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Days Without End cover art

Days Without End

By: Sebastian Barry
Narrated by: Aidan Kelly
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Publisher's Summary

Having signed up for the US Army in the 1850s, aged barely 17, Thomas McNulty and his brother-in-arms, John Cole, go on to fight in the Indian wars and ultimately the Civil War. Orphans of terrible hardships themselves, despite the horrors they both see and are complicit in, they find these days to be vivid.

Both an intensely poignant story of two men and the lives they are dealt and a fresh look at some of the most fateful years in America's past.

©2016 Sebastian Barry (P)2016 W.F. Howes Ltd

Critic Reviews

"[Barry's] words have a stony allure of the Irish poets and the lyrical pull of an epic storyteller." ( The Boston Globe)
"Sebastian Barry's handling of voice and cadence is masterly. His fictional universe is filled with life, quiet truth, and exquisite intimacy." (Colm Tóibín, author of the Costa Novel Award-winning Brooklyn)

What listeners say about Days Without End

Average Customer Ratings
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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Great narration

It was a fantastic book and the narration was perfect. Unfortunately it was let down by its ending.

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1 person found this helpful

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

Riveting

Could not turn this off. The harsh lives imposed on the characters is offset by the tender love between the boyhood friends, John and Thomas. Indian/soldier conflicts, civil war, famine and hardship are overcome time and again by love and true friendship. A great book.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

galloping story beautiful prose

What made the experience of listening to Days Without End the most enjoyable?

The narrator captured the character of the hero with authentic style. I was drawn into both the historical background to the story, and the beautifully written descriptions of the social and natural world surrounding our hero and his lover. What a storty! It has unpredictable twists and turns and suspense and horror. What a great movie it would make!

What did you like best about this story?

It was lyrical and astounding. At times I had to pause and rewind to hear that description all over again. Gorgeous and humorous and horrific.

Which character – as performed by Aidan Kelly – was your favourite?

All the characters were owned by Aidan Kelly...he gave us a fine performance

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

with all the time in the world I would have sat and listened to this story all day.

Any additional comments?

I have recommended this to many, and they have all loved it. If you want the drama and horror and filth of Deadwood, with the poetic power of Blake, and the social commentary and comedy of Fry then this is for you.

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1 person found this helpful

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

Wish this book wouldn't end!!

The story is extraordinary & quite haunting. Set in the Civil War but very relevant to today's world. The characters of Thomas McNulty, john Cole & Winona stay in your head. This is a great story & the performance by Aidan Kelly is brilliant! He is a very gifted reader. I'm definitely going to listen to his other books.

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1 person found this helpful

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

Brilliant novel, beautifully read.

The story is deeply moving though confronting in parts. The author’s use of language is brilliant and poetic and evocative. Thoroughly recommend this audiobook.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A most beautiful, exciting and moving novel by a great Irish writer

An exceptional novel, written with great sensibility and insight. I really recommend it as a fine book.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Builds well, great story

Wonderful narration and story.
My first experience of Barry’s writing and will be seeking out more.
I wasn’t sure about the story for the first 1/3 but persevered and so glad I did.

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

violent and poetic

an extraordinar
y and very moving story brilliantly read but too violent for me to finish

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars
  • Tom
  • 19-08-2020

Well told, conventional story

+ gripping, well written, excellent narrator.
- descended into cliches, needlessly brutal, popular style.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Mesmerising narration

I didn’t want this book to end. It was beautifully crafted. The sensitivity, and kindness contrasted with the brutality kept me anchored to the story.

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