All the Lonely People

By: Mike Gayle

Narrated by: Ben Onwukwe

Length: 12 hrs and 21 mins

Publisher's summary

If you loved A Man Called Ove, then prepare to be delighted as Jamaican immigrant Hubert rediscovers the world he'd turned his back on this "warm, funny" novel (Good Housekeeping).

In weekly phone calls to his daughter in Australia, widower Hubert Birdpaints a picture of the perfect retirement, packed with fun, friendship, and fulfillment. But it's a lie. In reality, Hubert's days are all the same, dragging on without him seeing a single soul.

Until he receives some good news - good news that in one way turns out to be the worst news ever, news that will force him out again, into a world he has long since turned his back on. The news that his daughter is coming for a visit.

Now Hubert faces a seemingly impossible task: to make his real life resemble his fake life before the truth comes out. Along the way Hubert stumbles across a second chance at love, renews a cherished friendship, and finds himself roped into an audacious community scheme that seeks to end loneliness once and for all....

Life is certainly beginning to happen to Hubert Bird. But with the origin of his earlier isolation always lurking in the shadows, will he ever get to live the life he's pretended to have for so long?

©2021 Mike Gayle (P)2021 Grand Central Publishing

Critic reviews

“Hubert's adventures are hilarious and heartwarming, and Onwukwe's depiction of him makes this production shine.” (AudioFile)

Delightful

Very sweet book, with some unexpected plot twists. Gentle reminder to care for our neighbors.

So heartwarming

What a beautiful book! It made me smile and cry. I love the book with nice endings.

Wonderful Book

Although this gas fiction, it made such a positive impression on me. It takes you through the sixties and the horrible time in our nation when racism was the normal in many parts. I hope people read or listen to this story and takeaway the fact we are absolutely the same on the inside.

Exceptional Book

Without hesitation I day this is the best book I've listened to in the past year. The story captured my attention from the beginning. with rich and believable character development and plot. The narration absolutely made this story come to life. I feel I knew these people and miss them already. Thank you, Mike Gayle, for such a worthy listen.

Wonderful story with a great lesson

Wonderful story, with characters that come alive. It’s a great lesson for all of us who live our every day lives not thinking about those around us or maybe even ourselves who don’t make contact with people on a daily basis. It’s a lesson to all of us to show that even one or two people can make such a difference in this world.

Wow...some big surprises in a human interest story

Some compare this to a Man Called Ove, and while it is a story about a lonely man...and it slowly reveals past and present situations... this is more surprising and emotional than the other. I loved them both but this book really moved me. Not as predictable as one might think.

Wonderful, Charming, Heartwarming Listen

Delightful story, enhanced by a wonderful narration. So many lessons for us all in the life experiences shared by these characters.

Poignant

One of the best books I’ve listened to in the past couple of years. I grew to love the main character, Hubert, an old man with a huge heart. I cried over his losses and struggles - they felt very real to me. The performance was spot on - truly fabulous.

New Goals

Gave me food for thought in my own life. Hopefully, I will act on the inspiration of the book.

Such an enjoyable story

I wasn't sure what to expect when I got this book but decided to try it on a whim. It ended up being a very easy and enjoyable listen. It made me think about all the lonely people in the world. The story was really nicely written.