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Duffy and Son

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Duffy and Son

By: Damien Owens
Narrated by: Gerry O’Brien
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About this listen

A heart-warming and hilarious novel about life, love, and the weight of all we leave unsaid, Duffy & Son is a quietly moving masterpiece from one of Ireland’s most gifted comic writers.

Eugene Duffy is turning 70; his son Jim is turning 40.

For decades now, they’ve been running the family hardware shop and living in good-natured bachelor harmony. But time is marching on, and with thoughts of old age weighing heavily on his mind, Eugene is growing increasingly concerned about his son’s future.

He resolves to help in the best way possible: by finding Jim a wife. And he’s not going to let anyone – let alone Jim himself – stand in his way.

Reminiscent of Fredrik Backman’s bestselling novel A Man Called Ove, Duffy and Son contains a likeable but curmudgeonly main character, wry humour, tremendous heart, as well as a strong sense of community. It is a funny and heartwarming novel which celebrates the messiness of ordinary lives and would make a perfect reading group choice.

©2022 Damien Owens (P)2022 HarperCollins Publishers Family Life Fiction Friendship Genre Fiction Literature & Fiction Romance Romantic Comedy Small Town & Rural Comedy Funny Heartfelt Witty Feel-Good

Critic reviews

‘Funny, sweet, charming and just a little bit heart-breaking’ – Dara O’Briain

‘Immensely enjoyable … By turn, hilarious and heartbreaking, we rarely hear the perspective of the ageing working class man worrying about his bachelor son and I think that’s why it was such a refreshing read … It’s such a tender, warmhearted portrait of a man who has always thought he’d done his best and is now suddenly faced with the notion that he might have failed. Skilfully drawn characters jump to life and the storytelling is enormously entertaining … a universal story, told in a uniquely Irish way.’ – Liz Nugent
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I have thoroughly enjoyed this book. Such a lovely main character who is utterly likeable and witty.
I highly recommend it.

what a lovely book

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I loved this book from the first sentence to the last . One of the nicest books Ive ever listened to. I laughed and cried at the same time .
I was gutted when it finished .
I would highly recommend this for some light listening or reading .

Everything

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A real feel good book! Laughed throughout, the phrasing used was just brilliant, a sad story told in a beautiful way. The voice actor was absolutely perfect for the story.

Loved it loved it loved it!

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This is the best book Ive read it ages. Hints of "A man called Ove" , hints of "the hearts invisable furies". Bitter sweet in parts, laugh out loud in others- but truely a joyous read. The voice of the narrator adds a lot to the follow,and its an easy listen,The characters are all fantastic, and the story is moving. Its well written, and a brilliant snap shot of family drama, Irish life, and a pefect page turner. Havent heard of this author before,but i will be looking out for his other works- loved it!!!

A Gem of a book!!

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Lovely story, sad sometimes but told with humour, very enjoyable read, I would recommend it

Very enjoyable book

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