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The Pact
From Australia's master storyteller comes an endearing and engaging novella about a journey as unexpected, painful, intriguing and character-filled as life itself.
A cruise was the promise. To cruise away from their troubles. To cruise towards the place where they first met, on the banks of the Thames. A cruise to dwell in their memories together and plan their next chapter.
Paddy and Jenny Davern have had a long and happy marriage together in Sydney. Together they embark on a cruise to London, for the last leisurely journey in each other's company. While on board, they meet a kaleidoscope of adventurous passengers that test their resolve to their promise to each other, and motivations towards their pact.
A cruise was the promise. To cruise away from their troubles. To cruise towards the place where they first met, on the banks of the Thames. A cruise to dwell in their memories together and plan their next chapter.
Paddy and Jenny Davern have had a long and happy marriage together in Sydney. Together they embark on a cruise to London, for the last leisurely journey in each other's company. While on board, they meet a kaleidoscope of adventurous passengers that test their resolve to their promise to each other, and motivations towards their pact.
Unknown Binding
First published August 17, 2020
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About the author
Thomas Keneally
116 books1,285 followersThomas Michael Keneally, AO (born 7 October 1935) is an Australian novelist, playwright and author of non-fiction. He is best known for writing Schindler's Ark, the Booker Prize-winning novel of 1982, which was inspired by the efforts of Poldek Pfefferberg, a Holocaust survivor. The book would later be adapted to Steven Spielberg's Schindler's List (1993), which won the Academy Award for Best Picture.
Often published under the name Tom Keneally in Australia.
Life and Career:
Born in Sydney, Keneally was educated at St Patrick's College, Strathfield, where a writing prize was named after him. He entered St Patrick's Seminary, Manly to train as a Catholic priest but left before his ordination. He worked as a Sydney schoolteacher before his success as a novelist, and he was a lecturer at the University of New England (1968–70). He has also written screenplays, memoirs and non-fiction books.
Keneally was known as "Mick" until 1964 but began using the name Thomas when he started publishing, after advice from his publisher to use what was really his first name. He is most famous for his Schindler's Ark (1982) (later republished as Schindler's List), which won the Booker Prize and is the basis of the film Schindler's List (1993). Many of his novels are reworkings of historical material, although modern in their psychology and style.
Keneally has also acted in a handful of films. He had a small role in The Chant of Jimmie Blacksmith (based on his novel) and played Father Marshall in the Fred Schepisi movie, The Devil's Playground (1976) (not to be confused with a similarly-titled documentary by Lucy Walker about the Amish rite of passage called rumspringa).
In 1983, he was made an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO). He is an Australian Living Treasure.
He is a strong advocate of the Australian republic, meaning the severing of all ties with the British monarchy, and published a book on the subject in Our Republic (1993). Several of his Republican essays appear on the web site of the Australian Republican Movement.
Keneally is a keen supporter of rugby league football, in particular the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles club of the NRL. He made an appearance in the rugby league drama film The Final Winter (2007).
In March 2009, the Prime Minister of Australia, Kevin Rudd, gave an autographed copy of Keneally's Lincoln biography to President Barack Obama as a state gift.
Most recently Thomas Keneally featured as a writer in the critically acclaimed Australian drama, Our Sunburnt Country.
Thomas Keneally's nephew Ben is married to the former NSW Premier, Kristina Keneally.
Often published under the name Tom Keneally in Australia.
Life and Career:
Born in Sydney, Keneally was educated at St Patrick's College, Strathfield, where a writing prize was named after him. He entered St Patrick's Seminary, Manly to train as a Catholic priest but left before his ordination. He worked as a Sydney schoolteacher before his success as a novelist, and he was a lecturer at the University of New England (1968–70). He has also written screenplays, memoirs and non-fiction books.
Keneally was known as "Mick" until 1964 but began using the name Thomas when he started publishing, after advice from his publisher to use what was really his first name. He is most famous for his Schindler's Ark (1982) (later republished as Schindler's List), which won the Booker Prize and is the basis of the film Schindler's List (1993). Many of his novels are reworkings of historical material, although modern in their psychology and style.
