The Unseen

The Barroy Trilogy, Book 1

By: Roy Jacobsen, Don Shaw - translator, Don Bartlett - translator

Narrated by: John Skelley

Born on the Norwegian island that bears her name, Ingrid Barrøy’s world is circumscribed by storm-scoured rocks and the moods of the sea by which her family lives and dies. But her father dreams of building a quay that will end their isolation, and her mother longs for the island of her youth, and the country faces its own sea change: the advent of a modern world, and all its unpredictability and violence.

Brilliantly translated into English by Don Bartlett and Don Shaw, The Unseen is the first book in the Ingrid Barrøy Trilogy and a profoundly moving exploration of family, resilience, and fate.

©2016 Don Bartlett and Don Shaw (P)2021 Recorded Books

Inspiration

Well written story of how a multi generational family works together and learns from each other how to make a life on a formidable island off of Norway. The strength of the characters was inspiring. Excellent story. The narrator and the translation were outstanding.

Transporting!

I loved this story so much. I do hope that audio versions are produced (in English) for the next two books in the Barrøy Trilogy, If you have any interest at all in Norwegian rural life before, during, and after WWII, you should find these stories riveting!

Slow and steady as seasonal and lifetime changes

I am of Norwegian heritage and have visited relatives throughout the country. Although there are Norwegian values and traits such as stoicism, heartiness, and perseverance, I wonder if this same story couldn't be familiar to anyone of any culture.
Island life, familial ties, the embrace of yet the resistance to modernity.
The author did a successful job of illustrating how much change can be subtle, almost imperceptible.

Experience life on a small Norwegian Island

Beautiful story of a fishing family who are the only inhabitants on a small island at the start of the 20th century. The author draws you into this family’s life as they face challenges, joys, personal turmoil and new innovations with the people in their small community. Beautifully written with insight and historical accuracy.

Loved it

Good story. Interesting characters and vivid descriptions. Excellent narration. Love learning about different cultures and times. Highly recommend