May We Be Forgiven

By: A. M. Homes

Narrated by: Andy Paris

A.M. Homes is acclaimed for her unnerving looks at suburban life in such searing works as The Safety of Objects, Jack, and Music for Torching. May We Be Forgiven, a darkly comic novel of 21st-century domestic life, stars Harold Silver, a historian who's always been jealous of his successful brother, George. But when the hot-tempered George is institutionalized for committing a violent act, Harold finds himself comforting his brother's wife and children. What follows is a scathing examination of a family so fractured it may never be whole again.

©2012 A.M. Holmes (P)2012 Recorded Books

Just ok

Any additional comments?

This book seemed a bit contrived at points. The reading was fine, the story was a satire (I suppose) of life in these fast paced, hectic times. Harold as an adjunct professor forever writing the definitive book on Nixon makes for some interesting juxtapositions but these are also occasionally a bit much. Harrold’s sudden sex life crosses the borders of male fantasy and passes the village of absurdity when he is handcuffed by a couple of unhappy children.
The story keeps moving, along with Nixon flashbacks but I’m not sure I would have finished what would be a very long book had I taken it out of the library.

What a great read.

This was on the London times 10 best books. I took a chance. It was described as a dark comedy about suburbia. I saw it more as an ode to family in all its forms and a story of resilience. Read it!

This is a powerful book.

Riveting. Clever. Wry humour and such darkness. I love the constant interruptions that take the lead from one drama to the next. Well worth the listen.

Give this one a try!

I used a credit on this book despite some of the negative reviews. I appreciated the fact that it kept my attention throughout. I think the review that mentioned the sexual content only listened to the beginning and gave up on the book. I thought it was interesting that one negative review assumed that the author was a man, when in fact A. M. Homes is apparently a woman. The story all tied together, and I appreciated how Harry came along in his journey to understand some things about his life and his view of family. It was definitely outlandish at times, but in a charming way. I also thought Andy Paris did a great job with the narration.

WEIRD BUT FASCINATING

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

This book is like reading a newspaper, where 20 unbelievable things happen, and have them happen to one family. Car accident, husband killing his wife. Random sex with a stranger. You name if, it is here.

Somehow, you feel for the characters.

Horrible

What was most disappointing about A. M. Homes’s story?

Could not get through half of the book. Author always goes for the cheap shock. When a character takes a dump in the middle of a room, it is time to stop reading and put the bomb down.

Awful and flat. How could this have won an award?

Would you try another book from A. M. Homes and/or Andy Paris?

Not a chance for Homes. No mercy at all.I have tried finding the book at the local book store to see if the writing really was a flat as Andy Paris made it sound. Couldn't find any copies anywhere and who knows? Now that I have finished it I'm probably in no position to fairly judge his narration skills. I had the sense throughout that it was the writing that was flat moreso than his delivery so I will give him the benefit of the doubt.

What was most disappointing about A. M. Homes’s story?

I kept listening as I was expecting the story to somehow come together. It started so well and quickly declined into a terrible mess. Yes, there are several times where you may laugh out loud. But it seems random. Like luck. Once we got to the planning for the "BM" in South Africa I should have stopped listening at that point.

Would you be willing to try another one of Andy Paris’s performances?

Perhaps.

What character would you cut from May We Be Forgiven?

All of them?

Any additional comments?

I cannot believe this book won the "Women's" Prize for fiction. Really? That's why I tried it and I will now make a point of avoiding anything further from the Orange/Women/Bailey's prize in the future.

Could not read this book on my iPod

Would you try another book from A. M. Homes and/or Andy Paris?

The narrator was excellent and the book was fascinating. Unfortunately the download file is messed up and quit on my iPod after about an hour. I got it past the bad spot but then it hit another bad spot...useless!

Any additional comments?

Audible gave me a free credit but I would have liked to be able to hear the entire book.

The narration is weird!

I don't know if I'd have liked this book more if read by a different narrator but the narration lead me to hate literally every character in this book.

Too much gratuitous sex

This book wasn’t for you, but who do you think might enjoy it more?

People who like explicit sex scenes. So boring.

Has May We Be Forgiven turned you off from other books in this genre?

I have no idea what this genre is.

How did the narrator detract from the book?

The narrator didn't detract the narrative did.

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

Super disappointment, and I would actually like a refund.

Any additional comments?

Why do male authors so often like to write about sex. It's such a cheap gimmick. We get the idea without the details, ugh. I wish the reviewers were more clear about this. A writer I greatly respect said he does not enjoy reading sex scenes either. Ugh ugh. Who cares. Believe me, I am no prude.