Keneally has also acted in a handful of films. He had a small role in The Chant of Jimmie Blacksmith (based on his novel) and played Father Marshall in the Fred Schepisi movie, The Devil's Playground (1976) (not to be confused with a similarly-titled documentary by Lucy Walker about the Amish rite of passage called rumspringa).
In 1983, he was made an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO). He is an Australian Living Treasure.
He is a strong advocate of the Australian republic, meaning the severing of all ties with the British monarchy, and published a book on the subject in Our Republic (1993). Several of his Republican essays appear on the web site of the Australian Republican Movement.
Keneally is a keen supporter of rugby league football, in particular the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles club of the NRL. He made an appearance in the rugby league drama film The Final Winter (2007).
In March 2009, the Prime Minister of Australia, Kevin Rudd, gave an autographed copy of Keneally's Lincoln biography to President Barack Obama as a state gift.
Most recently Thomas Keneally featured as a writer in the critically acclaimed Australian drama, Our Sunburnt Country.
Thomas Keneally's nephew Ben is married to the former NSW Premier, Kristina Keneally.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
December 18, 2020
The Pact is a free Audible long novella (about six hours listening time) by an Australian author who is new to me, although I had vaguely heard of him. I was intrigued by the premise - an elderly couple decide to commit suicide together - but felt it was all a bit drawn out so I was rather bored and relieved to finish it. I listened mostly while weeding so was pleased that it’s all one recording rather than having to keep starting new sections like some audiobooks.
Sydney couple Paddy and Jenny Davern, both aged about eighty, have had a long and happy marriage, successful careers, and remain in good health after each fighting off cancer. The only cloud is their middle-aged son Terry’s gambling addiction, which has caused intolerable stress.
When Jenny announces she doesn’t want to be alive anymore, Paddy concludes he couldn’t live without her, so they agree to make a final journey by cruise ship to London, where they met, and kill themselves together on the bank of the Thames. Will a voyage complicated by new friendships, unexpected legal issues, and the lure of an adulterous liaison change their minds and persuade them that life is still worth living?
Unlike some reviewers, I’m not disturbed by the topic of suicide and felt that this was explored in a mature, sensitive way. While I don’t agree with the way that they decide to go about it - regardless of where they do it, they’ll cause their families endless pain and confusion. I felt Jenny should at least have sought treatment for her depression. Unfortunately I liked her less and less as the book progressed - she’s a selfish hypocrite used to manipulating men to get her own way, so I hoped for a different ending to what we got.
I enjoyed the shipboard scenes and the entertaining array of fellow passengers and crew, although found the portrayals uncomfortably racist. Having some side-plots, like the elderly man who dies in the arms of a high class call girl, and the disreputable ageing actor and his marital woes, added to the drama, whereas Paddy’s attempts to get the staff campaigning for better employment conditions just felt like unnecessary authorial virtue-signalling.
The narration was excellent - the actors’ voices were deep and clear enough to allow a x1.2 speed playback without affecting sound quality. I appreciated the author’s note explaining that this was written and therefore set pre-Covid, and that he in no way condones or entertains any personal thoughts of suicide, and there is a suggestion that anyone triggered by the subject of suicide should call their local helpline - this would’ve been better played at the beginning IMO.
Sydney couple Paddy and Jenny Davern, both aged about eighty, have had a long and happy marriage, successful careers, and remain in good health after each fighting off cancer. The only cloud is their middle-aged son Terry’s gambling addiction, which has caused intolerable stress.
When Jenny announces she doesn’t want to be alive anymore, Paddy concludes he couldn’t live without her, so they agree to make a final journey by cruise ship to London, where they met, and kill themselves together on the bank of the Thames. Will a voyage complicated by new friendships, unexpected legal issues, and the lure of an adulterous liaison change their minds and persuade them that life is still worth living?
