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Small Mercies

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About this listen

 'You'll be lucky if you read a more engaging novel this year' The Times Thriller of the Month April 2023

'Small Mercies is thought-provoking, engaging, enraging, and can't-put-it-down entertainment' Stephen King

'A jaw-dropping thriller... a resonant, unflinching story written by a novelist who is simply one of the best around' Gillian Flynn

New York Times bestselling author Dennis Lehane returns with a masterpiece to rival Mystic River - an all-consuming tale of revenge, family love, festering hate, and insidious power, set against one of the most tumultuous episodes in Boston's history.

'Mrs. Fennessy, please go home.'
'And do what?'
'Whatever you do when you're home.'
'And then what?'
'Get up the next day and do it again.'
She shakes her head. 'That's not living.'
'It is if you can find the small blessings.'
She smiles, but her eyes shine with agony. 'All my small blessings are gone.'

In the summer of 1974 a heatwave blankets Boston and Mary Pat Fennessey is trying to stay one step ahead of the bill collectors. Mary Pat has lived her entire life in the housing projects of 'Southie', the Irish American enclave that stubbornly adheres to old tradition and stands proudly apart.

One night Mary Pat's teenage daughter Jules stays out late and doesn't come home. That same evening, a young Black man is found dead, struck by a subway train under mysterious circumstances.

The two events seem unconnected. But Mary Pat, propelled by a desperate search for her missing daughter, begins turning over stones best left untouched - asking questions that bother Marty Butler, chieftain of the Irish mob, and the men who work for him, men who don't take kindly to any threat to their business.

Set against the hot, tumultuous months when the city's desegregation of its public schools exploded in violence, Small Mercies is a superb thriller, a brutal depiction of criminality and power, and an unflinching portrait of the dark heart of American racism.

Please be aware that this audiobook covers themes of racism and abuse, using language which may cause offence to others if you're listening in public.©2023 Dennis Lehane (P)2023 Hachette Audio UK City Life Genre Fiction Historical Literary Fiction Mystery Suspense Thriller & Suspense Urban Fiction Boston
All stars
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Very sharp writing. Very few plot weaknesses.Vivid characterisation. Sorry. Constrained by ridiculous fifteen word rule.

What everyone else said.

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Not my favourite Lehane story but wow, what an amazing job he does on the characters! I think this is one of his best books yet! Great narration too.

Brilliant

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Some deep characters,.amazing dialogue, and story. One of my favourites of Dennis Lehane. Highly recommend

Beautiful

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A taut, engrossing and very touching story of a mothers search for justice no matter what the consequences in an era of racial tension and hate. Another perfect novel to sit alongside Mystic River and Shutter Island, looking forward to the expected screen adaptation. A masterpiece

Outstanding

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I enjoyed this story. The characters are so memorable and the story makes its point without belaboring it.

The narrator is consistent and I even enjoyed the accents.

Excellent

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