We Were the Mulvaneys

Written by:
Joyce Carol Oates
Narrated by:
J. Todd Adams

Abridged Audiobook

Ratings
Book
133
Narrator
6
Release Date
February 2001
Duration
6 hours 58 minutes
Summary
Acclaimed writer Joyce Carol Oate's novel of a family held captive by its own secrets.
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Reviews
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Cyn K.

As a fan of Oates' short stories, I did not like anything about this novel, from the characters to the narration. In the beginning, the music that played under the narration seemed as if it would never end, making an irritating distraction. Throughout, the volume of the narrator's voice was difficult to regulate with many lines falling completely out of my hearing range. The story itself is a disappointment from the way Christianity and faith are portrayed as mental illness to the final chapters of reunion that left too much unresolved.

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Sharon S

Granted it was the abridged version - but it seemed like a lot was missing. It was also a bit depressing at times but not at all hard to follow. I found myself just wanting to get to the end.

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georgia peach

This is a fascinating story of how a "good" family becomes unravelled by a bad event, but...it seemed like something was missing. maybe there is more in the unabridged edition that explains the feelings and motivations of the parents better. I knew the thoughts and feelings of the children in the family, but not the parents, so it seemed a bit forced, and a bit hollow. Having said that, though, it is worth a listen to get inside the lives of this family and witness how things can fall apart, but be put back together also.

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Ohio

A major disappointment, I keep thinking it’s going to get better soon. Everyone said it was a great book, 4 and 5 stars! The story line was really not that deep and mostly predicable.

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Pamela Christensen

It was an interesting and compelling story. I would have preferred the unabridge version though, since the characters were just great and I would have liked to known more about each one. It was a great story and I appreciated the drama of family and how things can slide downhill so quickly.

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lilpumpkin

I loved this book. I thought the narrator did an amazing job and the book could not have been better. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who has ever felt like an outcast in their own family or who struggled to find themselves. This book could not have been better!

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William Kurry

Oates is a great writer but this story is much too long and I was bored to fustration with the excessive detail. I suggest a skip on this one.

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Anonymous

This was the abridged version. Was everything pleasant removed untill the last cd? I fast forwarded through most and will not be renting another by this author.

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John Kibler

Joyce Carol Oates is a great writer but I was so appalled at the behavior of these parents and their self-absorption and disregard for their daughter's feelings and well-being that I couldn't finish it.

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Lori

This heartbreaking story was a little slow getting started but the narrator was OUTSTANDING! It delves deeply into a troubled family whose downfall is not knowing how to handle difficult situations and the pain this causes. An interesting book on the family dynamics. Once again the narrator was TERRIFIC!!

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Anonymous

Wasn't thrilled with this book. Didn't finish the CD's. Too much repetitive details over and over again. Took a long time to get to the point of each chapter. Didn't keep me engaged

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Anonymous

The story was disturbing and so very sad. The parents somewhere lost site of the fact that their daughter was the primary victim here. The fact that the Mulvaney children grew into caring adults seems to be in spite of the parents they had, certainly not because of them. I too hope this story was pure ficton.

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George Seiler

The narrator is very good, but the story is just very very slow. However, I listened to the whole thing, so it couldn't have been that bad!

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Glenna

This is a well done story read by one who really seemed to feel the characters as I did. At times this story felt way too close to home and it was such a relief when it became possible that the family would survive all the hurt and anger. Some good messages on family communication to be had here. I enjoyed the story and the narrator.

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Angelika Teal

A very good book that I recommend as mandatory reading to all young girls and their parents. At times it was so sad and disturbing that I cried listening to it, but time heals everything and it ends at a more positive and hopeful note. The reader was fantastic. This book is not action-packed, therefore I would not recommend it to those who thrive on fast pace and suspense. But it goes a lot deeper emotionally and psychologically. The only way this book could improve is if it was in the unabridged version.

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Josi

I was disappointed in this book because it had such good reviews in it's written form. I guess it's a little disturbing and I certainly hope it isn't based on even partial truth. It just proves that no one knows what goes on behind closed doors. The narrator was very good. Just sometimes I thought why do I care....I would recommend it if you wanted just something to slightly interest you on a long trip. But seemed not to hold my interest that some books do. I would give this author another try though.

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Anonymous

This book is really good. It is interesting and the narrator is not annoying. It would be good to listen to this book in the unabridged version.

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