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A History of Loneliness
- Narrated by: Owen McDonnell
- Length: 11 hrs and 40 mins
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A History of Loneliness
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Publisher's Summary
Brought to you by Penguin.
Odran Yates enters Clonliffe Seminary in 1972 after his mother informs him that he has a vocation to the priesthood. He goes in full of ambition and hope, dedicated to his studies and keen to make friends.
Forty years later, Odran’s devotion has been challenged by the revelations that have shattered the Irish people’s faith in the church. He has seen friends stand trial, colleagues jailed, the lives of young parishioners destroyed and has become nervous of venturing out in public for fear of disapproving stares and insulting remarks.
But when a family tragedy opens wounds from his past, he is forced to confront the demons that have raged within a once respected institution and recognise his own complicity in their propagation.
It has taken John Boyne 15 years and 12 novels to write about his home country of Ireland, but he has done so now in his most powerful novel to date, a novel about blind dogma and moral courage and about the dark places where the two can meet. At once courageous and intensely personal, A History of Loneliness confirms Boyne as one of the most searching chroniclers of his generation.
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What listeners say about A History of Loneliness
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Anonymous User
- 31-12-2023
Brilliant in every respect
The truth about the Catholic and the unflinching honesty of the author Donal Ryan. The reading was superlative - brilliantly read, brilliantly written. I cannot praise it highly enough.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Chris Hardwicke
- 24-05-2023
Challenging - but brilliant.
It seems wrong to say I loved the book - because the content and subject matter are challenging. As someone from a Irish-Catholic background, it is easy to relate to the narrative and the pressures both religious and national - but at the same time, question how such horrors could have occurred. Beautifully narrated, the book follows the journey of one man and his dilemmas as a priest and his ultimate perception of value and worth in society. Second book that I have read by this author and equally as engaging. Well worth the read/ listen
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Jennifer
- 01-06-2023
Brilliantly heartbreaking
A story that needed to be told. So many lives tragically broken by people in positions of power and trust. Beautifully written and performed.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Anonymous User
- 18-02-2023
Brilliant but so tragic!
John Boyne at his brilliant best.
Owen McDonnell’s narration exceptional.
The story was powerful, sad with many human emotions. I couldn’t put it down and it’s up there with my top listens/reads.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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- Anonymous User
- 24-01-2024
A message of warning
This story hit me hard. Themes of pedophelia, influence of Catholic Church and their ultimate dominance. I’m glad I listened to it. Storyline was clear and the performance brilliant. I hope we learn from history
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Sunny
- 24-06-2021
John Boyne perfection
Once again John Boyne has taken my heart and wrenched it with the telling of Odran’s lonely, misguided life
The finishing touches are supplied by the wonderful narration provided by Owen McDonnell
I believe every Irish book should be enjoyed in audible format with that amazing accent
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Fleur Smith
- 15-09-2021
Confronting but necessary
As a Catholic, this was hard to hear but necessary for all of us to understand the magnitude of the Church downfall in Ireland. Made me see all perspectives equally. Told through the eyes of every person involved from the innocent to the guilty.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Anonymous User
- 02-02-2023
Compelling
A difficult story told beautifully. John Boyne’s writing is exceptional. This is the third novel of his I have listened to. All different but equally as good. A special mention on the narration . I could listen to his voice forever.
Overall a very satisfying experience
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Karina Mereki
- 03-03-2023
A Good Insight
This book is worth listening to even though it is wrapped in tragedy. John Boyne writes a compelling story into the corruption and disfunction of the Catholic Church in the 1950's to present day. Written through the eyes of a naive priest who was himself a victim of the church.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Anonymous User
- 15-10-2021
Heartbreaking
A profoundly moving tale, soulfully, heartrendingly and beautifully read by Mr McDonnell. Bravo
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