Past the Shallows cover art

Past the Shallows

 Preview

Try Premium Plus free
1 credit a month to buy any audiobook in our entire collection.
Access to thousands of additional audiobooks and Originals from the Plus Catalogue.
Member-only deals & discounts.
Auto-renews at $16.45/mo after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

Past the Shallows

By: Favel Parrett
Narrated by: David Wenham
Try Premium Plus free

$16.45 per month after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

Buy Now for $16.99

Buy Now for $16.99

Confirm Purchase
Pay using voucher balance (if applicable) then card ending in
Switch payment method
By confirming your purchase, you agree to Audible's Conditions Of Use and Privacy Notice and authorise Audible to charge your designated credit card or another available credit card on file.
Cancel

About this listen

Past the Shallows is the award-winning, best-selling debut novel from Favel Parrett about the bonds of brotherhood and the fragility of youth, narrated by David Wenham.

Everyone loves Harry. Everyone except his father.

Three brothers - Joe, Miles and Harry - are growing up on the remote south coast of Tasmania. The brothers' lives are shaped by their father's moods - like the ocean he fishes, he is wild and unpredictable. He is a bitter man warped by a devastating secret.

Miles tries his best to watch out for Harry, the youngest, but he can't be there all the time. Often alone, Harry finds joy in the small treasures he discovers in shark eggs and cuttlefish bones. In a kelpie pup, a big mug of Milo and a secret friendship with a mysterious neighbour. But sometimes small treasures, or a brother's love, are not enough.

Winner - The ABIA Award (Newcomer of the Year) 2012. Winner - The Dobbie Literary Award 2012. Shortlisted for The Miles Franklin Literary Award 2012. Shortlisted for The ABIA Award (Book of the Year) 2012. Shortlisted for The ABIA Award (Literary Book of the Year) 2012. Shortlisted for The ABA's Bookseller's Choice Award 2012. Shortlisted for The Indies Award (Debut Fiction) 2012.

©2011 Favel Parrett (P)2016 Hachette Australia Pty Ltd Family Life Fiction Heartfelt Tear-jerking

Critic Reviews

"Wintonesque." ( Herald Sun)
"That rare thing, a finely crafted literary novel that is genuinely moving and full of heart." ( The Age)
"An understated and beautifully penned story set on the Tasmanian coast, gives voice to two brothers as their lives are influenced by unpredictable forces.... Parrett's writing is exquisite in its simplicity and eloquence, and her narrative is heart-rending. This poignant story resonates." ( Kirkus Reviews, USA)
"Beautiful, stripped-back prose...there is magic here. Like Cormac McCarthy, Parrett packs a huge emotional punch thanks to the elegant brevity of her style. Stark, but unforgettable...." ( Marie Claire, UK)
"If you read only one book this year make sure it's this." ( The Sunday Times, Tasmania)
"I loved Past the Shallows." (Kevin Powers, author of The Yellow Birds)

What listeners say about Past the Shallows

Average Customer Ratings
Overall
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    193
  • 4 Stars
    83
  • 3 Stars
    32
  • 2 Stars
    8
  • 1 Stars
    7
Performance
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    220
  • 4 Stars
    52
  • 3 Stars
    14
  • 2 Stars
    3
  • 1 Stars
    2
Story
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    159
  • 4 Stars
    86
  • 3 Stars
    30
  • 2 Stars
    5
  • 1 Stars
    11

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.

Audible.com.au reviews

Amazon Reviews
Sort by:
Filter by:
  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Stargirl456

Loved the story , touching narration by David Wenham

A strong story line, read with such understated passion. I will love listening to this book again

Report this

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Anonymous User

1st time listener. great story

good story. told well . 1st ever audio book I've listened too and enjoyed it. 😊

Report this

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Clare

Step inside the characters world.

What did you like most about Past the Shallows?

Engaging.Believable and likeable characters.The story flows well and there is a lot of dramatic tension.

Report this

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Bryan M. Stokes

As good as Winton

Very well written and superbly narrated - tragic tale which is sadly too close to reality.

Report this

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Anonymous User

The Story Was Brilliant 👏

It was a brilliant story filled with addiction, grief, hope, strength and the power behind a strong and loving connection.

Report this

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Cheeseburger

Beautiful imagery

Beautiful story, depth of character and imagery. David Wenham’s narration was perfect. I have finished and now restarted it and enjoying connecting the dots with random things that initially passed me by.

Report this

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Renéessance

wow!

I hesitated downloading this one, and I have to say I am glad that I decided to get it as I loved it. it is beautifully written and utterly tragic. I will listen to it again

Report this

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Mari

Stunning

A heartbreaking book so evocative, brutal and redemptive. Narration, by David Wenham, was perfect. The characters of Miles and Harry will remain with me a long time.

Report this

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Anonymous User

Heart is aching - beautifully written

A wonderful story and David Wenham was the exact right person to read this. Tragic and hopeful all in one. Highly recommend.

Report this

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    1 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Elizabeth

ghastly narration

Great writing but David Wenham sounds like he's teaching elocution or something. Lots of self conscious over emphasis .

Report this

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.