That Distant Land
Written by Wendell Berry
Narrated by Michael Kramer
4.5/5
()
Currently unavailable
Currently unavailable
About this audiobook
That Distant Land collects twenty-three stories, interlinked with each other and with the other published "Port William" novels.
The stories, arranged in their fictional chronology (from 1888 to almost the present day), become one sustained work, a new novel that spans the entire life and time involved. The range of this book is extraordinary—it offers rest for the weary, hope for the beleaguered, and strength for everyone else.
An EChristian, Inc production.
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Reviews for That Distant Land
49 ratings6 reviews
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5It is possible this is not my all-time favorite collection of short stories. But if it's not, then it's certainly close enough to be standing on its toes. On several occasions, tears came to my eyes while reading, not from a particular scene's sadness, but from the sheer beauty of the depth of humanity revealed. I've tried to describe this book to others, citing the fictional Port William location somewhat reminiscent of the old TV show, "The Waltons", but that comparison fails miserably to avoid the sentimentality of the TV show while still far exceeding the depth of human thoughts, feelings, and interactions that allow the reader to savor it so fully. The author has written a number of works centered on his Port William community, and I had previously read, with great satisfaction one of his novels, Jayber Crow, so I was concerned that a collection of short stories would seem too disjointed. Quite to the contrary, the collection proved that it could easily have stood together as a novel, presenting its characters over time, had it been written as such. Each story stands very well on its own, but the collection gives added depth to each of the others. Very, very highly recommended.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5His stories of community, of a life well-lived, of hard work and friendship give one much to ponder about what is valuable in life. His stories of men at the end of life, showing the world from their perspective, reveal a wonder and beauty of the senescent mind.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5These wonderful wise tragicomic stories chronicle the lives and loves of different characters inhabiting a small Kentucky town and its surroundings from the late 19th century to the late 20th. I especially loved the character of Tol. Wendell Berry does belong in the top ranks of American fiction writers. Who else could sustain a story for 30-odd pages about a group of men following another man through the woods--a story about nothing more than a walk, and yet, totally riveting?
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5This is one of the most outstanding books I’ve ever read. Also, the masterful reader put the book in a proper context, that of story telling. The book really is an 800 level college textbook of philosophy camouflaged as a series of vignettes that are told by a genius of prose. I can’t say enough about this book, Especially if you grew up in or have roots in the rural South.
1 person found this helpful
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5For both "A Consent" and "Down in the Valley,"That Distant Land earns a full 5 stars.For the unfortunate emphasis on animal killing - with the loathsome hog butchering and the never-ending hunting - it rates a zero.As well, Berry seems to have little deep connection with his pets or the ones in the wild.Fascinating details abound!
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Wendell Berry’s fiction is set in Port William, Kentucky, a rural community on the Ohio River. Each book includes a map and a family tree, and his novels typically focus on one person or family in that tree. That Distant Land is a collection of short stories featuring some familiar faces, like the Feltner, Coulter, and Catlett families, as well as some new names. The stories take place over a century, from 1888 to 1986, with the overarching theme being the changes in agricultural and rural life (not always for the better). Given the 100-year span, readers also have to say good-bye to much-loved members of Port William; each of their stories is told in a manner both poignant and fitting to the character. These were my favorites in the collection, but every story is well told and Berry’s writing makes me feel peaceful and centered, which is definitely welcome these days.
1 person found this helpful