The Shortest Day cover art

The Shortest Day

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The Shortest Day

By: Colm Tóibín
Narrated by: Tim Gerard Reynolds
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About this listen

In Ireland, a man of reason is drawn to a true mystery older than the Pyramids and Stonehenge in this enthralling story about ethereal secrets by New York Times best-selling author Colm Tóibín.

During the winter solstice, on the shortest day and longest night of the year, the ancient burial chamber at Newgrange is empowered. Its mystifying source is a haunting tale told by locals.

Professor O’Kelly believes an archaeologist’s job is to make known only what can be proved. He is undeterred by ghost stories, idle speculation, and caution. Much to the chagrin of the living souls in County Meath. As well as those entombed in the sacred darkness of Newgrange itself. They’re determined to protect the secret of the light, guarded for more than 5,000 years. And they know O’Kelly is coming for it.

©2020 Colm Tóibín (P)2020 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved. Anthologies Anthologies & Short Stories Fiction Genre Fiction Holidays Literary Fiction Short Stories Celebration Winter

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All stars
Most relevant  
Having listened through once, I feel I must be missing something as it seemed very slight. I’ll listen again to hopefully get a deeper understanding.

Good narrator

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I am not a scifi fan but this story keeps you guessing to the end. it is well read and more imaginative than scifi.

Intriguing

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Thoroughly enjoyed this story wanted it to continue . Had heard of the winter solstice light

Excellent

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Archaeologist Professor O’Kelly has been excavating the ancient burial chamber at Newgrange for some time. This year he intends to spend the few days before Christmas there – a time when his students and other staff will be on holiday, so that he can have the luxury of being alone. But the locals are unhappy about the idea of anyone being in the chamber at this time – winter solstice is coming and there are legends…

Based on the real story of Professor O’Kelly’s discoveries at the site in the late ‘60s and ‘70s, Toibin has added in an element of folklore and touches of the supernatural, and the result is an entertaining short story which looks at the importance of story and legend in the Irish tradition. It’s slight but beautifully written, and the narration by Tim Gerard Reynolds is excellent – he has a delightfully soothing voice, distinctively Irish and perfect for this tale. An enjoyably relaxing way to spend an hour.

Enjoyable short story...

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