On Agate Hill

A Novel

By: Lee Smith

Narrated by: Kate Forbes, Danielle Ferland, Katie Firth

Length: 13 hrs and 55 mins

Publisher's summary

Award-winning, best-selling author Lee Smith is among the most authentic voices of the South and has been hailed as one of America's most accomplished authors. In this rich and bittersweet tale, she follows the shifting fortunes of a young North Carolina girl whose life is shattered by the Civil War.

Orphaned when her father falls in battle, Molly Petree is taken in by Uncle Junius on his Agate Hill plantation. But the terminally ill Junius is manipulated into marriage by his housekeeper, Selena, who inherits Agate Hill upon his death. Neglected and abused under Selena's watch, Molly escapes to a better life with help from her father's closest battlefield companion, Simon Black. But as she grows into a refined, educated woman, Molly remains haunted by tragedy.

Told from the perspectives of several of its colorful characters, On Agate Hill is the literary equivalent of an heirloom quilt, and one of Smith's finest achievements.

©2006 Lee Smith (P)2006 Recorded Books LLC

Critic reviews

"Smith brings to [her work] an ear for speech and voice that most other writers can only envy." (The New York Times Book Review)
"Set among the ashes of the Civil War, Lee Smith's new novel brings a dead world blazingly to life....Smith, who is a subtly intrepid and challenging storyteller, never allows her narrative to slip into kitsch, stereotype or melodrama." (Washington Post's Book World)
"An authentic American saga, bittersweet as an Appalachian ballad, peopled with wonderfully vivid characters, so brilliantly constructed we never even notice the quilt-like artfulness of its design. (Kirkus Reviews)

Absolutely wrenching and beautiful

I had the opportunity to meet Lee Smith in a writer's workshop years ago. I found her delightful, down to earth, honest. I've loved her books for years but hadn't read one in a while. When this one was available on a special offer, I snatched it up. At first, I wasn't too sure I was going to get into it, but as it winds its way through the life of Molly Petrie, I was caught up and ultimately riveted. I was sobbing in my car at one point, deep wrenching sobs. The mixture of sadness, poignancy, wit, beauty, and honesty is a beautiful thing to savor. I highly, highly recommend it.

Good story

It could have had a little more history in it, but the story was good enough I could look over it. It had a few little twists that made it stand out.

Authentic Southern Tale

If you want to know some of the unique nuances of Southern Culture, you can trust Lee Smith to deliver. So many details are captured and woven perfectly into a truly beliveable story. Mollys ability to survive and perservere makes me more appreciative of my own life. I love reading a good southern novel that can take me back to the South I know. The soft musical ending helps to ease you out of that time and back into the present. I would love to meet Lee Smith and spend an afternoon on the porch with a pitcher of "Sweet Tea" and sharing stories.

New Southern classic

Move over Flannery O'Connor and William Faulkner, there's a new girl on the block. Beautifully conceived and written as a series of documents (diaries, letters, legal documents, etc.), the novel is here wonderfully recreated by a diverse cast of voices. You have to get used to the idea that the book will flow from place to place, rather like most people's lives, rather than setting up a singular plot and resolving it, and you will have to tolerate a n aggravating excess of infant mortality, but if you can get past those hazards you'll find a wonderful portrait of a certain time and place, with rich characters and powerful emotions. Ought to be in college literature classes, and on teenage girls' nightstands, both.

Another Great Lee Smith Novel

I have read all of Lee Smith's novels and this one does not disappoint. Her storytelling is like the weaving if a magic carpet on which you travel through time.

This audio production is so well done with voice actors who bring each character alive so authentically. I was sorry when it was over as I enjoyed my time with every memorable person she created. I highly recommend this.

Why audio books are special

This is a great word illustrated story. Believable, rich in characters and not the usual progression of telling a long life story. Wonderful use of music, making this a worthy best of Audible award in my opinion.

Throughly enjoyable

This was one of the best recordings I've listened to so far on audible. The actors contributed not distracted from the story. I'm glad I listened to the book rather than reading it for the first time. It's an engaging story that will draw you in and make you want to get back to it to find out what happens next.

NOW THIS IS A NOVEL!

What made the experience of listening to On Agate Hill the most enjoyable?

On Agate Hill keep me connected emotionally to the characters.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I loved Spence for his genuine human spirit. He loved his friends and family no matter what they looked like.

Which character – as performed by the narrators – was your favorite?

Black Jack was may favorite narration. His narration gave the right amount of darkness to Black Jack's character. A loving darkness if there is such a thing.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Spence being murdered was one of the most emotionally parts of the movie. I could have cried right along with Molly.

Any additional comments?

Loved it!

skip

Didn't care for this book. Didn't like the characters and didn't care what happened to them at all. Give this one a skip.

Slow read.

It felt more like a outline of events rather than a story I couldn't get past the half way mark.