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The Burning

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The Burning

By: Laura Bates
Narrated by: Heather Long, Susie Riddell
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About this listen

Fire is like a rumour. You might think you’ve extinguished it, but one creeping, red tendril, one single wisp of smoke is enough to let it leap back into life again. Especially if someone is watching, waiting to fan the flames....

New school. Tick.

New town. Tick.

New surname. Tick.

Social media profiles? Erased.

There’s nothing to trace Anna back to her old life. Nothing to link her to the ‘incident’.

At least that’s what she thinks...until the whispers start up again. As time begins to run out on her secrets, Anna finds herself irresistibly drawn to the tale of Maggie, a local girl accused of witchcraft centuries earlier. A girl whose story has terrifying parallels to Anna’s own....

The compelling YA debut from Laura Bates, founder of the Everyday Sexism Project and best-selling author of Girl Up.

©2019 Laura Bates (P)2019 Simon & Schuster UK Action & Adventure Young Adult Fiction

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Critic reviews

Praise for Laura Bates: "One of the first women to harness the power of social media to fight sexism and misogyny and give millions of young women a voice." (Grazia)

"Mature, eloquent and passionate, Bates is in many ways the voice of her generation." (Huffington Post)
Most relevant
Brilliantly written and narrated. Completely compelling, I couldn't stop myself from listening. Past and present social issues collide.

Refreshingly brilliant

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This is such a clever book. It's an incredible work of fiction that has so many lessons within it. A scary, real world female scenario and how women have been made to be the victim for men's actions, even as simple as "asking for it". What a brilliant way to get this subject out there. Definitely worth the time to listen/read.

Wow

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While the parallels between witch hunting and modern day body shaming were interesting the parts read by the second narrator were rather underwhelming. The main issue is the unrealistic behaviour of characters which is required for the story to progress leading to the self righteous ending that could have been taken out of an American movie.

Unrealistic

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So apposite, very pertinent and real :…
Loved the historical references all very appropriate.
Overall men/boys need to be held to account.

Topical tale

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Brought to life the powerful similarities between passed treatment of women and current slut shaming. A 1st person account of the effects of bullying

A must for any in high school or who ever attended high school

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Whilst this is primarily aimed at YA audiences, as mother it gave me an insight into navigating the world of today. The internet was in its infancy when I was at school. This broaches difficult issues in a warm and sensitive way. Well done!!!

A book for all young women AND men

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Absolutely beautiful story, about love and loss, friendship, and navigating the world as a young woman. A book I didn't know I needed to read. I cannot recommend this book enough. Thank you 🙏

Utterly beautiful

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I was a bit dubious about listening to a book about people in school as that's long behind me, I wasn't sure if I would relate to the characters. However, this story resonated with me so much as someone who grew up as a girl, amazing listen <3

fantastic

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