Aubrey and Patrick’s story is so wonderful!
I loved it even more the second time around, thanks to the brilliant narration by Joel Leslie. He brings so much feeling and heart to his performances, it’s tempting to start the audiobook all over again, even though I’ve just finished.
I love picking up things I might have missed on my first read, or just things that might not have resonated with me as much the first time. One particular scene that really got to me while listening was with Aubrey and Patrick, when Aubrey realized the coincidence with the Southern Cross and was explaining how it led him there, it just brought me to tears.
In my review of the book I mentioned I loved how considerate both Patrick and Aubrey were, how neither pushed the other for more than they were willing or able to give, and that still stands true. I appreciated how Patrick let Aubrey share what he could, that he wasn’t demanding to know more of Aubrey’s history than he was comfortable sharing. I really did adore them both so much.
Joel is truly amazing. He definitely gives his all when it comes to his narration- he doesn’t just read the words on the page, he brings them to life. Aubrey and Patrick are both really vulnerable characters and Joel was able to show that in ways that were distinct to each character. I’ve loved his narration in every book I’ve listened to, but there was just that something extra he seemed to bring with this book.