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A History of Loneliness

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A History of Loneliness

By: John Boyne
Narrated by: Owen McDonnell
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About this listen

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.

©2014 John Boyne (P)2020 Penguin Audio Christian Fiction Fiction Genre Fiction Historical Historical Fiction Heartfelt Inspiring Thought-Provoking Tear-jerking

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All stars
Most relevant
Such a fabulous story, beautifully written and narrated- I have laughed and cried at this book and I honestly cant recommend highly enough.

Wow! Absolutely Amazing

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This beautifully written fictional book shows how the sexual abuse of children by priests was allowed to perpetuate for so long. It’s harrowing but revealing of the mindsets, fears, and damage caused.

The narrators voice is just gorgeous to listen to and the accents and voices he employs to portray the different characters are flawless.

How evil thrives when good men do nothing

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What a compelling and moving book.
It gave me an insight into Ireland and the church. Excellent story. Beautifully performed.

Brilliant

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A brilliant, well written book. I got lost in the words. And the narrator is beyond words. Beautifully read, truly

Just amazing

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An intense, painful story so excellently narrated. This is the second John Boyne novel I have listened to and I will definitely be listening to more.

Powerful

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