The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell: A Novel

Wall Street Journal and New York Times bestselling author Robert Dugoni's coming-of-age story is, according to Booklist, "a novel that, if it doesn't cross entirely over into John Irving territory, certainly nestles in close to the border."

Sam Hill always saw the world through different eyes. Born with red pupils, he was called "Devil Boy" or Sam "Hell" by his classmates; "God's will" is what his mother called his ocular albinism. Her words were of little comfort, but Sam persevered, buoyed by his mother's devout faith, his father's practical wisdom, and his two other misfit friends.

Sam believed it was God who sent Ernie Cantwell, the only African American kid in his class, to be the friend he so desperately needed. And that it was God's idea for Mickie Kennedy to storm into Our Lady of Mercy like a tornado, uprooting every rule Sam had been taught about boys and girls.

Forty years later, Sam, a small-town eye doctor, is no longer certain anything was by design--especially not the tragedy that caused him to turn his back on his friends, his hometown, and the life he'd always known. Running from the pain, eyes closed, served little purpose. Now, as he looks back on his life, Sam embarks on a journey that will take him halfway around the world. This time, his eyes are wide open--bringing into clear view what changed him, defined him, and made him so afraid, until he can finally see what truly matters.

Winner of Suspense Magazine's Crimson Scribe Award.

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Published Apr 24, 2018

447 pages

Average rating: 8.23

928 RATINGS

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Community Reviews

Piac
Feb 21, 2024
10/10 stars
EXCELLENT WRITING

The author draws you in and captivates you with the story line . I didn't want put the book down. A BEAUTIFUL STORY
Cydneejo
Dec 29, 2020
7/10 stars
Weak ending. Had potential.
janetlowe97
Aug 28, 2025
a coming-of-age novel by Robert Dugoni about Samuel Hill, a man born with ocular albinism, which gives him red eyes and makes him an outcast. The story follows Sam as he navigates childhood and adulthood, finding solace in his friendships with fellow outsiders Ernie Cantwell and Mickie Kennedy, and relying on his mother's devout faith despite enduring bullying and prejudice. Years later, a tragedy forces him to confront his past, leading him on a journey to understand what truly matters and achieve redemption and forgiveness.
Sommer B. Williams
Jul 31, 2025
I liked this book. The characters were easy to love, and it struck a cord since I grew up catholic as well.
Harrietaspy
May 04, 2025
10/10 stars
I feel in love with these characters - Sam, Ernie and Mickie. I even enjoyed the struggle Sam had with the Catholic Church as I've had my own. A treasure to read.

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