Paddy Clarke Ha Ha Ha

Booker Prize Winner

By: Roddy Doyle

Narrated by: Aidan Gillen

Winner of the Booker Prize – Roddy Doyle’s witty, exuberant novel about a young boy trying to make sense of his changing world

It is 1968. Patrick Clarke is ten. He loves Geronimo, the Three Stooges, and the smell of his hot water bottle. He can't stand his little brother Sinbad. His best friend is Kevin, and their names are all over Barrytown, written with sticks in wet cement. They play football, lepers, and jumping to the bottom of the sea. But why didn't anyone help him when Charles Leavy had been going to kill him? Why do his ma and da argue so much, but act like everything is fine? Paddy sees everything, but he understands less and less. Hilarious and poignant, Paddy Clarke Ha Ha Ha charts the triumphs, indignities, and bewilderment of a young boy and his world, a place full of warmth, cruelty, confusion and love.©1993 Roddy Doyle; (P)1994 Reed Audio

I want the Unabridged

There was no mention that this is the abridged version. But I've seen the Unabridged in your online catalog. I know it's out there. The pared-down book and narration have only whetted my thirst for the whole story. Why are you denying me, Audible?

Loved it!

Great story told through the eyes of a young boy. The narration by Aidan Gillen is exceptional.... full of exuberance and a lot of heart.

wrong order

This isn't read in the correct order. What edition could he possibly be reading? I checked three copies and couldn't figure it found. It also skips some lines and parts. OK listen overall if you're not trying to read with the book.

engaging

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

I would definitely recommend this audiobook to a friend. But I think it takes a certain taste to enjoy this story.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Paddy (of course). At first it's a little confusing following the flow of this kids thoughts, but once you get the hang of it... hang on.

Which scene was your favorite?

I liked how he thought through his plan to run away. Very calculating.

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

I listen to audiobooks during my commute that is done in 50 minute clips. Knowing I had this story waiting, made me look forward to the drive.

Any additional comments?

I love listening to an Irish brogue. But it also makes me work to pick up words pronounced differently than we would in the US, plus there were references to things I was clueless about. This is a book I will listen to again in order to pick up what I missed while I was trying to decipher some of the foreign words. It was a nice trip into the mind of a child.

True and familiar and a bit like home.

The narration only adds to the power of Roddy Doyle's spectacular storytelling. Even cloistered away in the midst of a pandemic, it feels like being transported directly into Paddy's world; the gift you've been waiting for.