The White Hare, Jane Johnson
The White Hare, Jane Johnson
List: $22.95 | Sale: $16.07
Club: $11.47

The White Hare

Author: Jane Johnson

Narrator: Danielle Cohen

Unabridged: 12 hr 32 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 10/04/2022


Synopsis

A spellbinding novel about mothers and daughters finding a new home for themselves, the secrets they try to bury, and the local legends that may change their lives.In the far west of Cornwall lies the White Valley, which cuts deeply through bluebell woods down to the sea at White Cove. The valley has a long and bloody history, laced with folklore, and in it sits a house above the beach that has lain neglected since the war. It comes with a reputation and a strange atmosphere, which is why mother and daughter Magdalena and Mila manage to acquire it so cheaply in the fateful summer of 1954.Magda has grand plans to restore the house to its former glory as a venue for glittering parties, where the rich and celebrated gathered for cocktails and for bracing walks along the coast. Her grown daughter, Mila, just wants to escape the scandal in her past and make a safe and happy home for her little girl, Janey, a solitary, precocious child blessed with a vivid imagination, much of which she pours into stories about her magical plush toy, Rabbit.But Janey’s rabbit isn’t the only magical being around. Legend has it that an enchanted white hare may be seen running through the woods. Is it an ill omen or a blessing? As Mila, her mother, and her young daughter adjust to life in this mysterious place, they will have to reckon with their own pasts and with the secrets that have been haunting the White Valley for decades.

About Jane Johnson

Jane Johnson is a novelist, historian, and publisher. She has written for both adults and children, including the bestselling novel The Tenth Gift.

About Danielle Cohen

Danielle Cohen is an award-winning audiobook narrator who grew up reading anything and everything aloud. At the age of eight, she dreamed of being a newsreader or a stand-up comedian. When not narrating audiobooks, she can be found running with friends, playing board games with her husband and teenage daughters, or baking cake. She currently resides in Vermont.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Robin on July 07, 2022

First, the Caveat. Jane Johnson is not only my editor of many, many years but also an excellent friend. But I do not think that affects my reactions to this book. I've been through a frustrating six months or so. Cataracts! As they dimmed my view and stole my colors, they also took away my pleasure i......more

Goodreads review by Lindsay L on January 23, 2025

First 75%: 4.5 stars Last 25%: 2 stars Overall rating: 3.5 stars Three generations — grandmother, mother and daughter — move to a crumbling seaside estate to start a fresh life. This novel had so many elements I love — the English countryside, an isolated manor house, unique characters with deeply buri......more

Goodreads review by Debra on October 01, 2022

White Valley is shrouded with local legend, gossip, and fear. The valley has a long and bloody history laced with folklore. The home has sat vacant after the last owners left with no notice. Magdalena believes that this will be just the place for her and her daughter, Mila and granddaughter, Janey.......more

Goodreads review by Angel on November 25, 2023

Sometimes a slower, atmospheric read is what's needed. Nothing chaotic or bloody...just a good story with full characters and a burst of momentum. The White Hare is a tragic, yet beautiful story. Family can be complex and secretive and this journey pulls you into the realm of mother-daughter relation......more

Goodreads review by Louise on June 19, 2022

In the far west of Cornwall lies the White Valley, which cuts deeply through Bluebell Woods, down to the sea at White Cove. The Valley has a long and bloody history, laced with folklore, and it sits a house above the beach that has lain neglected since the war. It comes with a reputation and a stran......more


Quotes

“Narrator Danielle Cohen…distinguishes the Cornish townsfolk with precision and unspools enchanting legends and secrets that will captivate listeners as much as this story’s characters and setting. Winner of the AudioFile Earphones Award.” AudioFile

“Cohen’s narrations manifests the distinct characters of these women…An immersive audio experience.” Library Journal (audio review)

“An exceptionally atmospheric read as Cornish folklore is mixed with the supernatural.” Cloud Lake Literary

“A refreshing and comforting read for fans of Alice Hoffman and V. E. Schwab. Gorgeous eco-supernatural elements make hauntings attractive.” Library Journal (starred review)

“A home renovation story with a Gothic flair…[that] offers suspense, historical drama, and a hint of romance.” Booklist

“An engrossing gothic tale of family secrets, scandals, and ancient mysteries…[with] plenty of savory atmospheric details, and Magda’s and Jack’s confessions hit hard.” Publishers Weekly

“Jam-packed with slowly released secrets: those between mothers and daughters, those kept by the villagers, and those locked away within traumatized minds.” Shelf Awareness

“In my mythical bookshop this would be in the ‘books that remind you of the true meaning of reading for pleasure’ section. It’s mythic, witchy, [and full of] mystery and romance. It sings of an earth alive with power.” Jackie Morris, co-author and illustrator of The Lost Spells


Awards

  • Indigo Pick
  • AudioFile Earphones Award
  • One Voice Award