The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell cover art

The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell

A Novel

Preview
Try Premium Plus free
1 credit a month to buy any audiobook in our entire collection.
Access to thousands of additional audiobooks and Originals from the Plus Catalogue.
Member-only deals & discounts.
Auto-renews at $16.45/mo after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell

By: Robert Dugoni
Narrated by: Robert Dugoni
Try Premium Plus free

$16.45 per month after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

Buy Now for $33.99

Buy Now for $33.99

About this listen

Wall Street Journal and New York Times bestselling author Robert Dugoni’s coming-of-age story is, according to Booklist, “a novel that, if it doesn’t cross entirely over into John Irving territory, certainly nestles in close to the border.”

Sam Hill always saw the world through different eyes. Born with red pupils, he was called “Devil Boy” or Sam “Hell” by his classmates; “God’s will” is what his mother called his ocular albinism. Her words were of little comfort, but Sam persevered, buoyed by his mother’s devout faith, his father’s practical wisdom, and his two other misfit friends.

Sam believed it was God who sent Ernie Cantwell, the only African American kid in his class, to be the friend he so desperately needed. And that it was God’s idea for Mickie Kennedy to storm into Our Lady of Mercy like a tornado, uprooting every rule Sam had been taught about boys and girls.

Forty years later, Sam, a small-town eye doctor, is no longer certain anything was by design - especially not the tragedy that caused him to turn his back on his friends, his hometown, and the life he’d always known. Running from the pain, eyes closed, served little purpose. Now, as he looks back on his life, Sam embarks on a journey that will take him halfway around the world. This time, his eyes are wide open - bringing into clear view what changed him, defined him, and made him so afraid, until he can finally see what truly matters.

©2018 by LaMesa Fiction LLC. (P)2018 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.
Coming of Age Family Life Fiction Genre Fiction Literary Fiction Heartfelt Tear-jerking

Critic Reviews

"Author Robert Dugoni narrates Sam's life journey in an earnest and steadfast voice. Hearing the story through the author's own voice lends it an intimacy that enhances it wonderfully. Sam's life is filled with love, loss, tragedy, comedy, and everything in between. Sounding mature and dark at times, Dugoni artfully breathes life into every scene of a story about living life on the right terms regardless of its ups and downs." (AudioFile)

All stars
Most relevant  
I loved this story, so many lessons in life but warmed by a beautiful family and loyal friends. highly recommend. Absolutely loved the author reading.

inspiring and heartwarming

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

Raised as a Catholic in the 70’s & 80’s , I connected strongly with the context . Robert’s story allowed light to be shone on the negative and positive aspects of this context. The story of Sam, Maddy and Eric’s unique and powerful friendship and Sam’s ability to weather 🌦️ every storm was enlightened.
Thank you Robert for bringing this tale to life.
Loved Robert’s narration as well ❤️🙏

Such a beautiful, poignant story of truth and positive reflection ❤️

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

Where does one begin. One of the best books I have listened to in years. Thank You Mr Robert Dugoni.

Awesome

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

I was captivated by this story. It reminded me in some ways of “ A prayer for Owen Meany”.

A beautiful story

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

A beautiful story of a person coming to terms with their differences and the challenges that faces. This was a truly heartwarming story. Some reviews say it was religious overload however for me this just gave me insight on those that have faith. Absolutely loved this book.

Absolutely loved this book

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

Loved it . Really enjoyed Sam and his character and the group of ‘misfits’. A beautiful ending

First Book I have read of Robert’s. Now a fan

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

I have never felt moved to write a review and I have ready many many books. This book moved me for so many reasons. Each year I buy my favourite book of the year for my children for Xmas. This will be my son’s gift this year.

Thankyou Robert Dugoni!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

Loved this book! It’s a touching and thought inspiring read. I particularly liked the characters and their ‘take’ on this journey we know as life.

Great read!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

Absolutely beautiful novel, that I will carry with me into the end of time. Brilliant

Emotionally Intelligent Read

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

Lovely story, emotional and good ending is always a nice welcome. Highly recommended, easy listen, good narrating.

Emotional aspect of the book was a lovely surprise

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

See more reviews
In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.