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Only Say the Word

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About this listen

Jim Foley loves his parents, his brother, his sister, Dickens and God; later, he loves Kate -- enough to make her his wife and to shape his life around her -- and later still, he loves his children, Jack and Hannah.

Only Say the Word tells Jim's story, and the story of the people and places in his life, as he moves from childhood to marriage and fatherhood, from early days spent in County Clare to early adulthood in America, and back to Clare once more. Deeply personal and written in his lyrical, lilting prose, Niall Williams's fourth novel is about unspoken emotions, undying devotion and blind faith -- but, ultimately, about the redeeming, enduring nature of love.

 Contemporary Fiction Fiction Genre Fiction Marriage
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The lyrical description of setting,place, characters and feelings was enthralling. It was beautifully read by the narrator.

The characters are real people

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I had so thoroughly enjoy his book 'This is Happiness' - beautiful language, beautiful sentiments. But I found myself feeling anxious during this book, a profound sense of doom.

Well written, but depressing

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I liked the narrative, but it wasn't the best book by Niall Williams that I've read.

the performance was wonderful

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After reading Four Letters of Love by Niall Williams, I was unsure if he could capture my attention in the same way.
He certainly did. And yet again he sent my emotions on a rollercoaster, (which can be embarrassing sometimes, particularly when in public places).
As importantly, I cannot fault Gerry O’Brians narration. He reads with such passion and takes me right into every scene.
P.S ... I think I actually fell in love with Jim ... (but just a wee bit).

Absolutely beautifully gripping ...

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I’m glad I read it although I didn’t enjoy the times they were in America. The rest was so well written as with all Nialle’s books, I wish he would publish poems. I search in vain for that book, yet find the poetry within every sentence he writes…stunning! And the reading was simply wonderful it brought tears to my eyes Gerry. Thank you.

Superb description.

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