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The Bee Sting: Comedy meets tragedy in this hilarious Booker Prize shortlisted novel

The Bee Sting: Comedy meets tragedy in this hilarious Booker Prize shortlisted novel


Unabridged Audiobook

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Ratings
Book
39
Narrator
24
Release Date
June 8, 2023
Duration
26 hours 10 minutes
Summary
Brought to you by Penguin.

WINNER OF THE NERO BOOK AWARD FOR FICTION 2023
WINNER OF AN POST IRISH BOOK OF THE YEAR 2023
SHORTLISTED FOR THE BOOKER PRIZE 2023
SHORTLISTED FOR THE WRITERS’ PRIZE FOR FICTION 2024

The Barnes family are in trouble. Until recently they ran the biggest business in town, now they’re teetering on the brink of bankruptcy – and that’s just the start of their problems. Dickie and Imelda’s marriage is hanging by a thread; straight-A student Cass is careening off the rails; PJ is hopelessly in debt to the school bully. Meanwhile the ghosts of old mistakes are rising out of the past to meet them, but everyone’s too wrapped up in the present to see the danger looming . . .

'A tragicomic triumph. You won't read a sadder, truer, funnier novel this year' Guardian

'Generous, immersive, sharp-witted and devastating; the sort of novel that becomes a friend for life' Financial Times

‘Paul Murray [is] the undisputed reigning champion of epic Irish tragicomedy’ Spectator

‘An instant classic’ Washington Post

‘[An] astute, remorselessly funny novel’ Daily Mirror

‘A wagyu steak of a novel . . . A classic in the mode of The Corrections’ The Times

©2023 Paul Murray (P)2023 Penguin Audio
Reviews
Profile Avatar Stuart Mar 2024

Loved the intricacies of the characters lives woven together from their individual perspectives. Hope there’s a sequel.

Profile Avatar Anonymous Mar 2026

Splendid book. A fairly slow burn and we get to know the complex characters without being able to judge them. (Well, just one maybe) the increasing build-up is compulsive reading.Beautifully written.

Profile Avatar christina Brownlow Feb 2026

Excellent book well read

Profile Avatar Helen P. Sep 2025

I was feeling on tenterhooks throughout and always felt like the other shoe was going to drop. Loved these characters as deeply flawed and human as they are.

Profile Avatar Ranyana K. Aug 2025

Wow, at first, I thought it rather terrible. And then it developed and added layers and layers. Twists upon twists. Developments of the characters. I thought it great in the end. And the end... !

Profile Avatar Lesley C. Jul 2025

Really disappointing ending to a great BnB ok of twists and turns . There is really no ending there you’re just left hanging after all Rhodes hours .

Profile Avatar Diana G. Jan 2025

Loved it. The complexity of the characters and interweaving stories. Funny and tragic, The audiobook really enhanced it with gorgeous Irish voices and great acting performances.

Profile Avatar Alona A. Jul 2024

It left me utterly speechless. I think it’s brilliantly narrated.

Profile Avatar Vickia6 Apr 2024

Terribly long story that isn’t really worth the time.

Profile Avatar Anonymous Apr 2024

I liked the style of the writing but was disappointed with the ending. I also found the book depressing and hard to read in places. I did like the complexity of the characters.

Profile Avatar Ciara M. Dec 2023

Loved it all the way through

Profile Avatar Stephen R. Sep 2023

A, gripping, hilarious thought provoking page-turner

Profile Avatar Anna S. Sep 2023

Amazing story. I hadn't encountered this author before and will now consume everything he's written. I was riveted throughout this audiobook. It was beautifully narrated by a range of top-notch actors. Thoroughly recommend.

Profile Avatar Monica N. Aug 2023

Unpleasant.

The Bee Sting: Comedy meets tragedy in this hilarious Booker Prize shortlisted novel

The Bee Sting: Comedy meets tragedy in this hilarious Booker Prize shortlisted novel

Author: Paul Murray
Read by: Lisa Caruccio Came
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