Unlike some reviewers, I’m not disturbed by the topic of suicide and felt that this was explored in a mature, sensitive way. While I don’t agree with the way that they decide to go about it - regardless of where they do it, they’ll cause their families endless pain and confusion. I felt Jenny should at least have sought treatment for her depression. Unfortunately I liked her less and less as the book progressed - she’s a selfish hypocrite used to manipulating men to get her own way, so I hoped for a different ending to what we got.
I enjoyed the shipboard scenes and the entertaining array of fellow passengers and crew, although found the portrayals uncomfortably racist. Having some side-plots, like the elderly man who dies in the arms of a high class call girl, and the disreputable ageing actor and his marital woes, added to the drama, whereas Paddy’s attempts to get the staff campaigning for better employment conditions just felt like unnecessary authorial virtue-signalling.
The narration was excellent - the actors’ voices were deep and clear enough to allow a x1.2 speed playback without affecting sound quality. I appreciated the author’s note explaining that this was written and therefore set pre-Covid, and that he in no way condones or entertains any personal thoughts of suicide, and there is a suggestion that anyone triggered by the subject of suicide should call their local helpline - this would’ve been better played at the beginning IMO.
February 21, 2021
I really quite enjoyed this book, though at times it seemed to dramatically veer from the main plot. I listened to this in audio and I almost chuckled when the ‘warning’ of ‘disturbing content’ came up at the END of the book. For such a serious warning, it really does need to be placed at the beginning.
December 21, 2020
I enjoyed the writing style and the audio reading of this book. A slightly macabre topic with plenty of humour and drama woven throughout to make it enjoyable.
October 27, 2020
This was a tiny bit too macabre for me. Planning your own death when you are desperately ill is one thing but just having “lived long enough” seems selfish. I enjoyed the cruise journey, peppered with memorable characters and interesting events but I have to admit that I did keep expecting a momentous something to happen to give the story meaning.
June 18, 2024
I quite enjoyed this novella which I listened to as it is an Audible original.
The tale of an elderly couple, Paddy and Jenny, who have had a long band happy marriage in Sydney after initially meeting in London. Their son Terry’s criminal gambling problem creates enormous stress for the couple, especially Jenny, who comes to the conclusion that she has lived long and happily enough- and wants to control her own ending. The couple make a pact to end their own lives before disease or disorder ends it for them.
Paddy and Jenny take a cruise back to where they met, with a plan to carry out their pact. On the way aboard the cruise ship, there are many potential… investments in life(?) that could persuade them to abandon the pact.
Characters were engaging and the premise is an intriguing one. The actors who voiced the characters were terrific.
The tale of an elderly couple, Paddy and Jenny, who have had a long band happy marriage in Sydney after initially meeting in London. Their son Terry’s criminal gambling problem creates enormous stress for the couple, especially Jenny, who comes to the conclusion that she has lived long and happily enough- and wants to control her own ending. The couple make a pact to end their own lives before disease or disorder ends it for them.
Paddy and Jenny take a cruise back to where they met, with a plan to carry out their pact. On the way aboard the cruise ship, there are many potential… investments in life(?) that could persuade them to abandon the pact.
Characters were engaging and the premise is an intriguing one. The actors who voiced the characters were terrific.
February 21, 2021
This is an intense read and not recommended for those looking for some light entertainment.
I’m left with questions; did they both die in the way they planned? Was it a trick on Jenny’s behalf? If so, why? How did their family react? We’re they able to understand what drove Jenny and Paddy actions? Did it ease their grief?
Leaving all these questions aside this book raises the point about people consciously choosing to end their life in old age. Some many of our elders are waiting for death to claim them, do they deserve the dignity which Jenny chose? I see Paddy’s choice as different, had Jenny not expressed the desire to die, it’s clear from his actions the thought wouldn’t have crossed his mind. He was still living and contributing to the world. This bring another dynamic to be considered.
I’m left with questions; did they both die in the way they planned? Was it a trick on Jenny’s behalf? If so, why? How did their family react? We’re they able to understand what drove Jenny and Paddy actions? Did it ease their grief?
