14 episodes

Paddy Whack is a novel written and performed by the author, Francis Martineau. Based in part on his own childhood in Scotland, each episode chronicles the story of a boy growing up in the shadow of World War II, the diary of his mother, and a separate correspondence between two would-be lovers attempting to find a semblance of normalcy in turbulent times. Martineau's exquisite dramatic reading of the text brings the story to life with deep feeling, immense charm, and an evocative mix of local dialects. In addition, his original piano music dotted throughout makes this recording a uniquely personal expression. Settle in. You've never heard anything quite like this.

Paddy Whack Francis Martineau

    • Arts
    • 5.0 • 6 Ratings

Paddy Whack is a novel written and performed by the author, Francis Martineau. Based in part on his own childhood in Scotland, each episode chronicles the story of a boy growing up in the shadow of World War II, the diary of his mother, and a separate correspondence between two would-be lovers attempting to find a semblance of normalcy in turbulent times. Martineau's exquisite dramatic reading of the text brings the story to life with deep feeling, immense charm, and an evocative mix of local dialects. In addition, his original piano music dotted throughout makes this recording a uniquely personal expression. Settle in. You've never heard anything quite like this.

    Episode 1

    Episode 1

    A boy growing up under extraordinary circumstances finds joy on a bicycle. A mother works tirelessly to keep life moving. A soldier receives shocking news from a faraway land.

    Please consider supporting Francis on Patreon.
    Support the show

    • 1 hr
    Episode 2

    Episode 2

     Consider supporting Francis on Patreon.
    Support the show

    • 55 min
    Episode 4

    Episode 4

    Support the show

    • 55 min
    Episode 3

    Episode 3

    Support the show

    • 53 min
    Episode 5

    Episode 5

    Support the show

    • 1 hr 2 min
    Episode 6

    Episode 6

    Support the show

    • 1 hr 1 min

Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5
6 Ratings

6 Ratings

monkey low ,

Hypnotically brilliant storytelling

Francis Martineau is a masterly writer and a virtuoso performer, and in this new podcast the result is storytelling at its most hypnotically brilliant. The enthralling first episode of Paddy Whack seemed to me like an invitation to accompany Martineau on a journey of discovery, on his search for particular pasts and their meaning. With his writer’s voice and actor’s voice combining to conjure worlds in which seemingly everyday occurrences are infused with mystery and beauty, it is an invitation I excitedly accept.

Zorkbrockman ,

Wish all audiobooks were like this

I’m only through episode one, and I honestly can’t wait to hear the next one. The story is compelling and totally puts you in a place, time, and emotional dynamic. And the best part is the narration, which truly sounds like no other audiobook you’ve heard and adds so much feeling to the story. Just give it a listen. You’ll be hooked.

Top Podcasts In Arts

Add to Cart with Kulap Vilaysack & SuChin Pak
Lemonada Media
Fresh Air
NPR
The Moth
The Moth
99% Invisible
Roman Mars
Minnie Questions with Minnie Driver
iHeartPodcasts
Fashion People
Audacy | Puck