The Terrible Audiobook By Yrsa Daley-Ward cover art

The Terrible

A Storyteller's Memoir

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The Terrible

By: Yrsa Daley-Ward
Narrated by: Yrsa Daley-Ward, Howard Daley-Ward
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Winner of the PEN Ackerley Prize • Longlisted for the 2019 PEN Open Book Award

“Devastating and lyrical.” —The New York Times

“Suspenseful and affecting.” —The New Yorker

From the celebrated poet behind bone, a collection of poems that tells a story of coming-of-age, uncovering the cruelty and beauty of the world, going under, and finding redemption

Through her signature sharp, searing poems, this is the story of Yrsa Daley-Ward and all the things that happened. “Even the terrible things. And God, there were terrible things.” It’s about her childhood in the northwest of England with her beautiful, careworn mother Marcia; the man formerly known as Dad (half fun, half frightening); and her little brother Roo, who sees things written in the stars.

It’s also about the surreal magic of adolescence, about growing up and discovering the power and fear of sexuality, about pitch-gray days of pills and powder and connection. It’s about damage and pain, but also joy. With raw intensity and shocking honesty, The Terrible is a collection of poems that tells the story of what it means to lose yourself and find your voice.

“You may not run away from the thing that you are
because it comes and comes and comes as sure as you breathe.” Biographies & Memoirs Memoir Themes & Styles Poetry

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I've never enjoyed poetry - until now. I have never enjoyed an audible book as much as this one - and I've heard a few. Loved the author's accent and just the way she drew me into a subject in which I had no interest; but it didn't matter. Absolutely brilliant in every way.

Poetry

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I rarely write reviews, but this book deserves one. I am blown away by how talented this author is. I flew through the book in one day - couldn’t stop listening. Her narration was captivating and soulful and I don’t think anyone else could have done a better job. I loved the poetic cadence of her writing. There is so much that I admire here. Her beautiful writing, yes - everything about it, but also her resilience, her honesty, and the way that her words made me reflect on my own life. Just, wow. I loved it.

Phenomenal

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A beautiful yet tragic memoir. Open and raw and real. Thank you Yrsa for sharing.

Yrsa! My hero!

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This is an incredible unique special book. Having the authors voice read it is so powerful, lush and full of texture…I just have no words.

Cannot recommend this book enough.

Wow.

Beautiful magical journey

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This was superb. Lyrical. Bold. Beautiful! A joy! One I will not forget easily! Read it!

Amazing!

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