SPARE

by J.M. Carr

Narrated by: Frankie Porter

Production by: The Cindy Press

Terrifyingly Thought Provoking!

Dawn is a sweet darling little girl with what appears to be a very short-term memory and guardians that are borderline abusive. Mrs. Goring, a neighbor, does her best to help Dawn but disappears mysteriously. Her search for Mrs. Goring, forces Dawn to learn what being a “spare” is all about. Life is about to become very complicated and dangerous for Dawn and her new friends.

The author, J.M. Carr builds a detailed and intense world in which children can be made and purchased as spares. Skillfully, Carr lulls the listener into assuming the story is about one thing but then does a twist and one discovers there is so much more to this story. Each essential character is slowly and deliberately developed. This is a story that will haunt the listener. The plot was smooth and the twists were well executed.

The narrator, Frankie Porter gives a solid performance relaying the emotions including the level of terror and determination Dawn experiences. His performance moves the story and keeps the pace established by the author.

While this story draws in the listener with the emotions experienced by the young girl and the mystery, the ideology behind a “spare” is something that will continue to pop up in your mind – good or bad, ethical, or unethical, as well as highlighting the fear that some parents experience and others pray against. This is a good listen.

There were no issues with the quality or production of this audiobook, it was clear and well produced.

Disclaimer: This Audiobook was provided free of charge by the author, narrator, and/or publisher in exchange for a non-bias, honest review.