The Parade

A novel

By: Dave Eggers

Narrated by: Dion Graham

From the bestselling author of The Monk of Mokha and The Circle comes a taut, suspenseful story of two foreigners' role in a nation's fragile peace.

An unnamed country is leaving the darkness of a decade at war, and to commemorate the armistice the government commissions a new road connecting two halves of the state. Two men, foreign contractors from the same company, are sent to finish the highway. While one is flighty and adventurous, wanting to experience the nightlife and people, the other wants only to do the work and go home. But both men must eventually face the absurdities of their positions, and the dire consequences of their presence. With echoes of J. M. Coetzee and Graham Greene, this timeless novel questions whether we can ever understand another nation's war, and what role we have in forging anyone's peace.

Loved it!

I loved everything about this story! Excellent narration. Story was interesting from start to finish.

Great book, regrettable reader

The Audible reader does the author and the listener a disservice by reading the character Nine's dialogue in such a way as to make him sound ridiculous. Yes, a good reader will help a listener discern one character from another, but it is not right to bias a listener by creating a negative impression of a character.

What Will Occur Because of Our Actions?

A short, but thought-provoking story. Recommended for someone who reads for more than entertainment.

Short, but not sweet

This book was recommended to me by someone that lives in the Horn of Africa because it is a story full of the idiosyncrasies of living in a war-ravaged country. The tech and the mode of working seem far-fetched, and the personalities, a bit extreme. It really tells the story of a single event that could go very bad. It may be helpful to someone working for a large company with vast resources, but for the average cross-cultural worker, there is very little that is relatable. No SAT phones, no guns, no grenades, no back-up. Read it if you find yourself looking for something, otherwise, move closer to the bottom of your reading list.

Quick page turner

Thought the book was well planned, was eager to finish it, mostly because nine was driving me crazy, I won’t say more as not to spoil it. Quick read goes by in a day, felt like it should have been included in a selected works or collection. wouldn’t have thought a book about paving a road could be so intriguing, there will be some predictability for anyone who has read other books of this nature about “3rd world” issues with unstable countries and culture shock. Honestly anyone who has done some traveling will cringe at some of the decisions the characters make. Nonetheless it was just the right length to not become overwhelming. People who have a hard time with finishing a long novel or are short on time in general will find it appealing . It was a literary snack. Would be a great read on an international flight. lol