Brilliant

A truly gripping story heart wrenchingly honest and written so beautifully and poetically that you want to stop listening regularly just to absorb the intensity and density of imagery within the writing. Some might describe it as grim and depressing, relieved only by the pepperings of dark Glaswegian humour, there were times when I felt this was the case but on reflection and having completed the book I understand the profound messages it conveys about our human state. I feel a better person for having read it.
The narration was perfect.

4 people found this helpful

Truly brilliant

I will listen to very few books of fiction more than once, but this is one of them.

1 person found this helpful

Quite the finale

Wow! What an ending to the Jack Laidlaw trilogy. Having listened to both the previous books in this series - enjoyable, but not outstanding - I'm so glad I continued to the third. Beautifully written and brilliantly read, this is a strong thriller with interesting characters, believable motivations and philosophical insight.
Would recommend.

1 person found this helpful

Excellently written and narrated

This audiobook was my introduction to the great William MacIllvanney. He takes description of a thought , person or scene beyond adjectives. Mark Bonnar was the perfect narrator and I wish he had been chosen to narrate all of his books.

1 person found this helpful

Pacy and dark - expertly told by Mark Bonnar

An original telling of a familiar story. The hard but poetic darkness of Laidlaw perfectly complimented by Mark Bonnar’s narration. And no distracting voices and accents hooray!

1 person found this helpful

Excellent book and Narration

Mark Bonnar’s performance is top drawer!

Classic McIlvanney exploring the human condition. Sad that this is the last Laidlaw book!

1 person found this helpful

Enjoyable end to the trilogy

The third part of the trilogy is a different fish, as Laidlaw investigates (unofficially) the death of his brother, which may or may not, have been suicide. Or were the usual cast of thugs and thieves responsible?

1 person found this helpful

Typical McIlvanney

Laced with very descriptive and thought provoking language throughout all very philosophical in nature and with its roots in a hard working Scottish heritage. This was a tad morose and fairly slow to start but nonetheless engaging for that.

1 person found this helpful

A great story

You'll know what to expect with this if you've read the first 2. Bonnar is a great narrator.

Absolutely brilliant

I have no words to describe the brilliance of McIllvanney's writing. I will listen to this again and again for it is poetry for the soul.