Preview
  • All We Shall Know

  • A Novel
  • By: Donal Ryan
  • Narrated by: Sonya Macari
  • Length: 6 hrs and 2 mins
  • 4.3 out of 5 stars (44 ratings)

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All We Shall Know

By: Donal Ryan
Narrated by: Sonya Macari
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Publisher's summary

A breathtaking and redemptive novel from the award-winning and Man Booker-nominated author Donal Ryan.

Melody Shee is alone and in trouble. At 33 years old, she finds herself pregnant with the child of a 17-year-old Traveler boy, Martin Toppy, and not by her husband, Pat. Melody was teaching Martin to read, but now he's gone, and Pat leaves, too, full of rage. She's trying to stay in the moment, but the future is looming, while the past won't let her go. It's a good thing that she meets Mary Crothery when she does. Mary is a bold young Traveler woman, and she knows more about Melody than she lets on. She might just save Melody's life.

Following the nine months of her pregnancy, All We Shall Know unfolds with emotional immediacy in Melody's fierce, funny, and unforgettable voice as she contends with her choices, past and present.

©2017 Donal Ryan (P)2017 Penguin Audio
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Critic reviews

"So fine is this novel, and so purely told, that it establishes Mr. Ryan as the heir apparent to the late, great Irish stylists John McGahern and William Trevor.... There are countless passages...that are so sculpted and beautiful that one’s lips begin to shape their words unbidden, the way a song can move a crowd to its rhythm." (Wall Street Journal)

"A dwarf star of a novel: small, dark, impressively dense.... All We Shall Know makes a novel about the heaviness of existence into something that is even, and easy - and, at times, perfect, and right." (Boston Globe)

"[A] haunting, beautifully written story.” (Cleveland Plain Dealer)

What listeners say about All We Shall Know

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Breathtakingly beautiful writing.

The plot drives forward with astonishing emotions and sympathy for the unforgettable characters. I was transported completely by this amazing novel.

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Sad Beautiful Story

Extremely well written , painful at times. This narration was magnificent . I could have listened for hours more.

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Another great listen.

Donal Ryan is one of the greatest writers of this century. I listen to his books over and over for the beauty of the language and the wonderful Irish accents.

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Another masterpiece by Donal Ryan

Donal Ryan is a masterful writer. This is yet another novel of his where he taps into his characters deeply, vividly. It doesn’t take but a few pages to get invested in the main character’s life. Ryan’s style is lyrical, the story is simple yet sweeping. The audible performance was well rehearsed and is sensitive, thoughtful, and well paced. This is a lovely, exquisite, emotive story. An easy read, but moving and memorable.

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Loved it!

Donal Ryan has officially become one of my new favorite authors. It is so hard to find genuine literature anymore, but Ryan is a brilliant exception.

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Wow heartbreaking and beautiful

So so sad and raw and good I love D Ryan’s writing
Read this book

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