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  • Original Sins

  • An Extraordinary Memoir of Faith, Family, Shame and Addiction
  • By: Matt Rowland Hill
  • Narrated by: Daniel Hawksford
  • Length: 9 hrs and 38 mins
  • 4.9 out of 5 stars (97 ratings)
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Original Sins cover art

Original Sins

By: Matt Rowland Hill
Narrated by: Daniel Hawksford
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Summary

Brought to you by Penguin.

'Isn't everyone's childhood an indoctrination in the more or less deranged outlook of the people who raised them? And isn't growing up for everyone a more or less successful attempt to overcome their conditioning and see clearly, with their own eyes?'

Matt Rowland Hill grew up the son of a minister in an evangelical Christian church in South Wales and then South-East England. It was a childhood fraught with bitter family conflict, the ever-present threat of hell and damnation, and a burgeoning cycle of temptation, sin and shame. After a devastating loss of faith in his late teens, Matt began his search for salvation elsewhere, turning to books before developing a growing relationship with alcohol and drugs. He became addicted to crack and heroin in his early 20s, an ordeal that stretched over a decade and culminated in a period of hopeless darkness. This story takes us to his bleakest, most desperate moments and recounts his struggle towards the light.

Original Sins is an extraordinary memoir. It is a story of faith, family, loss, shame and addiction, but ultimately it is about survival, growing up and learning to live. It's recklessly honest, as funny as it is grave, courageous and compulsive.

©2022 Matt Rowland Hill (P)2022 Penguin Audio

What listeners say about Original Sins

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Gritty and well narrated

I love the way this book made me feel uncomfortable. An in-depth look at what it’s like to be an addict.
Great use of vocabulary and brilliant narration.

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3 people found this helpful

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An authentic account of a life and it’s struggles

A brilliant account of his life so far and in particular his struggles with addiction. Frequently very funny, there is plenty of light and shade which kept me listening for hours at a time. I found this to be a sensitive account which helped me to understand addiction and addictive behaviours more clearly. Matt has a tremendous gift for writing with energy and wit. I found this to be a very authentic account of his life and relationships. It’s so good I’m having trouble choosing my next audiobook. It will take time to let go of this experience. Great narration too by Daniel Hawksford

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Grubby Gold

absolutely loved this book - could not recommend more. struck close to home on many fronts, and kept me gripped throughout. the narration was also perfect for the story, encompassing the humour and the darkness in Matt's story brilliantly.

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Moving and Heartfelt

This is an extremely moving , honest and heartbreaking account of the human predicament. It is a searing account of addiction but beyond that it reveals the grizzly vicissitudes of love

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The other side of being dependent on drugs

I very personal journey everyone should read this really helps you to understand the draw of addiction

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Harrowing, honest and beautiful

This was the most realistic and honest story of a life led under extreme pressures. The writing was truly remarkable and it was beautifully brought to life by an incredible narrator. I’ve never been able to settle with an audio book until now. Highly recommended listening.

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WONDERFUL BOOK

I so enjoyed this book from start to finish and I’m so glad he survived to tell it.

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Stunning writing & narration …

So addictive I slowed it down so it would last longer ! .. and Daniel Hawksford’s narration was just perfect !

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Compelling and honest

Compelling and honest with humorous moments. A little verbose at times but overall, the language is vivid and poetic.

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An interesting autobiography

I was reminded at times of Trainspotting, the drug use and squalor was similar at times. This story however patiently examined the past of the author in an interesting way that involved me throughout. An interesting listen that was well written and narrated.

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