Child of God

By: Cormac McCarthy

Narrated by: Tom Stechschulte

Length: 3 hrs and 41 mins

Publisher's summary

In this taut, chilling audiobook, Lester Ballard - a violent, dispossessed man falsely accused of rape - haunts the hill country of East Tennessee when he is released from jail. While telling his story, Cormac McCarthy depicts the most sordid aspects of life with dignity, humor, and characteristic lyrical brilliance.

©1973 Cormac McCarthy (P)2012 Recorded Books

Stark, Ugly, Raw . . . Classic McCarthy 😱

The title above about sums it up. NOT for those unfamiliar with Cormac McCarthy and his literary style. Not a first read for those interested in learning about this author. I would start with "All the Pretty Horses" or "The Crossing" but I wouldn't even recommend them to an adult not fully aware and comfortable with the dark and bleak side of human nature and existence and who enjoys, on occasion, taking a journey and a look there. Not a book and probably not an author for non-adults. 😱

wow what a strange story. was not expecting that!

easier to listen to on 2x speed. McCarthy paid with your imagination and presses the limits of reality

Not my favorite

Not my favorite of McCarthy’s works. But still well written and performed. Will continue to read what else McCarthy has to offer.

Yikes

I guess I should have read the reviews first. I LOVE Cormac, and I know that he doesn't hold back or worry if you are uncomfortable, but this one, is a little more than uncomfortable. This one makes a The Road seem like a light-hearted family tale. Just beware, read the other reviews so you know what you are getting into. I finished it, then took a shower and shook it off.

Finished this in one day

That was incredible but jesus fucking christ man. Too real. also this narrator is god to me.

I didn't think I was going to enjoy this at all...

But to my surprise I did. Short , brutal, stark and thought provoking. Well done

AMA painting of a culture that is high art.

The brilliant pros and the in-depth characterizations McCarthy does not shy away from the elemental in people, and he does it without judgment. 

So much more disturbing than any current TV show

Cormack McCarthy is, as you'd expect, a master at drawing the reader into the story. At times, I could almost smell the honeysuckle on the wind of a humid Southern night. The disgusting parts are just as vividly rendered, so be forewarned.
Parts Silence of the Lambs, Deliverance and a little bit of Dexter, this is in many ways a much more disturbing read than The Road.

Tom Stechschulte is a fantastic narrator and his performance as Lester Ballard is distinct and really sells the evil that he embodies.

Satisfying read, disturbing and thought provoking.
Not for the squeamish, but recommended for McCarthy fans.

Wonderfully macabre

In the hands of Cormac McCarthy, a poor Southern serial killer who becomes a necrophiliac is the main character in a gothic horror artwork. McCarthy's beautiful prose sings and gives special life to this demon, presenting him in his helpless inprisonment, his addiction to human touch he's been long denied. It's a disturbing story, but there's something pitiful about it as well, and something all too human and all too real.

Not what I was expecting

The performer nailed the accents. The story line definitely keeps you involved. Kind of like a car accidents. You know you shouldn't look but you can't stop staring.