Dennis Kelly (1) (1970–)

This is one of those stories that you don't even realize what it's about until at least three quarters of the way in, if not more. I really, honestly didn't know what the actual "main thrust" of the story was for the longest time. And I didn't care. I just wanted the story to keep going! It could have ended up not having any final reveal, and I'd have been okay with that. It was captivating from the very start, and all I wanted to do was have my own small part in it--that of the listener. show more
Once I had a tiny inkling of what was going on, I was even more committed. This is one of those audio books that I wasn't content to just listen to briefly in the car... I took it with me everywhere, devouring every second of it, then wishing it could have gone on longer!
There are, I think, three main themes in this story: one focuses on the relationship between a man and a woman, initially burning hot with passion, then ice-cold; the second involves the minutia of day-to-day life as a mother of small children, how things can drive you mad and then fill your heart to bursting within the span of five minutes; the third is the violent tendencies of man (I would say humans, but ultimately, it's more often than not men who commit violent acts), even in men whom you'd never think capable of such acts.

*Carey Mulligan does an amazing job narrating--if at all possible, listen to the audio version of this story!* show less

What an amazing piece of theatre. The performance by Carey Mulligan really is stunning and thought provoking and what a wonderful way to experience theatre without having to leave the comfort of your own home and it was free for Audible Subscribers

I suggest if you are going to listen to this production that you take the 1 hour and 40 minutes, sit down and give this your full attention with no interruptions as if you were sitting in a theatre.

NOTE * This is a dark piece and some people show more might find it distressing so perhaps check out its content before you listen to this one as it might not suite everyone.

I love theatre and often attend plays on my own as I love to be in the moment and immerse myself in the play. I think this is why Girls and Boys worked so well for me, I loved how we are drawn in with the humour and in the opening part of the performance and its as if the writer is preparing us for unthinkable. I loved Carey performance and would love to have seen this in theatre but enjoyed it just as much in the comfort of my living room.

Thank you to my goodreads friends for recommending this one. Loved it. show less

This was so incredibly moving and, with the twist coming that you never quite see coming (or at least how epic will be, even when the foreshadowing does occur), so heart breaking. This was my favorite radio play of the year and everyone should hear it performed.

Wow! This was a harrowing story and a captivating performance. Not a radio drama (the author emphasizes in the interview that comes at the end) but a performance for the stage, still and all it translates to audio beautifully as performed by Carey Mulligan.