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The Caretaker

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About this listen

It is 1951. The close-knit community of Blowing Rock, North Carolina, does not welcome those who are different.

Jacob Hampton’s wealthy parents disinherited him when he married Naomi, an uneducated hotel maid from out of town. They had bigger plans for him.

Now Jacob has been called up to fight in Korea, leaving a pregnant Naomi behind. The only person he can entrust to take care of her is his lifelong friend, Blackburn Gant. Blackburn, who tends the local cemetery alone, is an outsider too, his appearance irrevocably altered by childhood disease. Slowly the two outcasts grow closer, their friendship blooming under small acts of kindness. Then, as they await news of Jacob’s return, a terrible, shattering act of deception derails all their lives. But no secret can stay hidden for ever.

Tender and luminous with truth, The Caretaker is a riveting story about the bonds of friendship, the contradictions of family and what it really means to love.

©2023 Ron Rash (P)2023 Canongate Books Genre Fiction Historical Fiction Literary Fiction Psychological Fiction

Critic reviews

'With each Ron Rash story, you expect flawed people trying desperately to survive against the odds and a rich sense of place, and images that linger, and beautiful language that you catch yourself reading over and over. What you don't always expect is a wicked plot. The Caretaker delivers all of the above in a story that becomes a race to the finish.' (JOHN GRISHAM)

'One of the great American authors at work today' (NEW YORK TIMES)
All stars
Most relevant
I loved every minute of this beautifully written story, a page turner. Can’t wait to read more of Ron Rash books.

Fabulous

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I really enjoyed the plot of this story and also felt very invested in the characters. The narration was authentic too. I enjoy a story that comes to a proper conclusion, so this book had it all for me. Will definitely look for more of Ron Rash’s work.

Thoroughly good listen

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A beautiful book, had me gripped very quickly and left me missing it when it ended. It had a mixture of characters I loved, very important and characters I disliked. Highly recommended!

Fabulous

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