Small Mercies

A Novel

By: Dennis Lehane

Narrated by: Robin Miles

Length: 10 hrs and 23 mins

Publisher's summary

Instant New York Times Bestseller

“Small Mercies is thought provoking, engaging, enraging, and can’t-put-it-down entertainment.”—Stephen King

The acclaimed New York Times bestselling writer returns with a masterpiece to rival Mystic River—an all-consuming tale of revenge, family love, festering hate, and insidious power, set against one of the most tumultuous episodes in Boston’s history.

In the summer of 1974 a heatwave blankets Boston and Mary Pat Fennessy is trying to stay one step ahead of the bill collectors. Mary Pat has lived her entire life in the housing projects of “Southie,” the Irish American enclave that stubbornly adheres to old tradition and stands proudly apart.

One night Mary Pat’s teenage daughter Jules stays out late and doesn’t come home. That same evening, a young Black man is found dead, struck by a subway train under mysterious circumstances.

The two events seem unconnected. But Mary Pat, propelled by a desperate search for her missing daughter, begins turning over stones best left untouched—asking questions that bother Marty Butler, chieftain of the Irish mob, and the men who work for him, men who don’t take kindly to any threat to their business.

Set against the hot, tumultuous months when the city’s desegregation of its public schools exploded in violence, Small Mercies is a superb thriller, a brutal depiction of criminality and power, and an unflinching portrait of the dark heart of American racism. It is a mesmerizing and wrenching work that only Dennis Lehane could write.

©2023 Dennis Lehane (P)2023 HarperCollins Publishers

Best American tragic writer today

This book is brilliant. It will break your heart but you won’t be able to put it down.

Grim reminder of how little things have really changed

The narrator’s voice was unpleasant to my ears. I am Southern so the complaints of others about the accents were not a problem. It was too harsh. Or maybe all the perpetual cussing and n words just finally got to me. I grew up in that period and never heard women speak like this. It was interesting to read a story about Northern bussing and the hatred it evoked. I definitely recognized that from 50 years ago. So sad it still so much with us. I may have read too many Lehane novels in a row. He is an impressive writer but I have become far too despairing lately. This one was just too sickening.

Another great one rivaling Mystic River

Having grown up in Boston, I of course loved all the correct geographical references to Boston streets and neighborhoods. My wife is originally from Savin Hill in Dorchester correctly referenced as Stab and kill although it wasn’t really that bad. Great dialog, great and moving story, great characters especially Mary Pat, May she rest in peace with Jules.

Another winner from Dennis Lehane

Very good read by the ever-interesting Dennis Lehane. The unique city of Boston plays important roles in his books and is another character in his stories. Small Mercies is is set during the 1970's bussing crisis. Fascinating stuff. This one has a female protagonist, which is a real treat for me. Mary Pat is true to herself and I love her. Yes, I shed a tear.

The reader is top notch and really enhanced the storyline. I plan on listening to more Audible books that she has narrated.

Best Boston accent evah!

Robin Miles (the narrator) does the best job of a Boston accent I’ve ever heard. It’s not the classic Boston Brahmin Harvard Yard accent. It’s so much more difficult Southie/Dorchester dialect.

Powerful and moving

Dennis Lehane is a brilliant writer, and this is one of his very best. The characters are complex and interesting, and the plot weaves in the history of this era in a thoroughly believable and moving way. The narration is first rate- it enhanced the already excellent book. Highly recommended.

Exceptional storytelling,

Exceptional storytelling, deeply etched characters, and impeccable narration. We need more of this literary art from Mr. Lehane,

Brilliant narration

about as good as it gets. A gripping plot in a crucial historical context with pitch perfect narration.

Couldn’t stop listening

Story was non-stop edgy repertoire, character development, and story development. Performance was spot on.

Great!

I loved every part of it. The storyline, the characters, and the narrator made it perfect.