A Fine and Private Place Audiobook By Peter S. Beagle, Neil Gaiman cover art

A Fine and Private Place

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A Fine and Private Place

By: Peter S. Beagle, Neil Gaiman
Narrated by: Matthew Hendrickson
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Buy for $19.49

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This classic ghost story from the author of The Last Unicorn follows Jonathan who’s been living in a cemetery with a raven as his only friend amongst the newly dead until he discovers a pair of ghostly lovers bearing an extraordinary gift—the final chance for his own happiness.

For nineteen years, Jonathan Rebeck has hidden from the world within the confines of a Bronx’s cemetery, making an abandoned mausoleum his secret home. He speaks with the newly dead as they pass from life to wherever spirits finally go, providing them with comfort, an understanding ear, and even the occasional game of chess.

But Mr. Rebeck’s reclusive life is disrupted. An impossible love has blossomed between two ghosts at Yorkchester Cemetery. Helped along by a cynical, talking raven and a mysterious security guard, these four souls must learn the true difference between life and death and make choices that really are forever.

Told with an elegiac wisdom and beauty, Peter S. Beagle’s first novel is, “One of literature’s most beautiful works about ghostly times and places...told with wit, charm, and a sense of individuality” (The New York Times Book Review). Paranormal Ghost Haunted Paranormal & Urban Gothic Fantasy Horror
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I wanted to like this book since Neil Gaiman’s name was on it, as a narrator, but it had too much of repetitious conversation (and concept). The characters were everyday standard people…nothing much different other than Rebec. There were intriguing questions asked by the characters throughout the story, but at the end…none of it were answered. The ending was a “let down” for me.

Nothing stood out

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I wouldn't say at any point did I really dislike the story or writing, but it's really just a simple psychological journey with some paranormal elements. I mainly wanted to listen to this because Gaiman says it's a book that really influenced him and Beagle is one of those authors who several great modern fantasy authors reference as having influence them. I'll call it 3.5 stars.

It's not a bad little story, just probably past it's prime

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Not what I expected. I think adding Neil Gaiman in the author spot was a trick. The story was ok.

A fine and private place

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I purchased this book strictly in the recommendation of Neil Gaiman. And after finishing it, I'll never take another reading recommendation from Neil again!!

This book was incredibly dry and boring. A book about drying paint would be more thrilling than this ... Ugh 😫 what a waste of a credit

Bored to Tears

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