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The Mercy of Thin Air (Abridged): A Novel Audiobook, by Ronlyn Domingue Play Audiobook Sample

The Mercy of Thin Air (Abridged): A Novel Audiobook

The Mercy of Thin Air (Abridged): A Novel Audiobook, by Ronlyn Domingue Play Audiobook Sample
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Read By: Rebecca Gayheart Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio Listen Time: at 1.0x Speed 4.17 hours at 1.5x Speed 3.13 hours at 2.0x Speed Release Date: September 2005 Format: Abridged Audiobook ISBN: 9780743552417

Quick Stats About this Audiobook

Total Audiobook Chapters:

5

Longest Chapter Length:

75:39 minutes

Shortest Chapter Length:

70:32 minutes

Average Chapter Length:

74:11 minutes

Audiobooks by this Author:

1

Publisher Description

From debut author Ronlyn Domingue comes a stunning, imaginative novel that beautifully captures the nature of love and how it transcends all barriers -- even death.

In 1920s New Orleans, smart and fearless Raziela Nolan is in the throes of a magnificent love affair when she suddenly dies in a tragic accident. Immediately after her death, she chooses to stay between -- a realm that exists after life and before whatever lies beyond it. From this remarkable vantage point, Razi narrates the story of her lost love, as well as the relationship of Amy and Scott, a young couple whose house she haunts seventy years later. Their trials finally compel Razi to slowly unravel the mystery of what happened to her first and only love and to confront a long-hidden secret.

The Mercy of Thin Air entwines love stories that echo across three generations culminating in a startling finish that will leave listeners breathless.

Download and start listening now!

"This book has moved into my favorite books of all times list. The best part, if I had to dissect just one "best part" is the strength of the male characters amid the very strong female characters. So many writers write these wonderful women protagonists against these ridiculously wimpy men - like it's real hard to be a strong woman in the presence of losers... But that is not the case here. The men are strong in their own roles and also supportive of the womens independence and strides towards equality. The relationship of the characters, the great story lines and oh yeah, she's a ghost! make this read sing. I almost never read a book twice but I imagine I will read this one over and over."

— Kirsta (5 out of 5 stars)

Quotes

  • “In The Mercy of Thin Air, Raziela Nolan—a ghost—spins vivid portraits of the world she left, and the world she isn’t allowed to join, reminding us that there is the finest of lines between past and present, between life and death, between love and regret. This is the rarest of first novels—a truly original voice and a truly original story.” 

    — Jodi Picoult, #1 New York Times bestselling author
  • Ronlyn Domingue's debut novel is an ethereal and eternal love story with images so luminous they lift off the paper. The Mercy of Thin Air will haunt you long after the last page is turned." -- Paula Wall, national bestselling author of The Rock Orchard

  • With lucid supple prose, Ronlyn Domingue weaves a gossamer tale suspended between two worlds. Readers will find it difficult to let go of this moving debut by a remarkable talent well on her way to a distinguished career." -- James Wilcox, author of Heavenly Days

  • In The Mercy of Thin Air, Raziela Nolan - a ghost - spins vivid portraits of the world she left, and the world she isn't allowed to join, reminding us that there is the finest of lines between present and past, between life and death, between love and regret. This is that rarest of first novels - a truly original voice, and a truly original story." --Jodi Picoult, New York Times bestselling author of Vanishing Acts and My Sister's Keeper

  • Like The Lovely Bones, Ronlyn Domingue's own first novel makes the reader feel as if he's died and gone to heaven. The Mercy of Thin Air should enjoy a similarly long and happy life." --James Gordon Bennett, author of The Moon Stops Here

  • Luminous, wise, tender, passionate, and compassionate, this book is special. Razi is a rare character, and her story opens like the petals of a flower. She makes me understand, all over again, the redemptive power of love. One to treasure." --Posie Graeme-Evans, author of The Exiled

  • Debut novelist Domingue weaves a tapestry of lost spirits and misplaced loves." --Kirkus Reviews

  • [An] amazing first novel.... Razi is so enchanting that readers will gladly follow her anywhere. Filled with vivid descriptions of scents, sounds, and marvelous human sensations that people take for granted and that spirits can only wistfully recall, this is a novel that gets under one's skin. Mere mortals can only hope that Domingue has more stories to tell." --Library Journal (starred review)

  • “Through the alchemy of Domingue’s rich, lovely prose we are transported back and forth through time.” 

    — Boston Globe
  • “Superbly constructed, this is a story about the power first love and the potency of memory. Ronlyn Domingue is a first-class writer.” 

    — Irish Examiner (Cork)
  • “Fans of The Lovely Bones and The Time Traveler’s Wife now have another classic…A wonderfully powerful depiction of true, heart-wrenching love and the grief experienced when it is lost.” 

