Digging to America

A Novel

By: Anne Tyler

Narrated by: Blair Brown

Length: 8 hrs and 33 mins

Publisher's summary

Anne Tyler's richest, most deeply searching novel, a story about what it is to be an American, and about Iranian-born Maryam Yazdan, who, after 35 years in this country, must finally come to terms with her "outsiderness".

Two families, who would otherwise never have come together, meet by chance at the Baltimore airport: the Donaldsons, a very American couple, and the Yazdans, Maryam's fully assimilated son and his attractive Iranian wife. Each couple is awaiting the arrival of an adopted infant daughter from Korea. After the instant babies from distant Asia are delivered, Bitsy Donaldson impulsively invites the Yazdans to celebrate: an "arrival party" that from then on is repeated every year as the two families become more and more deeply intertwined. Even Maryam is drawn in, up to a point. When she finds herself being courted by Bitsy Donaldson's recently widowed father, all the values she cherishes - her traditions, her privacy, her otherness - are suddenly threatened.

A luminous novel brimming with subtle, funny, and tender observations that immerse us in the challenges of both sides of the American story.

©2006 Anne Tyler (P)2006 Random House Inc. Random House Audio, a division of Random House Inc.

Critic reviews

"Digging to America succeeds on many levels - as a satire of millennial parenting, a tribute to autumn romances, and most important, an exploration of our risible (though poignant) attempts to welcome otherness into our midst." (Atlantic Monthly)
"Handling time with a light touch, Tyler creates many blissful moments of high emotion and keen humor while broaching hard truths about cultural differences, communication breakdowns, and family configurations. This deeply human tale of valiantly improvised lives is one of Tyler's best." (Booklist)

Warm and Charming

As a lover of all of Anne Tyler's books I probably have a predisposition coming in but I felt this book was wonderful. The characters are so real and believable. Blair Brown's reading really makes the story come alive. I didn't want it to end.

Why is an optional heading a requirement?

The story was great with a wonderful ending. The narrative was easy to understand by this hard of hearing person.

Strong Ending

Last chapter made this occasionally slow moving novel seem worthwhile. Good characters but story sometimes lagged.

Tyler is in top form

As a longtime fan of Anne Tyler, and a former 15 year resident of Baltimore, I found her latest volume her best in many years. With a light, observant style, she explores a variety of engaging themes: adoption, modern parenting, assimilation, cultural identity and American-Iranian culture. Her wry asides about Baltimore neighborhoods and middle class culture are always a treat. Blair Brown captures the Iranian phrasing and lilt beautifully too, so it's a pleasure to listen to.

Loved It!

When I read some of the reviews of this book, I wondered if the reviewers had listened to the same book I had. I enjoyed it as much as any of the other Anne Tyler books I've read/listened to. Blair Brown did an excellent job with the narration.

Another Satisfying Book by Anne Tyler

Would you consider the audio edition of Digging to America to be better than the print version?

I didn't read the print version.

What did you like best about this story?

I love the characters - how real and believable they are.

What does Blair Brown bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

She uses accents to give personality to the characters.

Any additional comments?

Anne Tyler books lend themselves well to audio books. Her characters feel so real when the books are read out loud.

Let down

As a long time Tyler fan, I approach with enthusiasm every work her pen produces. In agreement with other reviewers, this one was a let down. I kept listening in hope, but it never grabbed me. The usual engaging chuckles and sparks of humorous genious her writings provide just weren't there for me this time. There were a few moments when I recognized the style of the writer I've grown to enjoy and respect, but on the whole, I felt "let down" and wishing I had used my credit on something else.

WEAK

This story was weak and trite. I was able to listen to it through, but I would not recommend it.

Blah, blah, blah

I really wanted to like this book but I just couldn't. It followed two families but nothing ever happened. When there was the opportunity to go deep, the author just blew past it. I had nothing else to listen to and it was still tooooo boring to finish. Save your book credits for something else.

worse audio

The accent imitated for Iranian is a deep Indian accent. Unbearable.
The subject is about an Iranian aging in US, it is touched softly. The viewpoint of the author is valid and understood. nothing specific to Iranians though, could be true of any culture, thus worth the read.
The chapter about the child pacifier was too long. Tried my patience.