Commentary/review

This audiobook, produced in 2007, has been recommended after the passing of the Author in 2023. It certainly is a very successful production, worth acquiring and revisiting. The lector’s job was not easy as he endeavored to interpret a rather abstractly crafted piece of literature in that modern style where a distinct impression is given to each character. What resulted is a production where what originally was left unspoken and open to interpretation had to find a final resolution. I do not agree with Richard Poe’s decisions in the final paragraphs but I understand his choice and would probably do the same in his place.

For those who do not study literature and have never read the book, it is an unspeakably cruel and gory impression upon American history and culture. It is written in uncomplicated, fresh sentences, and yet the story is not that easy to follow. It is almost void of descriptions of emotions and when these happen, they are slight and mysterious, hinted at rather than explained. While the inner landscape of the main characters is barren, the physical phenomena surrounding these poor men – the land, the night sky, the wind, the wildlife – are shown with all the love and literary skill the Author could muster. It is an ingenious, masterful work of art and everyone should read it.

A simple cover for an ambitious audience. It is very detailed in its simplicity and I liked it. The colors are very adequate.

Cover Photo by Yohan Marion on Unsplash