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The Secret Scripture cover art

The Secret Scripture

Written by: Sebastian Barry
Narrated by: Wanda McCaddon
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Publisher's Summary

Roseanne McNulty, once one of the most beautiful and beguiling girls in County Sligo, Ireland, is now an elderly patient at Roscommon Regional Mental Hospital. As her 100th year draws near, she decides to record the events of her life, hiding the manuscript beneath the floorboards.

Meanwhile, the hospital is preparing to close and is evaluating its patients to determine whether they can return to society. Dr. Grene, Roseanne's caretaker, takes a special interest in her case. In his research, he discovers a document written by a local priest that tells a very different story of Roseanne's life than what she recalls. As doctor and patient attempt to understand each other, they begin to uncover long-buried secrets about themselves. Set against an Ireland besieged by conflict, The Secret Scripture is an epic story of love, betrayal, and unavoidable tragedy.

©2008 Sebastian Barry (P)2008 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

What the critics say

"Above all it is the surpassing quality of Mr. Barry's language that gives it its power....It is like a song, with all the pulse of the Irish language, a song sung liltingly and plaintively from the top of Ben Bulben into the airy night." ( New York Times)

What listeners say about The Secret Scripture

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    4 out of 5 stars

A lyrical, brilliant onion peel

Narrated so beautifully, this story paints a backdrop of the events of Ireland , while in the foreground a heart piercing tale of love, loss, injustice and forgiveness.

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I've read this book many times, but this was best

my life is like a feather on the back of my hand waiting for the death wind.
after reading this book so many times in my life having this audio book put more energy and life into the book with the accent and hearing someone reading it just gave it such a body I recommend this book for everyone

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  • RND
  • 2024-02-29

Great read

Loved the descriptive language. It kept me entranced. The ending was a thrill. Narration spectacular!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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A beautiful journey into the past.

Loved the epic story that took me to Ireland and the people who lived and loved there.

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A very very great read

Just a wee bit of a slow launch but a brilliantly written book.. loved it!! Surprise ending .. reader was well matched to characters! Lovely word pictures! Great read!

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Exceptional

I am only beginning to dry my eyes after listening to this incredible narrative of strength, suffering and courage not to mention intrigue and the unraveling of an intricately woven tapestry of history.
Loved it.

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So many secrets in a lifetime

A tale of the delicacy of love and honour.
Of solitude and finding joy in the life lived no matter how small.

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