The Irresistible Henry House Audiobook By Lisa Grunwald cover art

The Irresistible Henry House

A Novel

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The Irresistible Henry House

By: Lisa Grunwald
Narrated by: Oliver Wyman
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It is the middle of the 20th century, and in a home economics program at a prominent university, real babies are being used to teach mothering skills to young women. For a young man raised in these unlikely circumstances, finding real love and learning to trust will prove to be the work of a lifetime. In this captivating novel, bestselling author Lisa Grunwald gives us the sweeping tale of an irresistible hero and the many women who love him.

From his earliest days as a practice baby through his adult adventures in 1960s New York City, Disney's Burbank studios, and the delirious world of the Beatles London, Henry remains handsome, charming, universally adored and never entirely accessible to the many women he conquers but can never entirely trust.

Filled with unforgettable characters, settings, and action, The Irresistible Henry House portrays the cultural tumult of the mid-20th century even as it explores the inner tumult of a young man trying to transcend a damaged childhood. For it is not until Henry House comes face-to-face with the real truths of his past that he finds a chance for real love.

©2010 Lisa Grunwald (P)2009 Audible, Inc. Fiction Genre Fiction Literary Fiction Psychological Sagas England

Editorial reviews

In 1946, Martha Gaines, program director of home economics at Wilton College, receives her twelfth “practice” baby, Henry House — an orphaned child ready to be raised by students in the course as practice for their future as mothers. Martha’s strict and unloving approach to child rearing, based on many of the parenting theories in this pre-Spock era, has no bearing on the fact that she falls deeply in love with little Henry, partly due to her life’s misfortune of losing her own child shortly after it was born. She convinces the dean to let her keep Henry after the two-year time limit and raise him as her own, but Henry quickly proves to be an unemotional little boy, who has trouble returning affections to any one woman. This theme follows him during his life’s journey as he’s shipped off to a school for troubled children, becomes a talented lover of women — and through his character, exemplifies the 60s sexual revolution. As irresistible as he was as a snuggly infant, he proves to be equally so as a young man and adult.

Oliver Wyman’s deep voice lends a documentary-like quality to the novel — appropriate as the story is based on the true use of “practice” babies at colleges in the 40s. Wyman’s slow and methodic story-telling is soothing and his wide range of vocal talents creates believable characters whether he’s imitating a woman’s voice or an infant’s (his baby cries are surprisingly life-like). His approach is warm and enveloping, making even the coldest of characters (like Martha Gaines) have something likeable about them.

This iconic novel is only enhanced by Wyman’s narration and is sure to become a favorite in American literature, among the likes of Forrest Gump and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. —Colleen Oakley

Critic reviews

"Like T.S. Garp, Forrest Gump or Benjamin Button, Henry House, the hero of Grunwald’s imaginative take on a little known aspect of American academic life, has an unusual upbringing....Grunwald nails the era just as she ingeniously uses Henry and the women in his life to illuminate the heady rush of sexual freedom (and confusion) that signified mid-century life." (Publishers Weekly)
"Irresistible." (Kathleen Daly, Newark Star-Ledger)
"The Irresistible Henry House is a soaring, heartfelt novel that spans three decades and an entire continent. Grunwald, author of several novels including Whatever Makes You Happy, creates a wholly original and all too human character in Henry House. Despite his quirks and shortcomings (or perhaps because of them), Henry is one of the most likeable, relatable characters in recent memory." (Amy Scribner, BookPage)

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Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes definitely. In fact I have already told a few friends about this book. I really enjoyed it despite some flaws with the story. It is an ambitious book. The story is about Henry, an irresistible young man who is unable to attach himself to anyone because of his upbringing in a practice house (very interesting). What I didn't like about the book is that the author is always reminding you that Henry is irresistible instead of allowing the story to unfold and the character to develop and grow on you so that you can make your own emotional connection. I liked the character. He is likeable but I didn't see what was SO special or charming about him. With that said, there is more to like in this audio than not - I liked the cultural references, the practice house, the babies, the changing philosophies of how to raise babies, and the ability or lack thereof to love and be able to attach yourself to another person in an authentic way based on your experience as a baby. Plus the narrator is amazing. I want to listen to more Oliver Wyman.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

While I was hoping for a different ending, it was in its own way fitting.

Have you listened to any of Oliver Wyman’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No but I will. He was amazing. He brought the story to life.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Not sure, but I think this book could make for a very good movie.

Any additional comments?

I really did like this book and think it is worth the listen. It is a slow start but once it picks up, it is hard to put down.

3.5 Stars!

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On the one hand, it's a somewhat interesting tale. On the other, it's about a terribly self-absorbed child who becomes an even more self-absorbed young man who I'd like to throttle. So it's a toss-up.

I'm on the fence about this book.

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I heard about this book on the best seller list, so I was excited to download it. I found it boring, but I thought the narrator was good. Maybe it's just me.

Loved the Narrator

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Would you try another book from Lisa Grunwald and/or Oliver Wyman?

I got this book because it is read by Oliver Wyman.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

A bit of a let down. Seems like a cop out in the end.

What does Oliver Wyman bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

He can actually do 7 distinctive female voices. 0o0 I finished the book because of his help

Do you think The Irresistible Henry House needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

Most likely, the ending was rather unsatisfactory.

Any additional comments?

I returned this book

Intriguing story line, just not my cup of tea

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I just finished this audiobook and I am recommending it to everyone I know! The characters are engaging and the story moves at the perfect pace.

Very entertaining

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I totally loved the story! The writing was entertaining tho it stretches a bit in the believability department from time to time. The character is quite likable even when he is behaving badly and he blends well with the other characters in the book. What I really disliked about the story was the ending... there wasn't one! You are listening quite contently when suddenly the story just ends! Very unsatisfactory. The book is well read and the voice is pleasing to the ear.

Gripping from the first line!

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Hey, if anything, this is pure guy lit. Guys can see their complex relationships with the opposite sex in this fantastically novel novel.

Story? First rate. I will admit to losing the line a few times but that wasn't important. I wanted to dislike Henry but couldn't. The author does a brilliant job of infecting the reader with his "charm".

And what a statement on men, women, relationships, childhood! Author Grunwald hits so many notes perfectly right down to descriptions of events that anyone who lived through any part of this period will be able to see, smell, taste---you'll just know it's right.

Nothing is contrived. That is brilliant writing. Read it for that alone and you'll be enriched.

Great book.

Chris Reich,

Thought It Was Purely Chic Lit. Wrong.

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I love Grunwald's story structure, marrying Henry's life with historic and cultural moments, including society's movement away from the very mindset that was the basis for his early life. Unfortunately, I didn't fully feel invested in the main character's development; I worry the author was so intent on making Henry seem understandably detached from others that she protected his inner self (and, therefore, most interesting emotions) even from her readers. The audiobook narrator seems to me an intriguing mix between Casey Kasem and David McCullough, which lends to the story an appropriate blend of romance, whimsy and relevance but in its own way contributes to the emotional stiffness. I am glad I listened, even if I wish the main character were a little more accessible to the reader/listener.

Decent audio read

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Wonderful book for anyone interested in child development. Funny & smart.

Funny and Smart

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I found The Irresistible Henry House to be a wonderful read. The concept was new to me and the main characters, although not very sympathetic were well constructed.

The period covered in the book, 40s to 60s, I could identify with so perhaps that is why I enjoyed the book so much.

Henry House and his many mothers in the early part of the book were fun. Oliver Wyman did a fantastic job with the narration.

I would recommend this book.

Postively irresistable

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