The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey

By: Walter Mosley

Narrated by: Dominic Hoffman

Length: 8 hrs and 11 mins

Publisher's summary

A masterful, moving novel about age, memory, and family from one of the literary icons of our time.

Coming in March 2022 from Apple Plus, a six-part series starring Samuel L. Jackson.

Ptolemy Grey is 91 years old and has been all but forgotten - by his family, his friends, even himself - as he sinks into a lonely dementia. His grand-nephew, Ptolemy's only connection to the outside world, was recently killed in a drive-by shooting, and Ptolemy is too suspicious of anyone else to allow them into his life. Until he meets Robyn, his niece's 17-year-old lodger and the only one willing to take care of an old man at his grandnephew's funeral.

But Robyn will not tolerate Ptolemy's hermitlike existence. She challenges him to interact more with the world around him, and he grasps more firmly onto his disappearing consciousness. However, this new activity pushes Ptolemy into the fold of a doctor touting an experimental drug that guarantees Ptolemy won't live to see age 92 but that he'll spend his last days in feverish vigor and clarity. With his mind clear, what Ptolemy finds-in his own past, in his own apartment, and in the circumstances surrounding his grand-nephew's death-is shocking enough to spur an old man to action, and to ensure a legacy that no one will forget.

In The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey, Mosley captures the compromised state of his protagonist's mind with profound sensitivity and insight, and creates an unforgettable pair of characters at the center of a novel that is sure to become a true contemporary classic.

©2010 Penguin Audio; 2010 Walter Mosley

Critic reviews

"Mosley's depiction of the indignities of old age is heartbreaking, and Ptolemy's grace and decency make for a wonderful character and a moving novel." ( Publishers Weekly)

Movie and Book

The movie and the book were very similar the reader was great made me feel like I was watching the movie again. Awesome awesome loved the story line. Kept my attention if you haven’t seen the movie it’s a must see and the book is a must as well.

Powerful Memories!!!

This was my first Walter Mosley novel and I was not disappointed.
I loved the unique plot and storyline. The characters were so real it was quite easy to visualize them and their lives. Ptolemy Gray is an unforgettable protagonist. I came to understand his choices and rooted for him in spite of societal norms for how one should behave. And then there was Robin. I think we all need a Robin to come by and clean house and rouse our memories. I really appreciated the way Mosley shone lights on the various "love" relationships people experience or mistakenly believe they have experienced. The truth can be hidden in memory. Memory is so very powerful. Ptolemy demonstrates this so well and he brings to our attention how important memories can be if we maintain access to them.
A great story by a great storyteller.
The narration was also excellent in every way, setting the tone of Ptolemy for the reader/listener.

Kept listening to the end.

Story sounded interesting and did not disappoint. Made you feel for the main character. His relationship with the female was a little on the borderline but there are many other redeeming points for the book. First book by this author but not the last.

Wow!!!!

Why did I wait so long to read(listen) to this book? It was excellent. Very warm and touching. I called my 94 year old aunt to check on her after reading this book. It really had me thinking about life, and being thankful for those who care about you. And it had me sitting on the edge of my seat. Great read!!!!

A Beautiful Story from Start to Finish

Loves this audio version of the book. I felt like you really get to know the characters. Binge watched the series after listening and was pleasantly surprised.

Will listen again.

it doesn't get any better than this!

Great story about love conquering all! I was stunned at how the author captured the fleeting clarity of dementia. I rooted for Ptolemy and Robyn till the very last word.

I do hospice for a living

This book has made my heart flutter and a smile on my face .The world needs a lot of Robins and Mr. Grey .

Outstanding!

Reader did a great job. Story line keeps you going…finally a good book that holds your interest.

one for the ages

loved this book. now I am going to watch Samuel Jackson remake of it on HBO

I love this book!

What an incredible intertwining of fiction, end-of-life, dementia, and African-American culture. What an endearing character Ptolemy is. I loved every word and every minute of it.