The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey

By: Walter Mosley

Narrated by: Dominic Hoffman

A masterful, moving novel about age, memory, and family from one of the literary icons of our time.

Coming in March 2022 from Apple Plus, a six-part series starring Samuel L. Jackson.

Ptolemy Grey is 91 years old and has been all but forgotten - by his family, his friends, even himself - as he sinks into a lonely dementia. His grand-nephew, Ptolemy's only connection to the outside world, was recently killed in a drive-by shooting, and Ptolemy is too suspicious of anyone else to allow them into his life. Until he meets Robyn, his niece's 17-year-old lodger and the only one willing to take care of an old man at his grandnephew's funeral.

But Robyn will not tolerate Ptolemy's hermitlike existence. She challenges him to interact more with the world around him, and he grasps more firmly onto his disappearing consciousness. However, this new activity pushes Ptolemy into the fold of a doctor touting an experimental drug that guarantees Ptolemy won't live to see age 92 but that he'll spend his last days in feverish vigor and clarity. With his mind clear, what Ptolemy finds-in his own past, in his own apartment, and in the circumstances surrounding his grand-nephew's death-is shocking enough to spur an old man to action, and to ensure a legacy that no one will forget.

In The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey, Mosley captures the compromised state of his protagonist's mind with profound sensitivity and insight, and creates an unforgettable pair of characters at the center of a novel that is sure to become a true contemporary classic.

©2010 Penguin Audio; 2010 Walter Mosley

Critic reviews

"Mosley's depiction of the indignities of old age is heartbreaking, and Ptolemy's grace and decency make for a wonderful character and a moving novel." ( Publishers Weekly)

Bravo

Any additional comments?

Bravo Author! I was skeptical when I started this book, but after the first few minutes I was hooked. I listen to audio books while I work and try to keep them solely for work, not home. But this book could not wait. I listened at home AND at work. It truly is a gem. I fell in love with the characters and the rich descriptions took me to another world. I recommend this book for anyone who loves life or desires to re-connect with life and what is important. I will never ever forget Ptolemy Grey. He is in my heart forever.

I'm a Fan

As always hanging on every word spoken. Mr. Grey reminded me of my Grandfather righteous and honorable

Engrossing

The story itself is a fantastic look at how elderly ppl are discarded or seen as burdens before they are seen as people. The reading style made the characters feel alive. Although the murder mystery was easy to solve the story isn’t about that. It’s about recognizing ignored community members and what they have to offer, it’s about building new relationships, it’s a bout trauma, it’s about love it’s about looking at the totality of ones life and being okay with how it all panned out. Highly recommended.

Good but a bit weird

Good story. Definitely has some mild fantasy aspects of it. Not amazing but satisfying and interesting.

slow at the beginning

Starts slowly, but finishes strong. A great book that I plan to recommend to everyone who likes the genre.

Wanted to hear more...

Loved it! Kept me interested and learned a few things along the way. Looking for more by Mosley!

One of Mosley’s Best

I’ve read almost all of Walter Mosley’s works. This is so far the best. The story and the narration was excellent. I wanted to finish this prior to watching Samuel L. Jackson’s portrayal because normally so much is lost going from book to the screen. But this excellent presentation makes me anxious to see the screen play. I would definitely recommend this work to others!

Masterfully written and presented!

Loved feeling like I could feel what the 91 year old man was thinking, feeling, experiencing. Truly got an opportunity to walk a mile in his shoes.
Makes me think about what my recently deceased 95 yr old relative went through in her final days.

Well done!

This is a wonderful story of compassion, love, empathy, and, most of all, the process of aging. I actually listen to this book twice. I didn't want to miss anything.

Thoroughly enjoyed this book.

So much better than the movie

I don’t know why I even bother to watch the movie when I’ve already read the book. I guess I must like torturing myself. These characters really spoke to me. I have these people in my family. Do the good guys really win in this scenario? I don’t think so. This seems like a crabs in a bucket situation, whatever progress is made by one is soon cancelled by the others. But, provides great entertainment for the reader. Walter Mosley knows exactly how to tease his readers and leave us wanting more.