Four Letters of Love

A Novel

By: Niall Williams

Narrated by: Niall Williams

Bloomsbury presents Four Letters of Love written and read by Niall Williams.

Niall Williams’s internationally bestselling “delicate and graceful love story . . . a magical work of fiction” (NYTBR), now a major motion picture starring Pierce Brosnan, Helena Bonham Carter, and Gabriel Byrne.

Nicholas Coughlan is twelve years old when his father, an Irish civil servant, announces that God has commanded him to become a painter. He abandons the family and a wife who is driven to despair. Years later, Nicholas’s own civil-service career is disrupted by tragic news: his father has burned down the house, with all his paintings and himself in it.

Isabel Gore is the daughter of a poet. She’s a passionate girl, but her brother is the real prodigy, a musician. And yet this family, too, is struck by tragedy: a seizure leaves the boy mute and unable to play. Years later, Isabel will continue to somehow blame herself, casting off her own chances for happiness.

And then, the day after Isabel’s wedding to man she doesn’t love, Nicholas arrives on her western isle, seeking his father’s last surviving painting. Suddenly the winds of fortune begin to shift, sweeping both these souls up with them. Nicholas and Isabel, it seems, were always meant to meet. But it will take a series of chance events—and perhaps, a proper miracle—to convince both to follow their hearts to where they’re meant to be.©2024 Niall Williams (P)2024 Bloomsbury Publishing Plc

Amazing! A thing of painful beauty

Beautifully written and read. Magical and totally realistic portrait of life and longing. It was like reading a poem.

Another great read by Niall Williams.

I love the development of the marriages and the picture of Irish life.
I will read everything he writes and those of Claire as well.

Magical

Pain, loss, the healing power of love. A story that reads like a fairy tale.

Incredible writing talent and ability to create unexpected surprises

This is an unforgettable and original work captures the magical and lyrical qualities of great Irish literature.

Loved it

Great story, great characters and well developed. The author made you feel immersed in the setting.

Remarkable

Having read Niall Williams' first three books about his return to Ireland, which I truly loved, I was so happy to find this novel on audible. I saw the advertisement about the movie and just knew I must read the book.
Niall has a way of capturing the characters so clearly that you feel that you know them. At the very beginning I was confused as to what this story was going to be about.
I just had to keep reading to see where he was going to take me! He did not disappoint. By the end, I was so engulfed in the characters, in the families, the island people and the story, that I just could not put it down until it was finished. Thank you, Niall, for bringing this wonderful story to your readers.

Compelling Irish storytelling

The author creates beauty & heartfelt connection through his descriptions of the feelings and observations of his characters.

The mesmerizing beauty of the story and the writing.

WOW!! This book is now one of my all time favorites! I cannot express how slayed I am by its utter magic and surreal beauty. The writing could not have been any more profound. It is about love, fate and family. It is an intertwining of tales that bring together fated lovers in the end. And oh how I did not want this book to EVER end!! It is now one of my all time favorites!! And now I am so gutted (in the best possible way) with an immediate book hangover. I may need to wait a day to start or resume reading anything else!!

Profoundly Beautiful

4th Niall Williams book. Incredibly unique and poetic storytelling. Mystical deep plot - began slowly and intensified. The author is a decent narrator - much prefer the narrator who read This is Happiness. Absolutely rare and spiritual writing imho. Cheers to Niall Williams. Every book has been beyond excellent!:

The passion of this beautiful book

I loved the story telling and the beauty in the midst of angst. Niall Williams I am now a fan of your work.