The Cunning Man

Dr. Jonathan Hullah practices medicine with an unconventional touch in 1990s Toronto, blending traditional healing with intuitive wisdom that earns him the mysterious moniker "The Cunning Man." When a beloved priest dies suddenly during Good Friday service, the aging physician finds himself drawn into questions that extend far beyond medical diagnosis. His investigation becomes a journey through decades of memories, relationships, and the intricate web of lives that have shaped both his practice and his understanding of human nature. Davies weaves together past and present as Hullah reflects on his colorful circle of friends and patients, each carrying their own secrets and contradictions through the changing landscape of 20th-century Canada.

George Guidall's masterful narration transforms Davies's rich prose into an intimate fireside conversation. His measured delivery perfectly captures Hullah's contemplative voice while bringing distinct personality to each character in the physician's sprawling recollections. Guidall navigates the novel's philosophical depths and witty observations with equal skill, allowing listeners to savor Davies's elegant language without losing momentum. The audio format enhances the story's reflective structure, as Guidall's warm, authoritative tone mirrors the experience of listening to a wise elder share hard-won insights about mortality, friendship, and the mysterious forces that govern human existence.