The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell

A Novel

By: Robert Dugoni

Narrated by: Robert Dugoni

Wall Street Journal and New York Times bestselling author Robert Dugoni’s coming-of-age story is, according to Booklist, “a novel that, if it doesn’t cross entirely over into John Irving territory, certainly nestles in close to the border.”

Sam Hill always saw the world through different eyes. Born with red pupils, he was called “Devil Boy” or Sam “Hell” by his classmates; “God’s will” is what his mother called his ocular albinism. Her words were of little comfort, but Sam persevered, buoyed by his mother’s devout faith, his father’s practical wisdom, and his two other misfit friends.

Sam believed it was God who sent Ernie Cantwell, the only African American kid in his class, to be the friend he so desperately needed. And that it was God’s idea for Mickie Kennedy to storm into Our Lady of Mercy like a tornado, uprooting every rule Sam had been taught about boys and girls.

Forty years later, Sam, a small-town eye doctor, is no longer certain anything was by design - especially not the tragedy that caused him to turn his back on his friends, his hometown, and the life he’d always known. Running from the pain, eyes closed, served little purpose. Now, as he looks back on his life, Sam embarks on a journey that will take him halfway around the world. This time, his eyes are wide open - bringing into clear view what changed him, defined him, and made him so afraid, until he can finally see what truly matters.

©2018 by LaMesa Fiction LLC. (P)2018 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

"Author Robert Dugoni narrates Sam's life journey in an earnest and steadfast voice. Hearing the story through the author's own voice lends it an intimacy that enhances it wonderfully. Sam's life is filled with love, loss, tragedy, comedy, and everything in between. Sounding mature and dark at times, Dugoni artfully breathes life into every scene of a story about living life on the right terms regardless of its ups and downs." (AudioFile)

A very, very special novel!

I am a major fan of the works of fiction author Robert Dugoni; I have copies of all of his books. All except SAM HELL are of the mystery/thriller genre with some being legal thrillers and some being modern detective thrillers. With THE EXTRAORDINARY LIFE OF SAM HELL Dugoni strays from mystery/thrillers into literary fiction with a novel so powerful that it will win awards and it needs to be a movie. Robert Dugoni narrates this audio novel himself; his narration is marvelous.

Sam Hill was called "Sam Hell" or "Devil Boy" because he was born with ocular albinism which resulted in his eyes (the iris part) being red. The novel covers 40 years from the time he entered school at age 5. Other than the protagonist this novel has some wonderful main characters including Sam's parents, his best friend Ernie Cantwell, and his sort of girl friend and later business partner Mickie Kennedy. Sam Hill's profession is ophthalmologist.

I listened to SAM HELL twice over several weeks before writing this review. I recommend it to everyone regardless of genre preferences. It is a very, very special novel!

emotionally draining in the most beautiful way

This book moved me in ways I find difficult to explain. It touched me very deeply. the style of the book and the type of story are not one I typically read, I even hesitated before purchasing this book but I did so because it was part of a two-for-one sale and it seemed interesting enough. Oh my goodness, I am so grateful that I did purchase it. I will never forget this book.

Without giving too much away, it tells the story of a young child who will face many challenges in his life because of the unique pigmentation in his eyes. his whole life is an uphill battle and what touched me the most was the loving relationships he had with his parents and his close friends. This book made me so angry at times, so sad at other times and there were even other times when the book swept me off my feet and I felt like I wanted to soar. This book is now on my favorites list and I have already bought a hard copy for several of my family members and friends so that I can share with them the beauty of what I experienced while listening to this work of art.

Good story & an education

Ocular albinism. A condition most of us have likely never heard of, but around which Dugoni writes a good story. Rather heavily weighted in Catholic theology, but the family love at the core was always a delight. Not sure Dugoni was the best narrator for his story, but awarding 4 stars anyway.

Well written Well narrated

The story of Samuel Hill was the most interesting book I have read in a long time. I also grew up in the 60's and saw a lot of discrimination. The story was easy to relate to, no matter what form of faith, what form of oddity or what kind of family you grew up with. A must read for anyone.

Take the Time

A refreshing change of pace with an author who delivers not only a story but life lessons. I was reluctant to start this fearing it would be a book of turmoil and upset. Instead it was a realistic portrait of life’s difficult moments and how the characters moved through challenges. So glad I gave it a chance. A favorite.

excellent Listen!

The reader was perfect for this book. the story was entertaining, thought-provoking. The characters were lovable, the religious aspect was beautiful, even though I am an atheist. It is unusual to read a book and feel the emotions that the characters are feeling, and this was one of those where the author pulled it off splendidly.

refreshing

i needed a story like this. something with love and hope. almost makes me want to go to church.

One of my favorites.

No matter what genre you typically read, you will not be disappointed in this gem. Especially those who grew up going to Catholic school. This book was everything. It was funny, sweet, emotional, spiritual, engaging. Reminded me of The Wonder Years. Loved it!

Thank you for this story

I'm not a religious man by ANY stretch of the word, but this was a really good book. Kudos to you sir.

Extraordinary book!! I wished it would never end!

I love this novel, it has so much depth to it! It is very moving, and elicits so many emotions in a wonderful way. I highly recommend it, just make sure you have time to read this - it is very hard to put down!