Story

The story was so delightful. I loved it and will be looking into other books by this author

Narrator

I think narration by an author can be good or bad. It's their book so they have the passion behind it but they are also not a professional narrator.

I didn't enjoy the narration of this book. On, normal speed it came across as a slow university lecture rather than someone reading about this enchanting story. I had to put it on 1.5 but then the sound effects were ruined and that's what makes this audiobook.

5 stars for story and 3 stars for narration

The wood at midwinter is a Christmas story born out of Susanna Clarke's beautiful and twisted brain. In the audiobook musical production, the narrative is much enhanced by the background noises and the author's powerful reading. There is a theme of bridging the gap between humans and animals and such a person should be a saint.

More than the story, I loved the afterword where Susanna Clarke talked about how Piranesi was unconsciously influenced heavily by some book she was reading. How her other book seemed to be influenced by the songs she was listening at the time and hence this could be an influence too.

I did not expect it to be such a short read, but it's Ms.Clarke!

I requested a reviewer copy of the audiobook for this from NetGalley - I hadn’t realised that the book itself is illustrated which I imagine adds a lot of the story. The accompanying music is pleasant and listening I thought this is like a radio 4 production (and have now realised it was). The story is a beautiful rumination on nature and spirituality. But I’m not sure it needed its own book. It would fit nicely in a collection. Susanna Clark is a gorgeous writer so I’d read that collection.

This is a really sweet story - my only criticism Is I wanted to it be longer and I wanted to know more.
I liked how magical and special it felt and I liked the authors note at the end, with real life explanations.
I listened to the audiobook version of this story and the narrator was perfect.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is narrated by the author Susanna Clarke, she has a clear voice and easy to follow.
This is short story set in winter, the background noises complete the story really well, with the sound of horse on cart when moving, birds chirping in the background. It certainly adds to the story and the listening experience. The background noise doesn't distract at all and compliments the story well.

3.5 ⭐️ it's worth checking out the physical book as there is beautiful illustrations in the book. This is one I would recommend to read and listen as I think it would make it a bit more magical.

I love everything by Susanna Clarke. This one is perfect for the winter season and the Christmas holidays specifically. The story while short is lush with beatiful writing and such vivid descriptions that you feel like you can touch the snow.
I am sad I missed the pictures but loved the audiobook narrated by the author herself. Super curious what she comes out with next!

An exquisite short story that is, as you’d expect from this author, beautifully written. I know I’ll be heading back to it every winter when I’m wrapped up with a blanket in front of the fire. The perfect seasonal gift too.
My thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley. This review was written voluntarily and is entirely my own unbiased opinion.

The design of both the physical book and the audiobook really make this story special. A lovely whimsical audio reading to accompany this tale. I loved the sound design and the pacing was perfect. I will be relistening this winter!

4.5/5

I enjoyed this dreamy, magical short story read by the author herself, but I think I enjoyed the discussion with the author even more. Its great to get a bit of insight into a writer's thought process and inspiration and this certainly delivers.

Perfect for fans of Clarke's stories.

A beautiful and wintery short story, narrated by the author herself.
I loved the addition of the music to support the story.
It is beautifully written, but I am not sure what to make of it and if I fully understood.

Nice christmasses short story. The narration was enchanting and really good. This was just an half an hour recording so very quick and easy. Generally I enjoyed it

Beautiful. I am just the biggest fan of Clarke's writing and have been waaaaaiting for something new since Piranesi. I will forgive her for it only being a short story because it was so beautiful and mystical. A simple story, a wonderful message, a lingering feeling of magic.

This audiobook is read by the author, which I find really cool, especially if you like a nice British accent.
This a very atmospheric short novel, including some sound effects like wind and birds.
There are talking animals, a talking forest... and I think that's all you need to know since the book is so short.
If you liked Piranesi try it, it gives the same kind of "not sure where this i going but I'm in for the ride" feeling.

*Thanks to NetGalley and Bloomsbury UK Audio for access to the audiobook against an honest review.*

This was one of my last reds last year, perfect to catch up to the reading challenge. The story is short, well-written and published with gorgeous illustrations, making this an enjoyable read.

The plot of The Wood at Midwinter is rather odd. It’s an original and beautiful story, but I didn’t expect it to develop the way it did. Still, I enjoyed the writing. Also, I listened to the audiobook, and I highly recommend it, as the author narrates it and some atmospheric music is added.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bloomsbury UK Audio for the ARC

A short and magical novella from a brilliant writer. Atmospheric and wonderous, The Wood at Midwinter packs a puck within the short pages

This 20-minute short wintery fairytale was very atmospheric with the background sound effects almost like a radio play, and perfectly read by Susanna Clarke herself.

There are clear parallels with other fairy tales, but I'll be honest I didn't really get it. In the afterword Clarke explains part of her inspiration is the way some people can experience the world differently and will never be fully understood by others. I fear I am one of those others. I also suspect more fun for those who read Jonathan Strange, as it's set in the same fantasy world.

I received a copy of this from Netgalley, but I also have purchased my copy of this book.

I'll admit to being slightly biased; Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrel is my favourite book and I was excited to return to the world, no matter how briefly.

A beautiful little Christmas short story about a girl who speaks to animals and nature. There is a touch of magic in this book that makes you want more.

The audiobook is also well-produced, with fitting sound effects.

Engaging short story read by the author. Could have been longer or been turned into a full-length book but delightful none-the-less

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

‘A church is a sort of wood. A wood is a sort of church. They’re the same thing really.’ Nineteen-year-old Merowdis Scott is an unusual girl. She can talk to animals and trees – and she is only ever happy when she is walking in the woods. One snowy afternoon, out with her dogs and Apple the pig, Merowdis encounters a blackbird and a fox. As darkness falls, a strange figure enters in their midst – and the path of her life is changed forever.

I did not expect this short story to be this short! This was more of a picture book length than a novella, with an audiobook of 33 minutes only.

Whimsical and atmospheric, this story depicted Christmas vibe perfectly. Full of symbolisms with the talking animals and the snow (which Susanna herself explained in her Afterword), it drew parallels with the Christmas story of Mary and Jesus (or was it just my interpretation?).

While missing out on the beautiful illustrations, I gained an experience by listening to the fully produced audiobook, complete with sound effects, beautiful music, and narrated by Susanna herself.

I’d highly recommend listening to this if you’re in the mood for something gentle to quieten your busy mind.

A delightful short story written and read by Clarke. Her words bring to mind such a vivid imagery. I recommend listening to this story. As an added bonus the author gives a little more context to her story and her other works.