Ghost Light

By: Joseph O'Connor

Narrated by: Marcella Riordan

Dublin 1907, a city of whispered rumours. An actress still in her teens begins an affair with a damaged older man, the leading playwright at the theatre where she works.

Rebellious, irreverent, beautiful, flirtatious, Molly Allgood is a girl of the inner city tenements, dreaming of stardom in America. Witty and watchful, she has dozens of admirers. But in the backstage of her life, there is a secret.

Her lover, John Synge, is a troubled, reticent genius, the son of a once prosperous landowning family, a poet of fiery language and tempestuous passions. Yet his life is hampered by Edwardian conventions and by the austere and God-fearing mother with whom he lives.

©2010 Joseph O'Connor (P)2014 Audible, Inc.

Fantastic book to listen to

This was a fantastic book. I really enjoyed the narrator. I was sorry when it ended. I plan to look for more audible selections by Joseph O'Connor. He is an excellent writer.

Brilliant reading, slow story

Would you listen to Ghost Light again? Why?

This was one of the most brilliantly read, if not THE most, audiobook I've ever listed to. Marecella Riordan's portrayal of all of the characters, each with the different Irish accents, was amazing. There were some wonderful "Irish-isms" and turns of speech that literally made me (of Irish decent and an actress) laugh out loud. But other than that, I did find the story rather slow and a bit meandering.

Very good story.

Would you listen to Ghost Light again? Why?

Yes, in fact, I had to listen to the beginning again after finishing the entire book, in order to straighten out some things I had overlooked at the start, because of the way the author uses flashbacks. But it is a nice story, based on real persons and historical events.

What did you like best about this story?

The way the reader can really understand the characters.

Which scene was your favorite?

There were several good scenes. Can't pick one.

If you could rename Ghost Light, what would you call it?

I think the title is just fine.

Any additional comments?

No.

Very compelling

Story and performance are superb. I would recommend this to anyone interested in drama, Irish literature, or the art of storytelling.

Too slow paced in intrigue to hold one's interest

What would have made Ghost Light better?

Arrive at the conflict of the story sooner. Plot unreveles too slowly

Has Ghost Light turned you off from other books in this genre?

no

What does Marcella Riordan bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

didn't care for the story

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

disappointment

Any additional comments?

better luck next read