The Art of Hearing Heartbeats by Jan-Philipp Sendker is quite simply a beautiful novel that is set in Burma and spans time from the 1950’s to the present. It is the gorgeous telling of a love story that will touch your heart and have you believing in true and everlasting love. I was lucky enough to listen to the audio version narrated by the amazing Cassandra Campbell and that added yet another element of beauty to this tale that kept me spellbound till the end.
Julia’s father, a successful lawyer, disappears without a trace. All grown up she wonders why he left her and her mother never to be heard from again. When they find a love letter he had once written to a woman in Burma It piques Julia’s interest to the point where she travels there to learn more.
Once there she meets U Ba who offers to tell her the story of her father’s life and she is dumbfounded by the hardships and sorrows that his young life had held. You see her father Tin Win had been abandoned as a young boy because it was believed he was cursed. Thankfully he is cared for by a neighbor. Eventually he goes to live in a monastery and it is at that time that he will meet the love of his life Mi Mi. Events conspire against them but does true love ever really die?
Once again I must say how truly beautiful this novel is. Jan-Philipp Sendker writing is pure magic and I loved each and every minute of this book. The Art of Hearing Heartbeats showcases the amazing beauty and power of love. Highly recommended!
Source: Library Copy
I read this some time ago and enjoyed it –hope u do as well.
I haven’t heard of this one, but always enjoy Cassandra Campbell’s narrations.
This sounds like a wonderful book, Darlene! I will have to keep my eye out for it.
I love Campbell’s narration. I discover so many good audiobooks on your blog!! This one sounds like a beautiful story.