Angela's Ashes

By: Frank McCourt, Jeannette Walls - introduction

Narrated by: Frank McCourt, Jeannette Walls - introduction

Length: 15 hrs and 8 mins

Publisher's summary

Pulitzer Prize, Biography/Autobiography, 1997

National Book Critics Circle, Biography/Autobiography, 1997

Frank McCourt's Pulitzer Prize-winning memoir, movingly read in his own voice, bears all the marks of a classic. Born in Depression-era Brooklyn to Irish immigrant parents, Frank was later raised in the slums of Limerick, Ireland. His mother, Angela, had no money to feed her children since Frank's father, Malachy, rarely worked, and when he did, he drank his wages. Angela's Ashes is the story of how Frank endured - wearing shoes repaired with tires, begging for a pig's head for Christmas dinner, and searching the pubs for his father - a tale he relates with eloquence, exuberance, and remarkable forgiveness.

Listen to Frank McCourt talk about this book on C-SPAN's Booknotes (7/11/97).

©1997 Frank McCourt, All Rights Reserved (P)1997 Simon & Schuster Inc., All Rights Reserved, Audioworks is an Imprint of Simon & Schuster Audio Division Simon & Schuster Inc.

Critic reviews

"Frank McCourt is a marvelous writer whose words are made all the better when he reads them aloud..." (Bookpage)

"...one of the best I've heard in years." (The Boston Globe)

"...so good it deserves a sequel" (The New York Times)

"Here we have the stereotypical Irish characters - the drunken poet father; the all-suffering mother; the miserable, hungry kids being turned away by a haughty Church - all made three-dimensional and brought fully to life by both McCourt's language and his loving, intimate narration.... Grim it is - but the tale and its teller transcend the poverty - and so does the listener, who glories in the story and voice from beginning to end." (AudioFile)

This is a must listen

This book is amazing. It was recommended by a college English professor of over 20 years teaching who told me this is a required reading in her class; I was not disappointed. Frank is an amazing writer and especially an amazing narrator. He kept me wanting to hear more. I listened to all his books.

Awesome autobiography

What did you love best about Angela's Ashes?

I loved the fact that Frank McCourt had written it and narrated it. That was one of the best finds in this book. I had questions on whether some things were portrayed right by the narrator and then I looked it up and saw that Frank narrated his own book. That meant a lot. I could sit back and enjoy, knowing that things really were the way he remembered it.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Angela's Ashes?

There were many memorable moments. But one of the ones that stands out would be when he gets the courier job and then is able to keep it. It showed that one does not have to be a carbon copy of the past that you are raised in. You can make your life different.

Which scene was your favorite?

That would have to be where he describes his first communion. I don't want to ruin it for anyone, but having grown up Catholic, even in today's world, it is the same. I had to chuckle and call and share with someone!

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Let's put it this way, I couldn't wait to get in my car and turn on my book. Yes I wanted to listen to it all in one sitting but I do have a life and have restricted myself to listening only on my commute. That still gives me 4 hours a day.

Any additional comments?

I would recommend it for sure. It's a little depressing, but it is the way things were for Frank. It was very interesting. It was recommended by my 25 year old daughter, and I am not a bit sorry that I got it!

Loved this book! A look into the past

What a wonderful visit back to the old world. Frank McCourt’s look at all the struggles of that time are spot on. His voice and accent are absolutely mesmerizing the stories riveting to hear. Kudos to you Frank- Very well done

OMG. This is a great book

Most of this takes place in Ireland during WWII and a little after. It's about Frank McCourts childhood. Growing up dirt poor. With a father who was an alcoholic and a stay at home mom. Being raised very catholic.He has 5 brothers and one sister. 2 brothers and the sister die. They never really say from what but I'm sure the malnutrition made a difference.
This takes him through early years in NY. Move to Ireland and a father who is a drunk. His father moves to England for work. Instead of sending money home he drinks it away. Causing his mother to get charity and other assistance
At times this story can become very heavy and dark but you really are looking at it through a child's eyes.
I love books that are being told by the author and with his Irish accent it will help draw you in more. Can't wait to hear the next book.

through poverty there can be class . 5 star plus !

I enjoyed this story so much. I see it as a success story. classy .

Wonderful story and narration

I was pleasantly surprised of how engaging the story was as well as what a great job the writer did in telling a truly sad and brutal reality of poverty from a child’s perspective. Really original. Great read

never get tired of listening

this is a favorite and I've listened to it several times. Frank McCort is brilliant.

Now that was entertainment!

A masterful story written, and read by a masterful story teller. It gets better with every listen.

Can't Put It Down...

This is my third listen to the brilliant Frank McCourt reading Angela's Ashes. His voice and dialect are captivating. This poet of a man creates word pictures that make me dance or weep from the telling of them. Although I've also read Tis and Teacher Man, this remains my favorite...

St. Pats mood

A wonderful memoir. It's so important to understand the struggles that are happening around the globe even in this modern age where we could clothe, feed, and house every human. I look forward to listening to 'Tis.