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The Shortest Day

By: Colm Tóibín
Narrated by: Tim Gerard Reynolds
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Publisher's summary

In Ireland, a man of reason is drawn to a true mystery older than the Pyramids and Stonehenge in this enthralling story about ethereal secrets by New York Times best-selling author Colm Tóibín.

During the winter solstice, on the shortest day and longest night of the year, the ancient burial chamber at Newgrange is empowered. Its mystifying source is a haunting tale told by locals.

Professor O’Kelly believes an archaeologist’s job is to make known only what can be proved. He is undeterred by ghost stories, idle speculation, and caution. Much to the chagrin of the living souls in County Meath. As well as those entombed in the sacred darkness of Newgrange itself. They’re determined to protect the secret of the light, guarded for more than 5,000 years. And they know O’Kelly is coming for it.

©2020 Colm Tóibín (P)2020 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.
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What listeners say about The Shortest Day

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Beautifully written story and Great Narration

Beautiful story that was so well written. And the narration is perfect for it. A thought provoking short piece.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Mystical realism

Science and shamanism, darkness and slivers of light swirl in this story on the winter solstice in a place beyond and squarely time.

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  • Overall
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other than knowledge

great things about the book. I was intrigued with the story and how it works.

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  • Overall
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Some things should remain a Mystery!

I loved this story of the ancient voices of those buried at Newgrange, and the archaeologist who has spent a lifetime studying it. While I was glad that the ancients were able to share this great mystery of the shortest day without losing its beneficent, life-giving power, I finished the story worried about what the world would do to this most ancient and sacred place when it learned of the mystery of the shortest day.

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A Lesson

Let this be a lesson on how a short story should be written and performed.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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Shortest Day , and book

just when I started getting into the story, it ended. bummer. needs fleshing out or some more good Irish ghosts.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars

A beautiful story that goes nowhere

So many loose ends left untied. So many avenues left unexplored. So many parallels left unconnected.

Too many. Was left wholly unsatisfied, resolved or even really edified. It was rich yet unrolling and therefore unsatisfying.

The writer should put this through one more edit and tie a few things up.

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Past and present day intertwining

A lovely story, adding depth and dimension to memories of walking down that narrow passage on our Newgrange visit.

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A lovely Christmas ghost story

I love this little story and the narator! I just looked it up.. it is a real place! And this really happens every winter!

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Beautiful

Tobin is exceptional ; the story and performance are done well and presented wonderfully ; a memorable, captivating performance

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