A Short Walk Through a Wide World

A Novel

By: Douglas Westerbeke

Narrated by: Saskia Maarleveld

“Imagine The Life of Pi, The Alchemist, and The Midnight Library rolled into one fantastical fable.” —The New York Times Book Review * “An epic adventure…rich with all the possibilities the world can hold.” —People

NATIONAL BESTSELLER • A dazzlingly epic debut that charts the incredible, adventurous life of one woman as she journeys the globe trying to outrun a mysterious curse that will destroy her if she stops moving.

Paris, 1885: Aubry Tourvel, a spoiled and stubborn nine-year-old girl, comes across a wooden puzzle ball on her walk home from school. She tosses it over the fence, only to find it in her backpack that evening. Days later, at the family dinner table, she starts to bleed to death.

When medical treatment only makes her worse, she flees to the outskirts of the city, where she realizes that it is this very act of movement that keeps her alive. So begins her lifelong journey on the run from her condition, which won’t allow her to stay anywhere for longer than a few days—nor return to a place where she’s already been.

From the scorched dunes of the Calanshio Sand Sea to the snow-packed peaks of the Himalayas; from a bottomless well in a Parisian courtyard, to the shelves of an infinite underground library, we follow Aubry as she learns what it takes to survive and ultimately, to truly live. But the longer Aubry wanders and the more desperate she is to share her life with others, the clearer it becomes that the world she travels through may not be quite the same as everyone else’s...

Fiercely independent and hopeful, yet full of longing, Aubry Tourvel is an unforgettable character fighting her way through a world of wonders to find a place she can call home. A spellbinding and inspiring story about discovering meaning in a life that seems otherwise impossible, A Short Walk Through a Wide World reminds us that it’s not the destination, but rather the journey—no matter how long it lasts—that makes us who we are.

Critic reviews

"Maarleveld's voice achieves a kind of ethereal quality that fits this story of the compelling characters Aubrey encounters along her journey. Her performance casts a spell."

Great narration but weird storyline

I couldn’t wait for this book to be over. None of it ever came together for me and I was disappointed.

Jaw Dropping First Book

Wow! If this is where Douglas Westerbeke begins, I want to be along for the ride. I cannot stop thinking about this book. I am amazed by the concept and awed by the execution. How did Mr. Westerbeke do it? Where did this idea emanate from? How did he nurture it to its conclusion? I am excited by all of the questions reading this has generated. Kudo's to the author. I am anxious to read more from him.

I listened to the audiobook and have nothing but admiration for Saskia Maarleveld. I don't know it it was my imagination but did her accent alter ever so slightly with each new place Aubry found herself? It was an amazing performance.

A feel good story.

whether you want to cry, laugh, or relax this book is for you. Aubrey is tasked with seeing the world. She didn't choose to leave home at 9 and never return, but she must. She can never go back to somewhere she has been before. How long can you travel the world and never return to a place you have been.
I loved this story so much. It made me think about what I would do in this situation, and imagine what is in the world that only one or two people have seen. I will recommend this book to everyone.

A wonder!

So intriguing and beautiful. Kept me wanting more. So many beautiful twists and turns. Highly recommend

The Jungle

I wish the last few chapters were their own book…I would have LOVED that book!