A Town Called Solace cover art

A Town Called Solace

‘Will break your heart’ Graham Norton

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A Town Called Solace

Written by: Mary Lawson
Narrated by: Ian Lake, Maggie Huculak, Tajja Isen
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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

LONGLISTED FOR THE BOOKER PRIZE 2021

Clara's sister is missing. Angry, rebellious Rose, had a row with their mother, stormed out of the house and simply disappeared. Eight-year-old Clara, isolated by her distraught parents' efforts to protect her from the truth, is grief-stricken and bewildered.

Liam Kane, newly divorced, newly unemployed, newly arrived in this small northern town, moves into the house next door, a house left to him by an old woman he can barely remember and within hours gets a visit from the police. It seems he's suspected of a crime.

At the end of her life Elizabeth Orchard is thinking about a crime too, one committed thirty years ago that had tragic consequences for two families and in particular for one small child. She desperately wants to make amends before she dies.

Set in Northern Ontario in 1972, A Town Called Solace explores the relationships of these three people brought together by fate and the mistakes of the past. By turns gripping and darkly funny, it uncovers the layers of grief and remorse and love that connect us, but shows that sometimes a new life is possible.


'I've been trying to tell everyone I know about Mary Lawson... Each one of her novels is just a marvel' ANNE TYLER

© Mary Lawson 2021 (P) Penguin Audio 2021

 Genre Fiction Literary Fiction Small Town & Rural World Literature

Critic Reviews

It's already one of my favourite books of the year
She has the God-given ability to convey the complexities of human nature in everyday language... Like a magician, Lawson hides her technique, and makes it all seem as natural as breathing (Craig Brown)
A contemplative story about loss and regret, a slow burn of a read with a fire at its heart (John Boyne)
Lawson's writing is such that it appears effortless but, as all the strands come together to create a rich and satisfying tapestry, her genius for storytelling becomes apparent
The doubts, difficulties and uncertainties of the human condition are carefully examined in a way that is both heartbreaking and joyful
Subtle and darkly funny, this tender novel unspools the interconnected lives of her beautifully drawn characters
An absorbing novel
Lawson has carved out a world in Northern Ontario that's vividly, absorbingly real... Carries you along from midnight to dawn, oblivious of the time
A Town Called Solace keeps you breathless with anxiety, then relief and finally even joy (Ferdinand Mount)
Close to perfection
All stars
Most relevant
The story and its flow are so simple. Mary Lawson shows that to produce a praiseworthy story, one doesn't have to employ complexity or focus on a social issue. A Town Called Solace is simple yet heart touching and such a refreshing story that the novel was long-listed for Booker Prize 2021.

However, if you follow reviews and "crtique" opinions on YouTube or Goodreads, you will find the opposite as some of them would say that they wonder why and how this novel was long listed. Everyone has different taste and expectations but from us reader's perspective I have seen everyone love this book. As I said not everything has to be complex, having an underlying philosophical perspective or a social issue within the story.

I listened to the story last year and during my first listen it made me laugh, it made me smile, it made me cry, and most importantly it made me think about my childhood. Remember those good ol' days when as a kid we used to spend half of our every day at our neighbour's house because they loved you so much that you felt that was your second home? If it's same for you then you'll relate to this story deeply.

If you read or listen to this novel, the book wouldn't make you question some societal norms or influence your philosophical beliefs, but rather the book would probably give you simple life lessons, the importance of relationships which we make and break throughout our life without even noticing. There are underlying life lessons, value of time and how any child can bring happiness to one's life.

To summarise, this book is not a social commentary that the critique would praise - which is what happening lately if you see other booker listed books. But this book is a lighthearted journey through 3 separate perspectives and their entanglements. The story would make you laugh, smile and cry. You wouldn't feel the urge to listen to the book again because its that simple, but you would think about the town of Solace and think how your own town is or once was close to being Solace.

The story and its flow are so simple...

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This is one of the best Audiobook I have ever listened to. The different orators have given different flavour to the characters. It helps that the story is also so touching and relatable.

One of the best Audiobook experiences

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written in great detail and narrated to perfection. you will feel like living these characters.

brilliant book

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My first audio book, loved the narration. The story is deep, tragic, hopeful and affecting.

Deeply affecting

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