Angela's Ashes

By: Frank McCourt, Jeannette Walls - introduction

Narrated by: Frank McCourt, Jeannette Walls - introduction

Length: 15 hrs and 8 mins

Publisher's summary

Pulitzer Prize, Biography/Autobiography, 1997

National Book Critics Circle, Biography/Autobiography, 1997

Frank McCourt's Pulitzer Prize-winning memoir, movingly read in his own voice, bears all the marks of a classic. Born in Depression-era Brooklyn to Irish immigrant parents, Frank was later raised in the slums of Limerick, Ireland. His mother, Angela, had no money to feed her children since Frank's father, Malachy, rarely worked, and when he did, he drank his wages. Angela's Ashes is the story of how Frank endured - wearing shoes repaired with tires, begging for a pig's head for Christmas dinner, and searching the pubs for his father - a tale he relates with eloquence, exuberance, and remarkable forgiveness.

Listen to Frank McCourt talk about this book on C-SPAN's Booknotes (7/11/97).

©1997 Frank McCourt, All Rights Reserved (P)1997 Simon & Schuster Inc., All Rights Reserved, Audioworks is an Imprint of Simon & Schuster Audio Division Simon & Schuster Inc.

Critic reviews

"Frank McCourt is a marvelous writer whose words are made all the better when he reads them aloud..." (Bookpage)

"...one of the best I've heard in years." (The Boston Globe)

"...so good it deserves a sequel" (The New York Times)

"Here we have the stereotypical Irish characters - the drunken poet father; the all-suffering mother; the miserable, hungry kids being turned away by a haughty Church - all made three-dimensional and brought fully to life by both McCourt's language and his loving, intimate narration.... Grim it is - but the tale and its teller transcend the poverty - and so does the listener, who glories in the story and voice from beginning to end." (AudioFile)

MOST WORTHY OF IT'S PULITZER!!!

I was immediately captivated by Mr. McCort's wonderful speaking voice, which completely drew me into the narrative of his childhood. The subtle humor of this man sprinkled over the adventures and tragedies of his childhood brought laughter and tears, and a vivid comprehension a life beginning in such abject poverty. I recommend this book to anyone who appreciates a historic reality lesson, or has ever or never known love or despair or poverty. Frank McCort is living proof that there is hope for us all!!
Mr. McCort is a marvelous writer and story-teller, and I intend to read every word he has ever written.

Angela's Ashes

If you have "Read" the book,or if you havn't,the lilting Irish brogue offered here is a must listen.The narration by the author extends, to the listener, more than just words, feelings and emotion captivate the moments of the author's hard life in Limerick, Ireland.

ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS I'VE EVER READ

I've read "Angela's Ashes" many times, in a hard-copy version and as an audiobook. It's one of my favorites of all time. And who could read it better than its author, Frank McCourt. I remember that the first time I read it, I thought to myself, "I'm not going to read any more if one more baby dies." Luckily for me, none more did.

The depth of the tragic events of McCourt's family is intense. It would be unbearable, if it weren't for McCourt's ability to find humor in any relationship or circumstance. Not many books have made me laugh out loud. This is one of them.

In fact, the balance between despair and humor is an essential element of the greatness of "Angela's Ashes." This is a book that I know I'll return to again and again and always find satisfying.

TIS ONE OF THE BEST

Very well writen and read. Great Story. You'll love it.

Classic

I originally read this book about 5 years ago. My family is Irish and my Aunt gave me this book to read. Mr. McCourt's memories on growing up in Ireland are so vivid and real. After I originally read the book, I had to watch the movie. It was touching! I noticed that it was available for audio and I bought that. With him actually doing the audio puts an authentic touch to it. He has such a pleasant Irish accent. I am hooked on Mr. McCourt's writings. I could read, listen, and watch over and over again. I recently saw that Mr. McCourt passed away last July. I'm so glad he wrote this book. It is a GREAT piece of history and in my opinion, should be a must read for any lit class student.

A must

The audio version is hands down the only way to 'consume' this book. Frank's accent and even his singing of all those old Irish songs are 'music' to my ears.
I originally listened on cassette, so I'm very pleased to have the digital version for my bookshelf!
The love in this story really balances out the strife. All his other books are worth your time and money too! We are so lucky to have had his writing and life in our time!

Poor Frankie

What a book I laughed and I cried.Loved all the people in this book. The audio book was so perfect Everyone should listen to it.

Loved It

Its a must read for any young person and old. Show the struggles of a young man and his family. How sometimes you have to go thru fire so you can come out cleaner in the other side..Love It!!!

Great Book ! Love the Narration !

Would you consider the audio edition of Angela's Ashes to be better than the print version?

I never have time to read w/ out interruption so a Narrated book is perfect for me. I can listen at work when I do Data Entry or in the car driving home.

What did you like best about this story?

I think it was beautifully written. He described everything, and makes you feel like you can see it. This is also a great movie, although there are many things not in the movie that are in the book....

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Some parts are funny and a lot are sad. It's amazing what he went through as a child growing up poor in Ireland. Makes you really think.

Any additional comments?

I think this is a great story and the narration is great. = )

Great narration!

I finally decided to listen to this book even while my mother has a copy on her shelf. She had always said it was awful. Frank McCourt’s narration is wonderful and captures the essence of the book much more than reading it. He did accurately describe poverty in Ireland and Ireland’s unique little class system.