    — Easy Living magazine

The Mercy of Thin Air Listener Reviews

Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 (4.00)
5 Stars: 13
4 Stars: 10
3 Stars: 3
2 Stars: 2
1 Stars: 2
Narration: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 (0.00)
5 Stars: 0
4 Stars: 0
3 Stars: 0
2 Stars: 0
1 Stars: 0
Story: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 (0.00)
5 Stars: 0
4 Stars: 0
3 Stars: 0
2 Stars: 0
1 Stars: 0
Write a Review
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Wow! If you like stories that are more bittersweet than scary, this is the perfect ghost story for you. In "The Mercy of Thin Air" by Ronlyn Domingue, a life full of connections to those around her is what Razi discovers only after she is dead. Razi (the main narrator) comes across as funny, strong, fiercely intelligent, and strong-willed in a time (the 20s) when that was not so admired in women. She fights the tide and makes her own way in a time that did not provide a lot of opportunities or choices for women. The main themes of undying love, love lost, strong women, and second chances echo throughout the book. Definitely a great read for a book club (my reason for reading). "

    — Johannah, 2/19/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " A charming read. The cosmology is interesting, forming a world "between." I struggled to keep track of the characters. "

    — Kristin, 2/16/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Wow! This novel really surprised me. I came into it not expecting much, but it was incredibly touching and relatable. The characters are well developed and your heart truly breaks for them. A must-read! "

    — Kaitlin, 2/10/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " I.love.this.book. It jumped off the shelf at me in the library and I caught it. As a New Orleans local, I devoured the retro focus of the setting, and totally fell in love with Razi's story. I still smile when I pass down St. Charles Ave and see the mansion near Audubon that I imagine as Phin's. Do yourself a favor and read this treasure. "

    — Jen, 2/4/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Excellent look into relationships over time. "

    — Colleen, 1/29/2014
  • Overall Performance: 1 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Way too many dirty scenes and bad language. I was not a fan of this book. I found it to be depressing and slow. The ending was interesting though. "

    — Becky, 1/16/2014
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " I loved this book until all the way until the end. The ending was just laughable in my opinion (literally, I laughed out loud, which I'm sure the author didn't intend). The ending just didn't fit with the rest of the novel at all, and it just ruined it. I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone. I'm confused why so many people gave it 5 (even 4). "

    — Romy, 1/12/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " One of my favorite things to do is to wander the library shelves to find a new book to read. I am so happy this is one of them I picked up, I'm not sure what I expected, ghost story? silly romance? but I really, truly enjoyed this one! I've already recommended it to a few friends. "

    — Tonya, 1/4/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " I really enjoyed this book. My only complaint was sometimes the jumping around (from living, after death, current time, other times after death) did not transition as smoothly as it could have. "

    — Sara, 11/6/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " I loved this book! It was so beautifully written and the story itself compelled me to read it all until I was finished, wanting more. "

    — Rumheadsbakery, 11/2/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Although this took me a while to get into, by the time it hit its stride, I was totally enthralled by the love story. Touching and powerful idea. "

    — Joanne, 10/7/2013
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " I will have to come back to this, unfortunately, I stopped reading, while other books took presidence. Will need to restart, since I've lost my way.. "

    — Lisa, 8/16/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " The characters are great, and the way things tie together might be seen before it's actually revealed, but it's still a moving story. I love the way it binds together love and memories, no matter how much time goes by. "

    — Carrie, 8/8/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " A story of past and present told through the eyes of a ghost. Excellent! "

    — Nancy, 7/15/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " I liked the premise of the book but found it a little difficult to read. It jumped around a lot. I had to read this one in little chunks and that made it harder to get through. "

    — Robin, 7/7/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " A beautifully crafted love story about a woman while she is 19 and in love, and at the same time 80 or so years after her death while she is still roaming this plane as a ghost. I couldn't put it down as it was absolutely enchanting. I don't give out 5 stars very often. :) "

    — Cindy, 4/21/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " This book was quite lovely, emotional and well written. "

    — Paige, 2/25/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " This is a love story told by a ghost, which is such a cool perspective. The narrative is often more reflective than exciting, but I loved the story anyways! "

    — Katie, 9/4/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Very, very good book. Interesting plot and dialogue amongst the characters. "

    — Teresa, 2/9/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Amazing!!!! I could not put the book down...I ESP loved the depictions of 1920's South... "

    — Tracy, 11/23/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " A book for true romantics! This book covers the power of love in this world and the next. Beautifully written, breathless prose. I couldn't put it down. If you wonder about what happens to love after death, read this book and let your imagination soar. "

    — Patty, 6/1/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Loved the story and the opportunity to revisit New Orleans through her writing. This is her first novel.<br/> "

    — Nancy, 5/20/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Excellent Book, loved it. Need to read it when you can concentrate on keeping track of the characters. One of the very few books I plan to read again. "

    — Linda, 5/16/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " When I first started this book, I didn't think I was going to like it...ended up loving it!! Great main character! "

    — Pam, 5/16/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " This book makes believing in ghosts plausible. "

    — Diana, 5/13/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " It's a shame that I never felt particularly engaged with these characters. Also, too many coincidences. "

    — Christie, 4/28/2011
  • Overall Performance: 1 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " it started out interesting but got a little overwrought and confusing. i was not terribly happy about it when i finished, though I can't exactly pinpoint why. "

    — Dorie, 4/20/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Although this took me a while to get into, by the time it hit its stride, I was totally enthralled by the love story. Touching and powerful idea. "

    — Joanne, 3/15/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Good book. Started off slow, but it gets better! I'm not into &quot;ghosts&quot; books, but this one had a different angle. "

    — Cheye-Anne, 3/14/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " It will make you think about what if's? "

    — Jenny, 1/25/2011

About Ronlyn Domingue

Ronlyn Domingue is the critically acclaimed author of The Mercy of Thin Air. Her short stories and essays have appeared in New England Review, the Independent, Shambhala Sun, and other publications, and she also works as a nonfiction contributor to the online magazine Nervous Breakdown.

About Rebecca Gayheart

Rebecca Gayheart is an American television and film actress. She has appeared in Beverly Hills, 90210, Wasteland, Dead Like Me, Vanished, and Nip/Tuck.