The Binding

A Novel

By: Bridget Collins

Narrated by: Carl Prekopp

Length: 15 hrs and 29 mins

Publisher's summary

Proclaimed as “truly spellbinding", a “great fable” that “functions as transporting romance” by The Guardian, the runaway number one international best seller arrives in America.

"A rich, gothic entertainment that explores what books have trapped inside them and reminds us of the power of storytelling. Spellbinding.” (Tracy Chevalier)

Imagine you could erase grief. Imagine you could remove pain. Imagine you could hide the darkest, most horrifying secret. Forever.

Young Emmett Farmer is working in the fields when a strange letter arrives summoning him away from his family. He is to begin an apprenticeship as a bookbinder - a vocation that arouses fear, superstition, and prejudice among their small community, but one neither he nor his parents can afford to refuse.

For as long as he can recall, Emmett has been drawn to books, even though they are strictly forbidden. Bookbinding is a sacred calling, Seredith informs her new apprentice, and he is a binder born. Under the old woman’s watchful eye, Emmett learns to handcraft the elegant leather-bound volumes. Within each one, they will capture something unique and extraordinary: a memory. If there’s something you want to forget, a binder can help. If there’s something you need to erase, they can assist. Within the pages of the books they create, secrets are concealed and the past is locked away. In a vault under his mentor’s workshop, rows upon rows of books are meticulously stored.

But while Seredith is an artisan, there are others of their kind, avaricious and amoral tradesman who use their talents for dark ends - and just as Emmett begins to settle into his new circumstances, he makes an astonishing discovery: One of the books has his name on it. Soon, everything he thought he understood about his life will be dramatically rewritten.

An unforgettable novel of enchantment, mystery, memory, and forbidden love, The Binding is a beautiful homage to the allure and life-changing power of books - and a reminder to us all that knowledge can be its own kind of magic.

©2019 Bridget Collins (P)2019 HarperCollins Publishers

brilliant, but not for everyone

I had a rough time until I hit part two, and then the story pulled me through like a kite in a strong wind.
I don't want to spoil it, so I will just say that when I was done, I immediately started it over again, woth new ears. I have never wanted to do that before.

The writing is excellent, the sensory details so well described at times this story felt cinematic.

The reviews I read that were negative seemed to have been written by people who were upset by the inclusion of non-traditional romance and eroticism, so if you are offended by such things, you won't like this.

I was absolutely enchanted.

Dark and mind bending

This book is a 3 act reveal, probably better on a reread as you see the strands weave together. It poses a question- what are we without our memory? It’s a love story, sweet and haunting. It’s also a pretty sad look at capitalism. Trigger warning- there is one scene of extreme animal cruelty to a dog.

A Captivating Tale with a Heartfelt Slow Burn Rom

Enchanting novel that effortlessly weaves elements of fantasy with historical fiction, and ties them together with a thread of slow-burning romance. The protagonist, Emmett Farmer, is a character that is easy to root for. His earnestness and relatability make the journey through the pages an intimate and personal experience.

One of the standout aspects of the book is the romance. The slow-burn nature of the relationship between the two main characters is handled masterfully, evoking deep emotions as it unfolds. The way they grow closer and the eventual culmination of their romance is both satisfying and poignant.

Another element I thoroughly enjoyed is the unique structure of the book. Divided into three parts, this division serves a significant purpose and enhances the storytelling. Each section is essential in unraveling the intricacies of the plot and the depth of the characters. This structural choice by Collins aligns beautifully with the narrative and helps to maintain a sense of mystery and discovery.

Furthermore, the concept of binding memories into books is creatively executed and adds a layer of mystique and wonder to the story. The moral and ethical implications of this magical craft are also thoughtfully explored.

In conclusion, "The Binding" is a beautifully written novel that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a story that combines fantasy, historical elements, and romance in an enthralling package. The likeable protagonist, the slow-burn romance, and the unique three-part structure make this book a memorable read.

Excellent story.

Another complex and beautiful novel from Bridget Collins. I was a little bit frustrated initially by the structure of this novel, which begins near the end and then goes back and forth from the past to the present in a way that reveals the story slowly.
Strange magic, secrets, hidden corruption.
I really enjoyed this book. Warning; there are adult themes.

Unbelievable Narration

I really enjoyed the voice acting and pace it was read. Carl Prekopp is an amazing narrator l.

Beauty, love, and longing…

This is one of the best books I’ve come across in quite some time.. I highly recommend this book to anyone who has ever loved or longed for love. Perfection.

Wow. Just... Wow.

Downloaded this one just based on reviews while browsing around and I am so grateful I did. This one is special. The story itself is beautiful but the narrator truly brings the characters to life and puts your heart in their hands. Stop reading this review and start listening to The Binding.

definitely worth the read

Fascinating story and great pot line development - I like convergent, non linear plots. As a gay man, there were some very emotional scenes.

The complete package. A wonderful surprise!

The Binding is an instant classic. At once gothic and post-modern, it describes one of the most enchanting romances in print and creates a world enough like our own to feel relatable but different enough to be intriguing. Beautiful writing, an incredible story, transformative, redemptive love in the ruins of a dark and greedy society. This young writer Bridget Collins has a Margaret Atwood/ Ursula LeGuinn sophistication that is every bit as rich and textured as more classic literary voices…one thinks of Thomas Hardy; Charles Dickens, Joyce Carol Oates…but also some of the best contemporary artists such as Suzanna Clarke, Neil Gaiman. I can’t wait to begin the next of her novels. Oh, and not to forget the narrator, Carl Prekopp, who delivers one of the best performances I’ve ever heard. He is never too much, never distracts from the story, but is perfectly consistent, and versatile enough to have created the perfect voices for each of the characters. I was spellbound. If you’re a fan of first-rate writing and excellent narration READ THIS BOOK!

Excellent narration

I loved the way the narrator read this book. He really transported me. Loved this story.