Leaving all these questions aside this book raises the point about people consciously choosing to end their life in old age. Some many of our elders are waiting for death to claim them, do they deserve the dignity which Jenny chose? I see Paddy’s choice as different, had Jenny not expressed the desire to die, it’s clear from his actions the thought wouldn’t have crossed his mind. He was still living and contributing to the world. This bring another dynamic to be considered.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 21, 2021
Rather a macabre read.
November 8, 2023
I found the premise of this book to be completely flawed. I can understand that people might get to a stage where for whatever reasons they find life is no longer worth living and if they're able to find the means to end it, they do. However this couple didn't fit this definition at all and the whole idea that their lives had reached an end was ridiculous.
As another reviewer said of them "they represented the worst of the well-to-do, articulate, 'worldly', materialist, self-righteous Australian professional class". They were both equally obnoxious. Paddy came across as a complete wimp, offering only feeble protestations when his wife Jenny told him her decision and then meekly going along with it for himself because he allegedly couldn't bear to live on without her (although as it's later revealed she could have borne to live without him). Neither of them appeared ready to die in the least, Jenny flirting outrageously with a dance instructor on board the cruise and generally not demonstrating any sign whatever of the depression that supposedly led her to consider suicide, and Paddy involving himself in all kinds of laughable causes as the do-gooder who meddled right up until the end.
Then at the end we're treated to Paddy's account of his final moments during which he seems to be being egged on by Jenny, who doesn't appear to be experiencing the same drifting off into death symptoms as he is. Was it all a ruse by her to get rid of him?
I expected more from Thomas Keneally.
As another reviewer said of them "they represented the worst of the well-to-do, articulate, 'worldly', materialist, self-righteous Australian professional class". They were both equally obnoxious. Paddy came across as a complete wimp, offering only feeble protestations when his wife Jenny told him her decision and then meekly going along with it for himself because he allegedly couldn't bear to live on without her (although as it's later revealed she could have borne to live without him). Neither of them appeared ready to die in the least, Jenny flirting outrageously with a dance instructor on board the cruise and generally not demonstrating any sign whatever of the depression that supposedly led her to consider suicide, and Paddy involving himself in all kinds of laughable causes as the do-gooder who meddled right up until the end.
Then at the end we're treated to Paddy's account of his final moments during which he seems to be being egged on by Jenny, who doesn't appear to be experiencing the same drifting off into death symptoms as he is. Was it all a ruse by her to get rid of him?
I expected more from Thomas Keneally.
August 6, 2021
I can't comprehend this book without a constant buzz of "the First World problem" at the background. This is a book about aged couple from very prosperous society, they lived through their predictable lives with minimum of problems, both survived cancers, now faced a minor inconvenience of one of their son's addiction. It's a big disappointment for them and also (holly cow!) a dent to their wealth. So, disturbed mother decides that it's been enough. Fair enough, they lived for so long that they just don't know what to do with their lives.
To be fair, this is only thoughts of Jenny, a female character. Out of her humongous selfishness she refuses to see anything around her, find new purpose of live or see how trivial her problems are compare to many other people's. Also she selfishly grabs her husband with her. With somewhat practical mind and zero moral she allows him a free will to choose his own path, but actually there's no choice in here. Any faithful spouse wouldn't be able to make a rational but heartless decision to outlive them and be happy.
I know, books are windows to other (imaginary) people's minds, they open other worlds to readers, give a chance to empathise other people. However, I'm very sure that the literary world doesn't need another white wealthy individual's tiredness of live rant. It's a big disappointment, knowing what other themes this author used to write about.
To be fair, this is only thoughts of Jenny, a female character. Out of her humongous selfishness she refuses to see anything around her, find new purpose of live or see how trivial her problems are compare to many other people's. Also she selfishly grabs her husband with her. With somewhat practical mind and zero moral she allows him a free will to choose his own path, but actually there's no choice in here. Any faithful spouse wouldn't be able to make a rational but heartless decision to outlive them and be happy.
