by Luke Daniels
Narrator: Luke Daniels
Length: 3 hours and 25 minutes
Genres: Non-Fiction
Source: Purchase
Purchase*: Audible *affiliate
Narration: 5 cups Speed: 1.2x
A grief memoir like no other grief memoir.
Beloved sci-fi narrator Luke Daniels feels a little exposed right now. Up until now, words have never been in short supply. However, by and large, this unending tide of words has been someone else's. In real life he's an introvert who seriously doesn't even talk much, preferring to observe and mimic. That's his comfort zone. But Luke's own personal story? That's his danger zone. And frankly, he's terrified.
But this story deserves to be told as much as it needs to be heard. So here we go.
In 2016, the morning after Valentine's Day, Luke's son passed away from breathing issues complicated by congenital birth defects. He was 21 months old. And his name was Finnegan.
This kind of loss is terrifyingly huge and scary, but the love and light in this story far outweigh the tragedy. Through comic-book metaphors, Shakespeare references, and lilting Irish brogues, Luke tells the story of his too-short time with Finn. This is his tribute to storytelling, parenthood, and his rosy-cheeked, blue-eyed baby boy.
I was hesitant to listen to Unspoken: A Memoir by Luke Daniels. I wear my heart on my sleeve and was fearful I would be a hot mess, but Daniels is one of my favorite narrators and the first narrator I followed on social media. He has introduced me to new authors and series, so I knew I had to hear his story.
When Luke Daniels did a video announcing the release of Unspoken, I did not know of the blessings, hardships and tragedies he had endured. To be honest, I wept before I even started listening. But Daniels is not only a fantastic narrator, he is also a brilliant storyteller. He opened up and shared not just Finnegan’s story but his own story of grief, acceptance, and survival.
Sure, I wept. As a mother, as someone who has lost and as someone who has witnessed another suffer… but Luke Daniels also made me smile and laugh.
He shed light on the struggles of identifying medical issues, of managing multiple doctors, of the hopelessness and small miracles. He opened up about his own feelings, frustrations, doubts and decisions. It was raw, honest, and I imagine healing to share, to say the words and to bring voice to all the Finnegans.
Don’t shy away from this emotional tale. It’s beautifully told and a reminder of how precious each moment truly is.
As we celebrate Thanksgiving during this crazy year that is 2020, take a moment to count the blessings you have and say a prayer all.
From my house to yours.. Have a Happy & Blessed Thanksgiving. Be safe, be kind, and go Zoom your family.
Unspoken: A Memoir written and narrated by Luke Daniels is a beautiful, heartfelt tale of love and loss. #mustlisten #Finnegan Share on X
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Mary Kirkland
Oh yeah, I don’t think I could read this one. I lost a son to Anencephaly before he was born and my brother lost a son prematurely so this hits a little too close to home for me.
Flora Gatehouse
I haven’t listened to any audiobooks narrated by Luke yet. Here in the UK, we frustratingly get different narrators depending on the publishers.
This sounds like a very heartfelt and moving memoir. Thanks for sharing it.
Anca
This sounds like a very emotional book. It is a subject not many fathers talk about, despite them being affected by the death of their children in a similar way mothers are.
Rachel
Luke Daniels is one of my all-time favorite narrators! I didn’t know about his memoir. Sounds like and emotional and uplifting story! I don’t read much non-fiction, but I may have to make an exception. Wonderful review, Kimberly!
Debbie S Haupt
Oh wow thank you for sharing this Kim. I didn’t know of his loss what a tragic, tragic thing for a parent losing a child. This is going on my list.
Carla
Happy Thanksgiving Kimberly to you and your family. This sounds like an emotional story, but one that puts things in perspective for all of us to count our blessings.
S. J. Pajonas
Oh wow. I love Luke Daniels too as a narrator. I didn’t realize he also wrote! I will definitely pick this one up and prepare the tissues.
Kimberly
I don’t think he writes; I think he just wanted to tell the story of his son. It is only available as an audiobook.
Anne Fosse
Wow, I had no idea. It sounds amazing but heart-breaking. Thanks for sharing!
RO
This sounds like such a good book to check out,and I’m adding it to my list. Always takes so much courage to put your life out there. Wishing you and the family a Happy Thanksgiving! Hugs, RO
Melliane
We don’t celebrate here but Happy Thanksgiving