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  • The Stranger in the Lifeboat

  • A Novel
  • Written by: Mitch Albom
  • Narrated by: Mitch Albom
  • Length: 4 hrs and 52 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (118 ratings)

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The Stranger in the Lifeboat

Written by: Mitch Albom
Narrated by: Mitch Albom
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Publisher's Summary

Number one New York Times best seller

What would happen if we called on God for help and God actually appeared? In Mitch Albom’s profound new novel of hope and faith, a group of shipwrecked passengers pull a strange man from the sea. He claims to be “the Lord”. And he says he can only save them if they all believe in him.

Adrift in a raft after a deadly ship explosion, 10 people struggle for survival at sea. Three days pass. Short on water, food, and hope, they spot a man floating in the waves. They pull him in.

“Thank the Lord we found you,” a passenger says.

“I am the Lord,” the man whispers.

So begins Mitch Albom’s most beguiling and inspiring novel yet.

Albom has written of heaven in the celebrated number one best sellers The Five People You Meet in Heaven and The First Phone Call from Heaven. Now, for the first time in his fiction, he ponders what we would do if, after crying out for divine help, God actually appeared before us? What might the Lord look, sound and act like?

In The Stranger in the Lifeboat, Albom keeps us guessing until the end: Is this strange and quiet man really who he claims to be? What actually happened to cause the explosion? Are the survivors already in heaven, or are they in hell?

The story is narrated by Benji, one of the passengers, who recounts the events in a notebook that is later discovered - a year later - when the empty life raft washes up on the island of Montserrat.

It falls to the island’s chief inspector, Jarty LeFleur, a man battling his own demons, to solve the mystery of what really happened. 

A fast-paced, compelling novel that makes you ponder your deepest beliefs, The Stranger in the Lifeboat suggests that answers to our prayers may be found where we least expect them.

©2021 Mitch Albom (P)2021 HarperCollins Publishers

What listeners say about The Stranger in the Lifeboat

Average Customer Ratings
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

wow! couldn't wait to see what happened in the end

....and when the end came....I wanted to start reading it all over again to try to piece together the parts I was left thinking about. I'm a big fan of all of the author's books, and this was no exception. It left me in tears of joy and hope, marveling at the beauty of life and death and everything in between!

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Yet another amazing adventure

Mitch Albom is an inspiring writer that not only leaves you feeling empty and sad because you want more.. but also full and thankful. it's always amazed me how his stories have had such a huge impact on me. I've read almost every single book he has written and will continue until he writes no more.
A short magical story with a powerful impact to remind you... you are never alone.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Thought Provoking

I always look forward to reading a book by Mitch Albom. This was no exception. The story came with some unexpected twists, and left me mulling on the ideas presented through the characters. I recommend reading this book!

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    5 out of 5 stars
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A Mitch Album fan

Mitch,you’ve done a masterpiece again! My first experience with your writing was when The Five People You’ll Meet in Heaven came out in hardcover. It spoke so perfectly with my beliefs that I’ve bought every book you’ve ever written since then. You have NEVER let me down. As time has pasted and I have aged in addition to my MS causing further restrictions, I now listen to audiobooks. I love the calmness of your books and your voice. Can’t wait for your one!

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars

Unusual Perspective on Life

I found that the way the writer went back and forth in time and location to be confusing but very effective in creating a unique presentation of the story. It was kind of like the last episode of star trek next generation

the author's presentation and the view he generated of God and the many imperfect characters in the story left me searching for the purpose of the story or perhaps it's message.

Overall I didn't get much out of it and I would not recommend it to people. Maybe I missed the point of it.

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Good Read

Quite predictable but still deeply enjoyable. Definitely worth the read. Narration was nice and predictable.

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Don’t listen to this unless you want to feel good.

The most beautiful story I’ve heard in years! Thank you Mitch Albom for your inspiration and your talent.

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  • ED
  • 2022-01-31

Another Mitch Albom success!

Stranger in the Lifeboat was extremely well written. The story captivated my full attention. My first read of Mitch Albom was Tuesdays with Morrie. Then came The 5 People You Meet in Heaven and The Timekeeper.

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Another Albom Treasure

I think I enjoy Mitch’s books because he has a purpose for the books. I have been honoured to read many of his books and ask you to visit one of his many books. I know you won’t regret anyone of his treasures.

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Great Story one that really makes you think

This was another great story by Mitch Album, the story really made you think what would I do if I was in that life raft with someone who said they are the Lord. The story makes you think what if. Very well narrated and extremely well written.
Would definitely recommend this book.

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  • TCooper
  • 2021-11-18

Feel good story and a quick read

It's about despair, grief, forgiveness, surrendering, and surviving a harsh world where there still is joy in the day. Only good things come from God and he never leads your side, ever ...no matter what!

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9 people found this helpful

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  • Blaise
  • 2021-11-17

Good but not great

I generally love anything from Mitch Albom. I purchased this short book immediately. However just like the last book about the Covid pandemic, this book simply doesn't have the depth or meaningful foundation to make it essentially forgettable. The author reads well. I hope he can reclaim his lost magic.

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8 people found this helpful

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  • Suzanne
  • 2021-11-13

Powerful

Intense page turner. Brought me to tears many times and seemed to have answered some questions regarding my faith. Very beautiful story.

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8 people found this helpful

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  • sirlamplot4
  • 2021-11-03

Albom continues to amaze

Albom once again tackle spirituality in a whimsical and entertaining way while creating thought-provoking conversations.

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7 people found this helpful

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  • Beth D
  • 2021-11-18

Good, but not great

I generally love anything from Mitch Albom. I was so excited for the book to be released & couldn't wait to listen to it. The author reads well, but this book didn't capture me the way that "For One More Day" , "The Timekeeper" or "The Five People You Meet in Heaven " did. I just couldn't get into the story.

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  • SunnySD
  • 2021-11-13

Wonderful 4+ Hrs of listening

I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this book. I can bring forth so much in your life if you have faith and spirituality.
Life is a matter of perspective. I appreciate the thoughts this Book brought into my mind

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  • Stan Stinson
  • 2021-12-19

My 1st Mitch Albom book will not be my last

Loved it. I knew the name, Mitch Albom, but had never read or listened to any of his books. I am happy to say that is no longer true and I expect there will be more in my future.

He tells a great story and that reveals a story behind the story that is timeless.

In this one he speaks to the loss we feel when we lose someone or even one of our four-legged furry family members with the question we often ask God, "Why did you take them from us?"

I believe you will be intrigued by the story and the way that question is handled in this one. Get your copy today!

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  • Patrick Blount
  • 2021-11-13

A must read!! (Or listen)

Most moving story I’ve heard in a long time! Mitch Albom does not disappoint!

Maybe his best effort to date

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  • i love this game so much you will once you start playing it!
  • 2021-11-03

Lacks creativity, no humor to speak of - not one of his best

If you read “Life of Pi” the ending will sound familiar to you. But unlike in Life of Pi the drama on the boat doesn’t live up to the potential. God joins them in the life boat, you would think that it would be riveting dialogue but it wasn’t. As far as the afterlife goes it wasn’t addressed and “the reincarnation Blues” does a much better job of telling that story. It just didn’t live up to the potential.

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  • Anonymous User
  • 2021-12-09

Great story

Great faith based fiction story that will leave you pondering how gifted we really are.

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2 people found this helpful

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