I know, books are windows to other (imaginary) people's minds, they open other worlds to readers, give a chance to empathise other people. However, I'm very sure that the literary world doesn't need another white wealthy individual's tiredness of live rant. It's a big disappointment, knowing what other themes this author used to write about.
January 13, 2025
This book is evidence of Mr Keneally's exalted position within the Australian literary community. He is a marvellous wordsmith and this work is a gem.
The pacing of Paddy and Jenny's fateful journey towards ending their lives on the muddy banks of the Thames was interspersed with the messiness of life on board a cruise, a cruise they presumed would be a lovely relaxed way to get tontheir destination. No coins for Charon yet plenty of money provided to assist people they met on board.
I have known quite a few who have died via suicide and I did not find this book triggering in the slightest. It was a wonderful study of what people can endure. Feeling blessed for the life you lead yet wishing to have control of your end, regardless of still possessing your faculties and not being in the throes of any terrible illnesses.
The characters were well rounded, and the narration delightful. I do admit to listening to this narration via blue tooth to my hearing aids while in the office. Some stories just need to be seen to the conclusion with as few delays as possible.
I thoroughly recommend this story.
The pacing of Paddy and Jenny's fateful journey towards ending their lives on the muddy banks of the Thames was interspersed with the messiness of life on board a cruise, a cruise they presumed would be a lovely relaxed way to get tontheir destination. No coins for Charon yet plenty of money provided to assist people they met on board.
I have known quite a few who have died via suicide and I did not find this book triggering in the slightest. It was a wonderful study of what people can endure. Feeling blessed for the life you lead yet wishing to have control of your end, regardless of still possessing your faculties and not being in the throes of any terrible illnesses.
The characters were well rounded, and the narration delightful. I do admit to listening to this narration via blue tooth to my hearing aids while in the office. Some stories just need to be seen to the conclusion with as few delays as possible.
I thoroughly recommend this story.
April 23, 2021
I thought that this was a disappointment. Keneally throws in a whole lot of ideas and leads, develops none of them, and places all these things around a - to my feeling - pretty selfish couple. They represented the worst of the well-to-do, articulate, 'worldly', materialist, self-righteous Australian professional class. I didn't warm to them at all. They opt for a suicide pact rather than persevere through the hard yards of dealing with their gambling addicted son, whose problems may be at least in part an outcome of the urbane materialism of his parents. And I think Keneally's take on death ('the great passage') is the typical sop for those who don't actually want to think through whether death is the end, whether is actually a judgment that follows, whether whatever we do in life has any significance. To be fair, the reading of the audiobook (two voices) was quite excellent. Pity it was such tosh they had to read.
February 21, 2021
I didn't know what this book was about before going into it, I just chose it because Schindlers Ark by the same author was incredible.
The story turned out to be about an elderly couple who made a suicide pact and went on a cruise for their last hurrah together(and to reach the destination of their planned death).
The subject matter is obviously serious and something I was initially interested in learning more about the thought process that goes on for people who contemplate this. However I really didn't relate to the characters at all. Perhaps it was an age thing, the protagonists being in their old age.
I also found some parts way too drawn out and was bored in places, eg, an entire chapter about a character pissing their pants in public and going shopping for another pair. Not for me.
The story turned out to be about an elderly couple who made a suicide pact and went on a cruise for their last hurrah together(and to reach the destination of their planned death).
The subject matter is obviously serious and something I was initially interested in learning more about the thought process that goes on for people who contemplate this. However I really didn't relate to the characters at all. Perhaps it was an age thing, the protagonists being in their old age.
I also found some parts way too drawn out and was bored in places, eg, an entire chapter about a character pissing their pants in public and going shopping for another pair. Not for me.
January 14, 2021
I found this a bit of an odd book. An aged couple contemplating suicide because they'd had enough of experiencing the world. I might have missed the point here.
Then they go on a cruise back to Tilbury Docks from Sydney Harbour. Retracing their romance & their roots. Weird because they enjoyed the experience ... isn't that enjoying life? Why would you deliberately end something that you enjoyed?
