2/4/2014 -
" This book struck me as the type of old Grade B movied you might see on TV Saturday afternoons: lots of adventure, the hero, the villain - and, of course, forbidden love. Entertaining and easy to read, but not very imaginative . . . . "
— Kim, 1/28/2014 -
" Another good book by John Shors. Different twist on the World War II. Entertaining and a good escape from the real world. "
— Cathy, 1/22/2014 -
" I guess my anticipations were high for this book. I found it to be a book about nothing. I couldn't relate to the characters, who seemed under-developed and shallow given the story-line. Sorry, but this book was one I just quit reading half way through. I just hate that! "
— Linda, 1/11/2014 -
" A very good read! Well worth it! "
— Ken, 1/6/2014 -
" Really a 3.5. I loved that this story was set in the Pacific during WWII. "
— Gina, 11/7/2013 -
" What a major let down after his first book. Very predictable and completely boring. "
— Megan, 10/26/2013 -
" took a while but i just love the way jone writes but it was no comparison to his others "
— Colleen, 10/7/2013 -
" Fascinating view of survivors from a WWII hospital ship. Comes off as anti-war "
— Lonni, 10/7/2013 -
" Very well written with meaningful characters and a story about love, revenge and life. "
— Terri, 7/23/2013 -
" Loved it. Sometimes, we have to believe that characters are in love because the author tells us so. In great books, we know it is so because the writing is just that good! Such is the case with this book. Great characters, good plot twists. "
— Betsy, 7/17/2013 -
" I found this book hard to put down from start to finish. The characters were compelling, the storyline was fascinating. I can't wait to read Beneath a Marble Sky, wish has been on my wish list forever. "
— Soni, 5/5/2013 -
" Story was okay; writing was elementary. A better writer could have done much better with the story. "
— Janet, 3/21/2013 -
" This was a good story,,just kinda slow for me.. "
— Devon, 2/15/2013 -
" wasn't my cup of tea - too predictable "
— Lisa, 2/12/2013 -
" Another good one from John "
— Christine, 10/8/2012 -
" It was like a parade of American stereotypes. Might appeal to those who really dig the whole Lost, Survivor, stranded on tropical island thing. But for those who favor more realistic historical fiction, stay far away from the burning sea..... "
— Julianne, 7/19/2012 -
" This book is all about the different types of relationships we can have and how we tend to take them for granted until we really need them. "
— Lili, 5/15/2012 -
" This was a good book, quite descriptive but a little unbelievable at times. "
— Lara, 10/4/2011 -
" Great story, moves quickly! "
— Joanne, 9/10/2011 -
" So far a wonderful book. I can't put it down. "
— Sue, 6/10/2011 -
" I could not put this one down! LOVED IT! so amazing! He is such a gifted writer. "
— Tara, 5/6/2011 -
" This was a good book...not as well written as Beneath a Marble Sky with too much fluffy romance. "
— Sally, 5/4/2011 -
" This was a good story,,just kinda slow for me.. "
— Devon, 3/24/2011 -
" It was an interesting read, but somewhat unrealistic in many ways. Entertaining. "
— Elise, 3/20/2011 -
" Part historical fiction part love story that is set during WWII. Each chapter begins with a beautiful haiku. "
— Nancy, 1/20/2011 -
" This was really good. Probably more like 4.5 stars. "
— Lisa, 1/14/2011 -
" I enjoyed this enough that I might read more from him. "
— Mary, 1/11/2011
About John Shors
John Shors is an international bestselling author whose work has won numerous
awards and been translated into twenty-six languages. He traveled extensively
throughout Asia after graduating from Colorado College in 1991, living for
several years in Japan, where he taught English, and then trekking across the
continent, visiting ten countries and climbing the Himalayas. More recently he
worked as a newspaper reporter in his hometown, Des Moines, Iowa, before
entering public relations and moving to Boulder, Colorado. John encourages
reader feedback and can be easily reached via his website at johnshors.com.
About Richard Poe
Richard Poe, a professional actor for more than thirty years, has appeared in numerous Broadway shows, including 1776 and M. Butterfly. On television he has had recurring roles on Star Trek and Frasier. His films include Born on the Fourth of July and Presumed Innocent. Poe is a well-known and prolific audiobook performer and the winner of numerous AudioFile Earphones Awards.