The Outside Boy

By: Jeanine Cummins

Narrated by: Alan Devally

Length: 12 hrs and 20 mins

Publisher's Summary

The Outside Boy is a poignant coming-of-age novel about an Irish gypsy boy’s childhood in the 1950s from Jeanine Cummins, the national best-selling author of A Rip in Heaven and American Dirt.

Ireland, 1959: Young Christopher Hurley is a tinker, a Pavee gypsy, who roams with his father and extended family from town to town, carrying all their worldly possessions in their wagons. Christy carries with him a burden of guilt as well, haunted by the story of his mother's death in childbirth.

The wandering life is the only one Christy has ever known, but when his grandfather dies, everything changes. His father decides to settle briefly, in a town, where Christy and his cousin can receive proper schooling and prepare for their first communions. But still, always, they are treated as outsiders.

As Christy struggles to find his way amid the more conventional lives of his new classmates, he starts to question who he is and where he belongs. But then the discovery of an old newspaper photograph, and a long-buried secret from his mother's mysterious past, changes his life forever....

A Macmillan Audio production from Henry Holt and Company

©2010 Jeanine Cummins (P)2020 Macmillan Audio

Pure Torture

I re-listened to the end over and over again such was the pain of having this book come to an end. OMG, I completely fell in love with the characters and kept hoping that the end, even though I knew it was the end, really wasn't the end. This is my second book by Jeanine Cummins. The first was American Dirt, which again, fantastic listening/reading. I was initially skeptical thinking (small-mindedly) she writes this incredible book about Mexico and now about the Irish, What a phenomenal job and now I am eager to get more of Ms. Cummins's stories.

SPECTACULAR! My new favorite!

Story, writing AND performance. My new favorite Audible selection and book. Hope to find more like it.

Cummins nailed it!

I thoroughly enjoyed her American Dirt novel, best novel of the year for me. I had some reluctance in purchasing a second novel by her with such a different profile...how could she go convincingly from Mexican contempory migrants to mid-century gypsies? Her writing and the superb narration was just bloody wonderful!!! Thoroughly recommend!

Speechless

Wonderful, wonderful book! The author took you into another world and the boyish thoughts of Christi. His abstract thoughts awakened memories of being a 12 year old finding yourself in the big world. Sometime I was so heartbroken and sometimes I laughed out loud. I hated for it to end

WOW, what a book!

My expectations were lower for this book since I believed that American Dirt was one of the best books I’ve read. This book was a powerhouse. The deep emotions the character expressed became my emotions bringing me literally to tears. This is a must read!!!!!!!

Outstanding

This was my first book by Jeanine Cummins but it certainly won’t be the last.

Absolutely loved every word!

This was my first book by this author and WOW what exquisite writing. I quickly loved and could feel each character and also loved the narrator which was equally top notch. Laughed, cried, was taken by surprise by the stories twists and turns. I will be recommending this book to everyone. Loved it thoroughly.

Outstanding

This has to be one of the best audio books I’ve ever listened to. A tale well told. The performance was spot on in delivery and tone. I recommend it with all heart.

Captivating story. I couldn't stop listening.

Another amazing story by this author. exceptional insight to life in Ireland in the 50's for the travelers.

DONT MISS THIS ONE

when I began this book, I liked it but wasn't sure of how much I would come to love it. towards the middle of the book I was absolutely hooked and by the end I was wishing it had never ended. the writing is witty, beautiful, and incredibly moving. I dare to say this is one of my absolute favorite titles I've enjoyed on Audible, out of hundreds of titles listened to!