The morning of their suicides, Jenny is at a market and marvels over a "subtle"(?) .. a small sculpture made of sugar. Why, if you enjoyed coming across this unexpectedly would you want to terminate any future unexpected, euphoric events by committing suicide??
I think I musta got derailed somewhere and totally missed the point.
Then they go on a cruise back to Tilbury Docks from Sydney Harbour. Retracing their romance & their roots. Weird because they enjoyed the experience ... isn't that enjoying life? Why would you deliberately end something that you enjoyed?
The morning of their suicides, Jenny is at a market and marvels over a "subtle"(?) .. a small sculpture made of sugar. Why, if you enjoyed coming across this unexpectedly would you want to terminate any future unexpected, euphoric events by committing suicide??
I think I musta got derailed somewhere and totally missed the point.
March 25, 2024
I rarely give a book 5 stars but this one is different.
Firstly to those who have given the book 3 stars or less, it may be that you have not lived through a long-term close relationship to truly understand the premise of the story.
For those of us who are in a long-term relationship that is loving and close, this story may just speak to you like it spoke to me. The Pact may be just what many loving couples have considered in one way or another.
BTW blaming Jenny (the wife) is silly, her desire is not selfish and her methods are certainly not.
It is about choice by both parties.
The story is not depressing or melancholy but for many it just may be confronting when considering mortality.
Firstly to those who have given the book 3 stars or less, it may be that you have not lived through a long-term close relationship to truly understand the premise of the story.
For those of us who are in a long-term relationship that is loving and close, this story may just speak to you like it spoke to me. The Pact may be just what many loving couples have considered in one way or another.
BTW blaming Jenny (the wife) is silly, her desire is not selfish and her methods are certainly not.
It is about choice by both parties.
The story is not depressing or melancholy but for many it just may be confronting when considering mortality.
January 2, 2021
I found this book odd. Understand the elements of drugs,alcohol and gambling but the suicide weird. Here we had two elderly people. One who had just had enough of life (too much drama with their son and his gambling issues) and the other who doesn't want to do life without the other (romantic right?). Well that is ok but then they go on this cruise voyage and start having or trying to have relationships with others. I just don't get it. You love your partner so much you don't want to let them die without you and yet your thinking/ wanting sex with others?? Just weird. Only gets two stars because I managed to finish so it wasn't absolutely unreadable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 23, 2021
I listened to this as an audio book. An engaging and rather strange story about Jenny and Paddy Daverne, a retired couple who have been married a long time. Their younger son has a gambling problem and this has been a drain on them emotionally and financially. Jenny has decided she has lived too long, and tells Paddy her plan, and they make a pact to end their lives together in the place where they first met, on the banks of the Thames, near the Tate in London. They decide to cruise there, and this was a delightful part of the story about the people they met on the cruise. It is rather sweet, although a bit macabre to plan your own death, but the story is well told.
January 13, 2021
Enjoyed - if that's the correct word? This story tells of a pact between 2 octogenarians facing their final journey. I found the support by Paddy to his wife's decision incomprehensible. If he loved her that much, enjoyed his/ their lives so much, how could he follow her decision? The writing is a friendly conversation, anecdotes familiar, the subject matter is difficult, and I would have thought the "triggers" warning should have been at the beginning, you are too far in when you realise the pact and its consequences. First Thomas Keneally for me and I will look for others.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 5, 2021
WEll written if slow-moving and an interesting wander with a much older couple. Delightfully written about the tiny happenings of life and the big stuff that goes around it. I enjoyed this more than I expected after a recommendation to listen to it as an audio book. I am not a massive audio book fan having only discovered them in the last 12 months. The clear narration and slow speech pacing was perfect and it was a surprisingly restful story given the subject matter. Not for those wanting action or not comfortable with the discomforts of life.
February 24, 2023
I listened to this book and I had to fast forward occasionally because it was a little tedious but I enjoyed the varied characters and funny anecdotes. It took me a while to figure out what the pact was about and then at the end, I'm not sure if the two main characters followed through on their pact or not which was disappointing. I was definitely rooting for it not to happen and now I'm not sure. The book did make me think about aging, lifelong partners, and what it means to face death. I enjoyed the narration. It was well done.
