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The One-in-a-Million Boy

The touching novel of a 104-year-old woman's friendship with a boy you'll never forget…

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The One-in-a-Million Boy

By: Monica Wood
Narrated by: Chris Ciulla
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Summary

 A one-in-a-million story for anyone who loves to laugh, cry, and think about how extraordinary ordinary life can be. Not to be missed by readers who loved THE UNLIKELY PILGRIMAGE OF HAROLD FRY, ELIZABETH IS MISSING or THE SHOCK OF THE FALL.

Miss Ona Vitkus has - aside from three months in the summer of 1914 - lived unobtrusively, her secrets fiercely protected.

The boy, with his passion for world records, changes all that. He is eleven. She is one hundred and four years, one hundred and thirty three days old (they are counting). And he makes her feel like she might be really special after all. Better late than never...

Only it's been two weeks now since he last visited, and she's starting to think he's not so different from all the rest.

Then the boy's father comes, for some reason determined to finish his son's good deed. And Ona must show this new stranger that not only are there odd jobs to be done, but a life's ambition to complete . . .
(P)2016 Headline Digital©2016 Monica Wood Family Life Fiction Genre Fiction Historical Fiction Literary Fiction Psychological World Literature Heartfelt
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Critic reviews

Curl up and enjoy this bewitching novel
A lovely, quirky novel about misfits across generations
Razor sharp while packing a heart-wrenchingly powerful emotional punch... Beautifully written, cleverly constructed, at times hilariously funny and ultimately deeply affecting - this should be a smash
Delightful. It's a hugely engaging look at how lives can be remade in the most unexpected of ways
A whimsical and bittersweet story about finding friendship in the most unlikely places
Heartwarming... beautifully sketched characters... life-affirming *****
This inspirational tale of friendship, world records and following dreams is a stunner
Wise, witty and incredibly moving... magical and life-affirming. I was utterly charmed (Polly Samson)
A big, warm, winning treat of a novel, wholly believable but touched with magic... Sharply observed, deftly constructed and pithily told (Alison Mercer)
A beautifully told story
Wood's prose sparkles with lyrical descriptions and sharp observations about people and their motivations... But the over-arching theme running through it all concerns second chances. Even when you're older than a century, life still has the capacity to surprise you
The boy is one of my favourite literary characters ever! I thought it was a gem of a novel, heartbreaking and heartwarming. Beautifully written, with characters that you want to keep by your side (Adele Parks)
A magical, beautifully written story about the healing power of friendship, music, and unexpected, generation-spanning connections. As emotionally resonant as THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME (Christina Baker Kline)
A beguiling, heart-wrenching and funny book... Absolutely gorgeous
It's a pleasure to linger with her elegant prose, keen eye, and grace of thought
All stars
Most relevant
A story of human frailty and love, of many depths. Well read with humour and accent.

A beautiful story

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This is wonderful story of several unlikely friendships: between an 11 year old boy who I think is aitistic; a 104 year old very independent lady; and the boy's parents, and the complex relationships of all of them.
Beautifully written and excellently narrated.
A truly one in a million story which I will certainly listen to again.
Just beautiful.

An amazing story of friendships

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A tale of love and human kindness when least expected. A little slow at times but overall a beautiful depiction of the small things in life meaning much much more.

The One-in-a-Million Boy

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When the book started I wasn't sure that it was for me but as I listened I was drawn in by this unusual, sad & funny story. It was excellently read, the voices painting pictures. Loved it & recommend it to anyone wanting something different.

Unexpectedly brilliant

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Really enjoyed this audio book. Style put me in the mind of a man called Ove... but ultimately very much it's own story. Initially the narration was a bit off beat for me, but a chapter or two in I settled into the story and really looked forward to my commute and the next installment. Also think characters were well fleshed out, and likeable. Would recommend.

Compelling listen, lovely story

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