When All Is Said

A Novel

By: Anne Griffin

Narrated by: Niall Buggy

"An extraordinary novel, a poetic writer, and a story that moved me to tears." —New York Times John Boyne, bestselling author of The Boy in the Striped Pajamas

"I'm here to remember–all that I have been and all that I will never be again."

If you had to pick five people to sum up your life, who would they be? If you were to raise a glass to each of them, what would you say? And what would you learn about yourself, when all is said?

At the bar of a grand hotel in a small Irish town sits 84-year-old Maurice Hannigan. He’s alone, as usual ­- though tonight is anything but. Pull up a stool and charge your glass, because Maurice is finally ready to tell his story.

Over the course of this evening, he will raise five toasts to the five people who have meant the most to him. Through these stories - of unspoken joy and regret, a secret tragedy kept hidden, a fierce love that never found its voice - the life of one man will be powerful and poignantly laid bare.

Beautifully heart-warming and powerfully felt, the voice of Maurice Hannigan will stay with you long after all is said and done.

More praise for When All Is Said:

“Beautiful. Intimate. Tearful. Aching and lyrical. So simply and beautifully told.” – Louise Penny, #1 New York Times bestselling author

"Griffin's stunning debut, brimming with irresistible Irish-isms, is an elegy to love, loss and the complexity of life." — People Magazine

"When All Is Said catches a world in a moment. Maurice Hannigan is a wonderful invention, whose bitter-sweet meditations will stay long in the reader's mind. Anne Griffin has fashioned a rare jewel." — John Banville, New York Times bestselling author of Time Pieces and Man Booker Prize award-winning author of The Sea

Critic reviews

"We hear the love in [Niall Buggy's] voice as he talks of Sadie, rage as he recalls childhood bullying, regret for failures as a father and husband, and humor and wonder at the amazing gift of life through it all. Be prepared to laugh, cry, and carry Maurice with you long after you finish the story." -<b><i>AudioFile Magazine</i>, Earphones Award Winner</b>

The best book of 2019!

there are not enough words to say how much I enjoyed this book. Ive experienced the gammet of emotions. this read was fantastic from beginning to end. If a debut novel is this good. I can hardly wait for what is next

Beautiful book

I just think there should be some mental health info at the end of the book. International hotlines for people with suicidal ideation. But gorgeous story. Funny, poignant, heartbreaking. Loved it.

Wonderful story and Performance

I have been listening to Audible books for over 3 years now, during my daily commute to work. This book, has been hands down my favorite. The Narrator made this good story great, and if you've never listened to an Audible book before, this is the one to start with. His elderly mans Irish brogue, was absolutely enthralling.

One of the best narrations you will ever hear

This book is fantastic. Everyone should read it. At times it had me howling with laughter and other times crying a tear. The narrator is simply amazing and you couldn’t have found a better person to narrate! All and all a perfect listen!

Melancholy but beautiful

Maurice will stay with me. Lovely writing. Get yourself in the mindset of meeting someone and hearing their life story and you will love it.