The Big Finish

By: Brooke Fossey

Narrated by: Mark Bramhall

Length: 10 hrs and 35 mins

Publisher's summary

One of Goodreads Top 25 Feel-Good and Escapist Books to Read in Quarantine as seen in USA Today

"[A] funny, winning debut." (People)

“Delightfully quirky and endearing...an absolute pleasure to read!" (Number one New York Times best-selling author Emily Giffin)

Meet Duffy, an old curmudgeon who lives in an assisted-living home.

Meet Josie, a desperate young woman who climbs through his window.

Together, they’re going to learn it’s never too late - or too early - to change your ways.

For Duffy Sinclair, life boils down to one simple thing: maintaining his residence at the idyllic Centennial Assisted Living. Without it, he’s destined for the roach-infested nursing home down the road - and after wasting the first 88 years of his life, he refuses to waste away for the rest. So, he keeps his shenanigans to the bare minimum with the help of his straight-laced best friend and roommate, Carl Upton.

But when Carl’s granddaughter Josie climbs through their bedroom window with booze on her breath and a black eye, Duffy’s faced with trouble that’s sticking around and hard to hide - from Centennial’s management and Josie’s toxic boyfriend. Before he knows it, he’s running a covert operation that includes hitchhiking and barhopping.

He might as well write himself a one-way ticket to the nursing home...or the morgue. Yet Duffy’s all in. Because thanks to an unlikely friendship that becomes fast family - his life doesn’t boil down the same anymore. Not when he finally has a chance to leave a legacy.

In a funny, insightful, and life-affirming debut, Brooke Fossey delivers an unflinching look at growing old, living large, and loving big, as told by a wise-cracking man who didn’t see any of it coming.

©2020 Brooke Fossey (P)2020 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"A funny, witty caper filled with charm and unexpected friendship." (Helen Simonson, New York Times best-selling author of Major Pettigrew's Last Stand)

"Warm, funny, and tender, The Big Finish is a journey of discovery and second chances you won't want to end." (J. Ryan Stradal, New York Times best-selling author of The Lager Queen of Minnesota)

"The Big Finish is a blast; at turns madcap, hilarious and touching. With the unlikely coupling of Duffy and Josie, Fossey has created an unforgettable duo that will win your heart and keep you laughing from start to finish." (Jonathan Evison, New York Times best-selling author of Lawn Boy)

Feel Good Listen

A feel good story with some wonderful parts. The pace was too slow but the characters loveable.

Worst. Ending. Ever.

I think the author got bored of writing thus book and fell asleep. The End.

Superb, sweet and moving

Such a beautifully written story. Meaningful to the ends of the earth and beyond. Lessons and learning for everyone to hear. Each character is so fully developed and alive to the reader, and the voice actor is spot on. An absolute must read with so much humor, love and thoughtful contemplation.

Just get this book now!

Very well written!

I always enjoy novels about seniors and especially appreciate when they are written as fully formed complex characters. The author got it right on what it is like to live in an aging body while reminding us that the breadth of emotions do not diminish with age. The story was intriguing and emotional, I wish I could spend more time with these characters and I do plan to read more books by this author.

Sentimental without depth

The story is laborious and wrong on so many points I believe the writer did little research. The attempts to build tension are cumbersome and irritating. Cheap thrills if you want a tear jerker.

I loved this book - hard to put down. The reader was excellent!

This book was hard to put down! I sat in my driveway listening. The narrator did a superb job of capturing the characters!

Solid in all respects

I enjoyed the book and the narration. The characters were believable and well developed. i highly recommend this book!

Original and moving

From the narrator to the plot, I loved this book. The book gives us a view of the later years of life. Filled with wisdom and regret, the narrator forges his way through beside dear friends, old and new, teaching and learning along the way. I felt every emotion in this one.

A touching and humorous read!

I give The Big Finish 5-stars because it’s such an enjoyable book. It has humor sprinkled throughout, with good introspection and character connections. It takes unexpected turns and keeps you wondering what’s going to happen next and yearning for more. This book is good for any adult who’s ever had a grandpa because you’ll likely find a sentimental connection with Duffy or Carl. I highly recommend!

Warm, funny, thoughtful

Mark Bramhall was meant to be the voice of Duffy. I think I savoured the story over time because I could easily slip back in amongst the characters. Mr. Bramhall’s narration is akin to sitting in an overstuffed chair by a warm fire listening to your best friend read to you. Of course I fell in love with Duffy!

This book is a reminder that residents of senior homes were once young & vibrant, able bodied thriving individuals who walked where we now walk, experiencing rich full lives, overcoming challenges, loving & growing through each day. Just as we do now.

A wonderful wonderful story.