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)

Another great long trip read

Liked by my husband and I. We enjoyed the reader, the characters and the story.

Heartbreaking and heartwarming

I loved everything about this book. I thought the narrator did an excellent job and brought the story to life.

Narrator far and away above and beyond excellent

Story kept a good pace, enough to keep me interested, especially as told from the perspective of the main character, Frank— a 13 yr old boy full of everything that makes a teenaged boy worth paying attention to. The relationship between Frank and his younger brother, Jake came to life in the gifted hands of the narrator, who managed to make me chuckle (reliving memories of exchanges between my own brothers and myself) even when the storyline takes a turn and careens into darkness. Other characters and relationships opened up deftly, creating an interesting web of connectedness I was willing to selfishly take a front row seat for, while watching life unfold in this little country town during one unforgettable summer.

A good read... but, an excellent listen.

I did have to replay the last chapters that unfolded the main plot to be sure I bought into the whodunnit aspect... and even though I furrowed my brow a bit, I did appreciate the way the author wrapped up the book. Nice touch, as I prefer a book that doesn’t require you draw your own conclusions... even taking the finale one step further. You’ll understand what I mean, when you listen to the book.

Fabulous Audible Book

This novel is at the top of all books listened to at Audible. The narrator does an excellent job with portraying the voices of the characters. A must listened to if you have experienced the death of a loved one.

A worthy read

I would read this again!! Timeless message of humanness and hope coming out of life just being lived. Despite tragedy and loss, grace is possible.

A Quiet Masterpiece

A novel about ordinary people, people with flaws, secrets and needs. A minister and his family in a small town in Minnesota in the early '60s face life's disappointments and heartbreaks. The reader perfectly expresses the voice of the 13 year old son coming of age, facing the broken needs of those around him, and death. The writing is exquisite, and I was immediately drawn in this time, this life, this pain. Highly recommended.

Worth the time!

The last conversation between Frank and Warren in this book makes all of it worthwhile. I will never forget it.
Overall, I liked the book. It is well written and flows very well. The narrator is good. Like all good mysteries the reader is constantly trying to figure out Who done it? Your interest is held throughout. One revelation I found jarring and quite unnecessary, but I forgive it because of the conversation I mentioned above.

Mystery w/ undertone of faith/grace discovery

I loved the story. I felt totally transported to the time and place while listening. I'd describe it as equal parts mystery (slow build up to the real trauma) and coming of age with a subtle yet potent part of discovering faith/grace of God mixed in. It's first and foremost a great novel/story. The elements of wrestling with faith/grace are so subtle that they more realistically mirror true life struggles with understanding why God would allow things to happen without being preachy at all. If you're not into books with religious undertones, you'll still love the story for how a family deals with a mysterious trauma. Highly recommend.

Thought provoking

Lots to consider. Lessons learned or relearned. A book of brokenness and yet recovery. A story of faith, forgiveness and the Grace of God both “Ordinary” and “Awful”. Written so beautifully taking the reader on this journey that is so real and genuine

Salt of the Earth Story

This is a book “of the soul.” Krueger brought back vivid memories of my middle America upbringing in the home of a pastor. Character development is optimal. Pace of the tale is right on. He kept us thinking and guessing. Excellent job of painting a picture of a time and a very local place. A visual masterpiece.