Last Stories

By: William Trevor

Narrated by: Stephen Hogan, Niamh Cusack, Tara Fitzgerald

Length: 5 hrs and 28 mins

Publisher's summary

Penguin presents the audiobook edition of Last Stories by William Trevor, read by Niamh Cusack, Stephen Hogan and Tara Fitzgerald

In this final collection of 10 exquisite, perceptive and profound stories, William Trevor probes into the depths of the human spirit. Here we encounter a tutor and his pupil, whose lives are thrown into turmoil when they meet again years later; a young girl who discovers the mother she believed dead is alive and well; and a piano teacher who accepts her pupil's theft in exchange for his beautiful music. These gorgeous stories - the last that Trevor wrote before his death - affirm his place as one of the world's greatest storytellers.

©2018 William Trevor (P)2018 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"What a writer he was; he could flip over a sentence so gently, and show the underbelly in a heartbeat. His work is always quietly compassionate." (Elizabeth Strout) 

  "Trevor is a master of both language and storytelling." (Hilary Mantel) 

  "He is one of the great short-story writers, at his best the equal of Chekhov." (John Banville) 

Enjoyable

An enjoyable final innings from a master story teller, an author I've only recently found but clearly one of the greats of modern English literature. Could pass on the narration of Tara F. Not nearly as listenable as the others.

VERY STRANGE STORIES

Although beautifully read, these are very stange/odd stories which are vague and hard to follow. Not easy listening

Troubling and memorable

Although “quietly written” prose seems an appropriate description and, “a light touch” an even better observation, the total effect of each and everyone of these stories is devastating.
Many of the human situations which are encountered seem dated at first and then very insistently, they become excruciatingly relevant and recognizable.
Not like Alice Munro, not like Helen Garner and not situated only in the male gaze either.. what a remarkable tour de force.
Vale William Trevor.

Glorious stuff

What can you say, this work is Carver-esque, the best compliment I can think of for a short story collection. Loved it. Will now read through the back catelogue.

Poor Recording

I love William Trevor's work and am so disappointed by the poor quality of this recording. I had assumed it was background noise interfering with my ability to hear properly. With no background noise, I assumed it must be my equipment. It turns out to be the recording - sounds fuzzy, whole words are inaudible, and the speed of both narration and the transition from one story to another, leaves the listener not knowing what has just happened. I would like to return it to Audible. Is that possible?

Beautifully narrated ..

I like the short story format and William Trevor is a brilliant exponent of the art form. Each story packed with subtle emotional naunces which show the author at the top of his game.

Subtle and sad in a good way!

The stories require a number of listenings to begin to understand their meaning. Even then they are elusive but intriguing. I loved the haunting performances of Stephen Hogan and Niamh Cusack but Tara Fitzgerald’s reading was too fast and too unvarying in tone.

beautifully written stories.

these short stories are, as if written during a time gone by, but are contemporary and memorable.