November 10, 2020
I didn’t actually read the synopsis for this book and when I realised it was about an elderly couple who have made a suicide pact my initial reaction was to stop reading. But I decided to keep an open mind and keep on with it especially as I am trying to read more works by Australian authors. I can’t say the storyline hooked me but I grew interested enough in the two main characters & a few interesting side plots saw me to the end.
December 5, 2020
I listened to the audio version without reading the blurb first so I had no idea what it was about. I fell in love with this book and the main character. It's a sweet story about love in older years. There is gentle adventure and insights into the aged, a pleasure to listen to. The only thing is a warning, I feel it romantices suicide and would warn people with depressive tendencies to be warned. The author has a note about this at the end. Otherwise, it's just gorgeous.
October 16, 2024
I was interested to get to know the author’s work. Bernadette introduced me to this book and I am glad that she did. The writing is clear and concise while human and economic in detail. The dialogue and situations are engaging, as is the character cast, who are believable in their roles. The monologue delivered by Paddy to his son via a letter at the end of the book is beautifully executed and moving. I am keen to read more from this writer. ✍️
September 19, 2020
Really short ‘novella’ about a pact between a married couple and their adventures on the way to fulfil the pact. Definitely made me think about the challenges of getting older and euthanasia. It’s becoming more obvious than my mother doesn’t enjoy getting old and the ‘ravages of time’ and this novella presents this aspect. Keneally’s writing is still erudite and lyrical.
December 26, 2020
Probably around 85 percent. A fascinating concept, a wife and mother decides she has had enough and invites her husband to join her in a suicide Pact. Some scenes were funny, on board the ship. I am a bit saddened by the ending, but all up a really good thought provoking book with abs perfect narration.
January 13, 2021
Older retired couple travel from Sydney to London to end their lives where they first met and fell in love. Quite healthy and engaged with social environment, the husband does it out of love for wife, who just feels that she should not live any longer. No realistic internal worlds or processes, yet the storytelling of the events and happenings is quite engaging.
March 26, 2021
**Trigger warning** - book covers topics regarding suicide, mental health and gambling.
This was a really great read, with a bit of noir about it since most of the narration occurs on a ship. The vignettes that the main characters (Paddy and Jenny) are faced with are humorous for the most part, and provide a nice comedic break to the serious business of the book, which is a suicide pact.
This was a really great read, with a bit of noir about it since most of the narration occurs on a ship. The vignettes that the main characters (Paddy and Jenny) are faced with are humorous for the most part, and provide a nice comedic break to the serious business of the book, which is a suicide pact.
March 28, 2021
This novella was both laugh out loud funny and heart wrenchingly sad. We know at the outset the intent of the two protagonists and it’s the ‘will they or won’t they’ dichotomy that propels the story and provides the suspense. Along the way are tributaries of story, fascinating in themselves, the detail of characters and the lives they represent, all beautifully crafted. Highly recommended.
January 27, 2024
I enjoyed this audiobook, I was really intrigued as to how it would end. It ended well and had some satisfaction to it which I was pleased about. It was different to a lot of books I have read and I really enjoyed reading about an elderly couple, stories so often aren’t focussed on the perspective of this age group which is a shame because it was kind of fascinating. Lovely book.
October 20, 2020
Maybe 3.5. It's a bit of a shaggy dog story, and written in a lightish way, but the themes are heavy, heavy heavy. Love, death, ageing, lots of things to think about. This book doesn't pull it's punches, but it has an odd lightness.
It's free on audible, definitly worth a listen.
It's free on audible, definitly worth a listen.
December 29, 2020
Listened to the audio on audible and loved the diffeeent voices for the husband and wife. Enjoyed the book and audio. Beautifully sad and tragic about love and the hardships of life finally having a breaking point. Ending note: kids can be wonderful and kids can be the thing that destroys you
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews