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

Brutally honest story

This story will stay with me. I am from Boston and the narrator was spot on. Amazing skill at bringing South Boston and that time period to life.

Very, very good.

I’ve purchased this book on the author alone. I have listened to a lot of his books, although not all. Like most but not all. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I have read other reviews complaining about the language and racism. While there is a lot of both in this book I’m just going on the assumption both of those were prevalent during the time. And in south Boston at the time. Not having ever lived there during that time I’m just gonna have to go with the authors gut and thinking both were prevalent then. If you’re offended by either don’t get this book. If you are objective enough to know that these things went on during a certain period of time and can handle that, I 100% endorse this book.

Great Story!

What a great story, I could not stop listening. Such a terrible part of Boston/American history told so well.

Thanks Dennis!

It's the Southie I knew...living there for 20 years.
Raw, Authentic and spot on true.
It's class warfare boiled down in a different way
Often it's not race that defines us it's socioeconomics and opportunity.

enlightening

a rich insight into human beings being human, an excellent audio performance . i will listen to more of this great storyteller, Mr Dennis Lehane, thank you sir.

Superb

Simply loved the story and narration! One of the best audiobooks I have listened to! Ms Miles was exquisite and Lehane captures Boston and its turbulence magnificently.

Enjoyed

As a bi racial girl growing up in Boston during the 70’s I remember the craziness going on during busing. I really enjoyed the perspective off all the characters

One of his best!

Authentic period piece, right down to Chet Curtis and Mayor Kevin White! Characters are honest and refreshingly imperfect

Finished in 2 days - it was that good

Dennis LeHane doesn’t produce a book a year. Instead he publishes only excellence! Loved Mary Pat - in some ways she was a true hero - and Bobby felt very real. Made me want to revisit Boston and walk through Southie.

Sad Realistic

I have never read anything on this topic remotely and found it shocking but real. You will feel that you know the characters and the sadness is palpable.
Very well written.
The narrator was amazing, and helped the story flow.
Overall I highly recommend.