Ordinary Grace

By: William Kent Krueger

Narrated by: Rich Orlow

Length: 10 hrs and 59 mins

Publisher's summary

Award-winning author William Kent Krueger has gained an immense fan base for his Cork O’Connor series. In Ordinary Grace, Krueger looks back to 1961 to tell the story of Frank Drum, a boy on the cusp of manhood. A typical 13-year-old with a strong, loving family, Frank is devastated when a tragedy forces him to face the unthinkable - and to take on a maturity beyond his years.

©2013 William Kent Krueger (P)2013 Recorded Books

Critic reviews

“Krueger aims higher and hits harder with a stand-alone novel that shares much with his other work.” ( Kirkus Reviews)

Very enjoyable!

I cannot find the words to express the contemplative quiet this novel invoked in me. As an atheist I usually do not care for themes of faith and especially preaching. This book discusses life's questions against the backdrop of a young man and his family dynamics. However, the story is nicely woven and stands on its own regardless of the deeper thoughts.

A town and a time like Mayberry

This book, set in 1961, crept deep into my heart and senses. The story is about Frank and his younger brother, Jake. Their dad is the Methodist minister. They have an older sister, Ariel, a senior in high school, about to go off to college. Their mom, not the typical preacher's wife, spends her days wishing her husband had become the brilliant attorney, his first career choice . . . but who later decided to go to seminary, after he returned home from the war. The small town that they live in, much like Mayberry, changes that summer beginning with the death of a small boy . . . and then things begin on a course of pain and change that will haunt and cut their family and the townspeople to the core . . . and threaten all they believe in. This story is their path through that . . . and it is an amazing, tearful, frightening journey, bringing one face to face with all the best and the worst in the people . . . and teaching two young boys about true grace.

I Didn't Want This to End

If you could sum up Ordinary Grace in three words, what would they be?

Charming, tender, memorable

What did you like best about this story?

It reminded me of the years of my childhood. Very given to detail, to the point I could picture the images in my mind.

What about Rich Orlow’s performance did you like?

He didn't draw attention to himself. I never thought he is really good or he is really bad ... He performed so well, I was able to concentrate completely on the story, and not even think about the deliverer.

If you could take any character from Ordinary Grace out to dinner, who would it be and why?

Gus; he was such a down to earth man, humble, and wise, thoughtful. When he was wrong he was man enough to admit it and apologize.

Any additional comments?

Great book. Being raised in a preacher's home myself, I found it quite refreshing to hear how other families managed the various situations that only pastor's kids would know.

Heart wrenching story

An incredible insight into a teens memory of a summer that changed lives. Could not put it down.

On a personal note, the dialogue about loss was very poignant and after 5 years since my child died, it gave me a perspective on my sad event. Perhaps I was ready to hear a different view of loss and death. But it helped.

Looking forward to another novel by this author.

Lovely Sense Of Time And Place

I loved this book! It spoke to places in my heart that have not been stirred for a while. Thank you.

Gracefully Done

As a Jew the concept of Grace is not something we theologically discuss to any great extent. Thus, I hesitated at first because of the title and the beginning overtones of the book. I was rapidly engrossed in the story and wanted to get to know the characters better. The story line, one of loss and coming of age in the early 1960's in Minnesota hit close to home even though it involved a minister's family. The story one of great pain at times was rough to listen to because I identified with Frank and Jake and their parents' at through out the story. I appreciated Krueger's ability to work with the pain and the fall out from it and the quiet love of the family. It is the journey of acceptance and integrity and moving with the pain that I loved.

It is hard to put down, well worth your time and your credits. Enjoy!

Bravo

I loved this book. It has a little of everything, murder mystery, tragic love stories, family drama, surprises. Highly recommend!

A Beautiful, Sad story Well Told

Where does Ordinary Grace rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

It is hard to compare this book with most of the books I have read. It is basically a story of a family in a small town that experiences a terrible tragedy. The characters flow from there. I read a lot of mysteries and some human interest dramas. This is really both and is guaranteed to keep the readers interest.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

The plot and character development were excellent. The story is told in the eyes of a boy and is told in a way that feels appropriate. The characters are not perfect. They are human in every way. From the very beginning of the book I was hooked. At no time could I predict the outcome until the very end. I especially appreciate how well the story is read with each voice distinct and real. I should add that spirituality or religion has a large peace in this book but it does not come off preachy. I am not a religious person but this book was not at all offensive in that regard.

Have you listened to any of Rich Orlow’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No, but I will be watching for him in other books.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

If I answered that, I think I would give too much away!

Heartwarming, beautiful story

The prose is beautiful, the story and lessons in it timeless. It has something of everything: a murder, love stories, unrequited love, man’s eternal quest to find meaning and believe in a higher deity despite life’s tragedies and the choices we have to make to be, above all, honest and honorable to all our fellow beings, despite species, race or faith. The narrator did the story justice too!

Fantastic Book

I loved this book. It was so well written and the author weaved a thought-provoking, sad, challenging and heartfelt story that provides a solid message and reminder about being thankful. I wish there were more books like this!