The Terrible Audiobook By Yrsa Daley-Ward cover art

The Terrible

A Storyteller's Memoir

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The Terrible

By: Yrsa Daley-Ward
Narrated by: Yrsa Daley-Ward, Howard Daley-Ward
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About this listen

From the celebrated poet behind bone, a lyrical memoir - part prose, part verse - about coming of age, uncovering the cruelty and the beauty of the wider world, and redemption through self-discovery and the bonds of family.

"My little brother and I saw a unicorn in the garden in the late nineties. I'm telling you. Neither one of us made it up; it was as real as anything else."

So begins The Terrible, Yrsa Daley-Ward's brave, raw, completely lyrical memoir that captures the surreal magic and incredible discomfort of adolescence, burgeoning sexuality, rootlessness, and connection.

Through emotional snapshots that span from her adolescence through her early 20s, each brought to life in Yrsa's gorgeous signature style of open white spaces and stirring, singular lines, The Terrible evokes the pain and thrill of girlhood, as well as what it means to discover the fear and power that come with being a woman. With a sharp eye and a rare talent for mining the beauty and the sorrow in the everyday, Yrsa recounts her remarkable life: growing up as one of the only black children in a poor, white, working class town; navigating the extreme Christianity of her family; inquiring after her paternity; moving through phases of addiction and sexual encounters; and ultimately finding her place in her family and in life.

©2018 Yrsa Daley-Ward (P)2018 Penguin Audio
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Critic reviews

Longlisted for the 2019 PEN Open Book Award

“Devastating and lyrical.” (The New York Times)

“Though her plainspokenness resembles Rupi Kaur’s accessibility, Daley-Ward has a specific story to tell, one that is suspenseful and affecting in its details.” (The New Yorker)

“A few months ago, I thought I lost my love for reading. I spent weeks putting books down after a few pages. Nothing spoke to me. Then one magical day, I stumbled on The Terrible.... Daley-Ward’s beautiful prose wrapped its hands around my neck - I found myself doing stupid things like walking through New York at rush hour with my nose buried in her book.” (Jamal Jordan, The New York Times Book Review - New & Noteworthy)

All stars
Most relevant  
I've never enjoyed poetry - until now. I have never enjoyed an audible book as much as this one - and I've heard a few. Loved the author's accent and just the way she drew me into a subject in which I had no interest; but it didn't matter. Absolutely brilliant in every way.

Poetry

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I rarely write reviews, but this book deserves one. I am blown away by how talented this author is. I flew through the book in one day - couldn’t stop listening. Her narration was captivating and soulful and I don’t think anyone else could have done a better job. I loved the poetic cadence of her writing. There is so much that I admire here. Her beautiful writing, yes - everything about it, but also her resilience, her honesty, and the way that her words made me reflect on my own life. Just, wow. I loved it.

Phenomenal

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A beautiful yet tragic memoir. Open and raw and real. Thank you Yrsa for sharing.

Yrsa! My hero!

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This is an incredible unique special book. Having the authors voice read it is so powerful, lush and full of texture…I just have no words.

Cannot recommend this book enough.

Wow.

Beautiful magical journey

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This was superb. Lyrical. Bold. Beautiful! A joy! One I will not forget easily! Read it!

Amazing!

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A Beautiful insight into the plight but at times delightful world of an African woman, elegantly told by Yrsa herself. Lovely absolutely lovely.

Wonderful

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I didn’t know what to expect. I really enjoyed this memoir. Easy 5 stars. Loved every minute of this.

Fantastic!

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The story itself is interesting only because she is a famous poet, otherwise the writing is not very descriptive and it’s just a chronological telling of her life’s events as opposed to a story that comes to life in any real way. Not exactly boring, but didn’t hold my attention. Her voice is beautiful.

Not very descriptive for a poet

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I guess this book is just not for me. I never could get any base of understanding. Oh well......... sometimes you win, some books, you lose........

Hated it!

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