The House by the River

By: Lena Manta, Gail Holst-Warhaft - translator

Narrated by: Courtney Patterson

The first novel by acclaimed Greek writer Lena Manta to appear in English translation, The House by the River is an intimate, emotionally powerful saga following five young women as they realize that no matter the men they choose, the careers they pursue, or the children they raise, the only constant is home.

Theodora knows she can't keep her five beautiful daughters at home forever - they're too curious, too free spirited, too like their late father. And so, before each girl leaves the small house on the riverside at the foot of Mount Olympus, Theodora makes sure they know they are always welcome to return.

A devoted and resilient mother, Theodora has lived through World War II, through the Nazi occupation of Greece, and through her husband's death, and now she endures the twenty-year-long silence of her daughters' absence. Her children have their own lives - they've married, traveled the world, and courted romance, fame, and even tragedy. But as they become modern, independent women in pursuit of their dreams, Theodora knows they need her - and each other - more than ever. Have they grown so far apart that they've forgotten their childhood house in its tiny village, or will their broken hearts finally lead them home?

©2007 Lena Manta (P)2017 2017 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved. Translation © 2017 Gail Holst-Warhaft.

Brilliant

I loved every second spent listening to this amazing well written book so many lessons taught so many struggles overcome and at the end they found redeeming love forgiveness and a second chance at happiness..

Skillful, absorbing story!!!

I absolutely loved the way this book was written, and narrated. Each character was thoroughly described. The story was smoothly carried through to the end. I will never forget this book.

Beautiful

I really loved this book and enjoyed reading all of the daughters individual journeys. I would definitely recommend.

Great story

Very well written and very well performed. I would like to know what happens next in the life of these women.

Very lovely story

.. or should I say stories! The series of stories in this book are all heart-felt struggling tales. The personalities of each daughter is well woven into the challenges each faced and the loves and losses they endured. But with the wise kind words of their mother, they reunite as birds who have broken wings while mother welcomes each back to their nest.
Well narrated as well.

Delightful

This story has all the ratings of a great story. Family, change and reuniting. It was devoured by me and I loved every minute.

Easy listening, good story

I like to listen to books when I’m doing chores around the house & gardening. Kinda makes me feel like I’m sitting reading a book, which is what I’d rather be doing. :) This is a good story for that with several developed characters. Not the best but worth my time. The narrator is great. Many different voices & good inflections.

Good story

Great story, but way too long. Wonderful narration. Able to vision scenarios well. Heartwarming, bold.

Family Saga that made you feel.

I enjoyed listening to this story. It was easy to get caught up in the atmosphere and feel like you were there with the characters. Some of the characters were far from perfect but I don't feel that you need to love each one to appreciate an interesting story.

Awesome book!

Awesome book! A great storyline. It covered so many real issues that mothers go through. This book included romance a bit of humor thrown in mixed with sorrow. I couldn’t put the book down.