May We Be Forgiven

By: A. M. Homes

Narrated by: Andy Paris

A.M. Homes is acclaimed for her unnerving looks at suburban life in such searing works as The Safety of Objects, Jack, and Music for Torching. May We Be Forgiven, a darkly comic novel of 21st-century domestic life, stars Harold Silver, a historian who's always been jealous of his successful brother, George. But when the hot-tempered George is institutionalized for committing a violent act, Harold finds himself comforting his brother's wife and children. What follows is a scathing examination of a family so fractured it may never be whole again.

©2012 A.M. Holmes (P)2012 Recorded Books

Off-beat but lovable characters

Engrossing tragicomedy tale of family (an endearingly extended one), loss, and redemption with unexpected twists and turns. Narrater did a nice job keeping the focus on the story versus him. Quirky in all the good ways.

Just ok

Any additional comments?

This book seemed a bit contrived at points. The reading was fine, the story was a satire (I suppose) of life in these fast paced, hectic times. Harold as an adjunct professor forever writing the definitive book on Nixon makes for some interesting juxtapositions but these are also occasionally a bit much. Harrold’s sudden sex life crosses the borders of male fantasy and passes the village of absurdity when he is handcuffed by a couple of unhappy children.
The story keeps moving, along with Nixon flashbacks but I’m not sure I would have finished what would be a very long book had I taken it out of the library.

This is a powerful book.

Riveting. Clever. Wry humour and such darkness. I love the constant interruptions that take the lead from one drama to the next. Well worth the listen.

What a great read.

This was on the London times 10 best books. I took a chance. It was described as a dark comedy about suburbia. I saw it more as an ode to family in all its forms and a story of resilience. Read it!

At first it was great

I always loved am homes work and maybe i should just stick to short stories