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  • The Good People

  • Written by: Hannah Kent
  • Narrated by: Caroline Lennon
  • Length: 13 hrs and 37 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (21 ratings)

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The Good People

Written by: Hannah Kent
Narrated by: Caroline Lennon
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Publisher's Summary

Short-listed for the Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction

From the author of Burial Rites, "a literary novel with the pace and tension of a thriller that takes us on a frightening journey towards an unspeakable tragedy." (Paula Hawkins, best-selling author of The Girl on the Train)

Based on true events in 19th-century Ireland, Hannah Kent's startling new novel tells the story of three women drawn together to rescue child from a superstitious community.

Nóra, bereft after the death of her husband, finds herself alone and caring for her grandson, Micheál, who can neither speak nor walk. A handmaid, Mary, arrives to help Nóra just as rumours begin to spread that Micheál is a changeling child who is bringing bad luck to the valley. Determined to banish evil, Nóra and Mary enlist the help of Nance, an elderly wanderer who understands the magic of the old ways.

Set in a lost world bound by its own laws, The Good People is Hannah Kent's startling new novel about absolute belief and devoted love.

Terrifying, thrilling, and moving in equal measure, this follow-up to Burial Rites shows an author at the height of her powers.

©2017 Hannah Kent (P)2017 Hachette Audio
Suspense Historical Fiction Literary Fiction
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What the critics say

"The novel is thrillingly alive to the dynamic of poor, close-knit communities, where fear of the outsider trumps reason and compassion." ( Metro)
"Faith, folk-knowledge, and fear coalesce in remote 19th-century Ireland in this second novel from Kent.... Though rife with description, backstory, and a surfeit of gossip, the book's pervasive sense of foreboding and clear narrative arcs keep the tale immersive. Kent leads the listener on a rocky, disquieting journey to the misty crossroads of Irish folk beliefs past and future." ( Publishers Weekly)
"An imaginative tour-de-force that recreates a way of perceiving the world with extraordinary vividness...With its exquisite prose, this harrowing, haunting narrative of love and suffering is sure to be a prize-winner." ( Daily Mail)

What listeners say about The Good People

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A Genuinely Great Read/Listen

Whether you are a fan of historical fiction/period pieces or not, this book is definitely worth checking out. The story was engaging and felt very authentic.

Kent transports readers/listeners to19th century rural Ireland and lets them see, smell, and feel what her characters live every day.

The comparison of the rural population to that of the city was a great juxtaposition that highlighted how powerful superstition and lore truly were (and for some, still are today).

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Another great story from the author!

Superstition, faith, poverty, ignorance, and hope. Well read and another immersive experience by the author.

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