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)

So sad, so joyous, so good!

This is an extremely touching book, well written and superbly narrated by Frank McCourt. It is the story of McCourts' mother's immigration to America, marriage to a handsome alcoholic, and their children. It is a miracle that Frank McCourt grew into such a witty optimistic person after growing up the way he did. Even though the circumstances of a terribly dysfunctional family are tragic, McCourt also brings out the humor and joy that the young children experienced. It was absolutely laugh out funny much of the time as we learn about the various extended family members and their background. Although parts are difficult to listen to, this is NOT a dark book. It is a triumph of hope and love and hard work. The narration by Frank McCourt is beyond good - it is totally amazing. His authentic accent and his sense of humor shine and give the story a brilliance that no other narrator could give. Highly recommend.

Tis beautiful

Beautifully written. Hearing it in Frank McCourts voice makes all the difference. I wish I could have met him in person

Such a captivating story from a great storyteller

This is an incredible story of hardship, perseverance, survival and life in general wrapped in a humble humor that makes your heart melt. Frank McCourt is a gifted storyteller who ia able to transport his listeners and readers into the place and time of the story. This book is not just about immigration, hardships of life, and finding meaning. This is a story that opens doors to a human soul and makes you realize you are not alone on this journey of life. We all make similar mistakes, have similar aspirations and struggles. This beautifully written book should be in everyone's ♎

Wanted more

That’s great that a book can make me want to keep reading in today’s busy world with so many distractions

Pleasure I could go for again!

I loved listening to this book and would do it again if I didn't have so many audiobooks waiting to be heart. Frank McCourt himself reads his book with his slight Irish accent. This book certainly deserves the Pulitzer Prize it received when published. Don't be put off by its age.

Even Better Heard than Read

Frank McCourt reading his Angela's Ashes is what an audio book is all about. In this case, the audio is even better than the paper version. From his narration, to dialogue, to his singing of childhood ditties, this is a mesermizing and captivating performance, as well as a terrific book. The movie was ok, the book was good, but this audio is GREAT! Probably one of the best one's I've ever listened to.

wonderful audiobook

Where does Angela's Ashes rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

One of the top three audiobooks I have heard.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Frank of course, the book is him and everyone else just makes the story

Which character – as performed by Frank McCourt – was your favorite?

The twins, made me so sad when they died.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

very much so. We take so much for granted in our generation. My parents told stories of the depression in America, but never to this level of poverty

Any additional comments?

Having the author perform the book really makes it special. The songs, stories, etc. It does go on and on a bit, but there also is humor and escape.

love this book

second time through in 20 years... what a great story teller... his brogue is captivating and addictive

I Miss Young Frankie McCourt

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would recommend this to a friend because it is a real life story told straight from the person who experienced it.

What did you like best about this story?

The fact that Frank McCourt lived through all those hard times.

What does Frank McCourt bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

It is his story in his own words, that can never be transferred into print as accurately as his own voice can portray it.

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

No, I had to take a break from it at times as it has so many disturbing parts.

Any additional comments?

I sometimes listen to parts of the book again while driving simply because I miss the young boy from the "story".

Beautiful Book

Good narrative, very well written. Very tough story combined with the innocence of kids that made me laugh at times. I really enjoyed it and recommend to anyone.