The Lion's Den

Inheritance collection

By: Anthony Marra

Narrated by: Timothy Andrés Pabon

Exposing his father’s transgressions in a tell-all was the ethical, righteous--and profitable--thing to do. What’s left but to slink back home for a humbling face-to-face with the man whose secrets he sold?

He was a notorious government whistle-blower. Depending on whom you ask, he’s a treasonous felon, a folk hero, a validated patriot, or a national disgrace. To his son, Michael, he’s the father who threw his family into upheaval. Now, having moved back home at the age of thirty-four, Michael is getting to know him as a man. And getting nearer to understanding his motivations that have remained a mystery in this darkly humorous short story of sacrifice and betrayal by New York Times bestselling author Anthony Marra.

Anthony Marra’s The Lion’s Den is part of Inheritance, a collection of five stories about secrets, unspoken desires, and dangerous revelations between loved ones. Each piece can be read or listened to in a single setting. By yourself, behind closed doors, or shared with someone you trust.

©2019 Anthony Marra (P)2019 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Worth reading

I was drawn into the story despite my dislike of narrators who speak directly to the reader. The ending left me wanting more. The story is told by the author of a scathing exposé of his own father, who is now dying of cancer. The ethics speech given at his Catholic grade school is priceless.

The Lion's Den

I enjoyed this short story and its unexpected plot twist. I totally emphasized with the characters and wondered what I would do if those circumstances happened to me and my family.

I would love to know the author's insight on the dynamics and what he was thinking about the symbolism of the lion's den.

Interesting story

Marra is an extremely talented author whose addition to the Inheritance Collection broke up the monotony of the previous two books, which were emotionally heavy. Michael's father was a well known Nobel Prize winner, but had been imprisoned for treason thanks to his son spilling all of his secrets. As his father is close to death, and Michael has no other choice but to move home, father and son heal the rift between the slightly. Comical at times, especially talking about the days he spent at Catholic school, the ending left me wanting a better conclusion, but still I enjoyed it and will look into other works of his. Pabon is a fabulous narrator, one whom I plan on researching to see if he's narrated any other books that I'd listen to.

Humor & pathos

Beautifully written short story, with a surprising amount of humor and an ending with emotional heft.

Truly beautiful story

I loved this short story. I wish Anthony Marra would write more. The language & imagery is exquisite.