Thirteen Moons

A Novel

By: Charles Frazier

Narrated by: Will Patton

Length: 15 hrs and 44 mins

Publisher's summary

This magnificent novel by one of America's finest writers is the epic of one man's remarkable journey, set in 19th-century America against the background of a vanishing people and a rich way of life.

At the age of 12, under the Wind moon, Will is given a horse, a key, and a map, and sent alone into the Indian Nation to run a trading post as a bound boy. It is during this time that he grows into a man, learning, as he does, of the raw power it takes to create a life, to find a home. In a card game with a white Indian named Featherstone, Will wins - for a brief moment - a mysterious girl named Claire, and his passion and desire for her spans this novel.

As Will's destiny intertwines with the fate of the Cherokee Indians - including a Cherokee chief named Bear - he learns how to fight and survive in the face of both nature and man. Eventually, under the Corn Tassel Moon, Will begins the fight against Washington to preserve the Cherokee's homeland and culture. And he will come to know the truth behind his belief that "only desire trumps time".

Brilliantly imagined, written with great power and beauty by a master of American fiction, Thirteen Moons is a stunning novel about a man's passion for a woman, and how loss, longing, and love can shape a man's destiny over the many moons of a life.

Don't miss Charles Frazier's debut novel, Cold Mountain.

©2006 3 Crows Corporation (P)2006 Random House, Inc.

Critic reviews

"A bountiful literary panorama....The history that Frazier hauntingly unwinds through Will is as melodic as it is melancholy, but the sublime love story is the narrative's true heart." (Publishers Weekly)

Needed a good editor

Having loved Cold Mountain, I came to this novel with high expectations, but was somewhat disappointed. The story is set in a fascinating time in history, with momentous changes taking place for the Indian nation and the South, and the author conveys much of that, and the beauty of the remote, mountainous countryside, but in the end for me the tale became somewhat repetitive and melancholy. Not a complete waste of listening time, but it could have been so much better.

"everything and everyone you love goes away"

What did you love best about Thirteen Moons?

The bitter sweet melancholy of the passing of a way of life and time was presented in a splendid wistful manner. The author brought life to each scene and I caught myself remembering the sights and smells he described so wonderfully. Will faced all the fears of his life and grew stronger through each of them.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I enjoyed Bear, who faced life moment to moment, grasping and savoring whatever God places before us with each step. Truly living in the present is a gift.

Have you listened to any of Will Patton’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Patton could make the reading of a shopping list sound wonderful. His soft approach and mellow tones help bring this book to life with all the sight, sounds and smells the author presents for our enjoyment. I thoroughly enjoy Patton's style.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I did want to listen to this book in one sitting and found myself putting aside things that needed to be done in order to enjoy this journey into memories past.

A fabulous listen

Nice narration by Will Patton. An epic story that I will want to listen to again. The addition of music was nice touch.

It Was Okay

This book was okay Not one I would listen to again. I have Cherokee in my family background and heard somethings I didn't know. Even though it was fiction I found some parts of the native history very interesting.

Everyone should read this book.

It's a story so well written you will think of it as a classic from very long ago. I was hesitant to get though it to fast as I truly didn't want it to end. The narrator was perfect for this one.

Phenomenal!

One of only four books I have ever given all 5s to in ratings.

The prose is simply beautiful, permeated with such genuineness and authenticity.

I was actually sorry when the story concluded.

Simply a beautiful beautiful work, and masterfully narrated.

wow

great story. well read. I'll see what else he has. I'm sure it will be good.

this book exp will forever remain a favorite

Will Patrons narration offers a neutral perspective towards the events that take place with minor suggestions as to character motives, this allows the reader to experience the swift current that is underneath the calm surface appearance that is the main character and his stoic resilience. it's like listening to the rain during a storm. On the surface it would be easy to miss the clever analogues and troupe twists and sayings that could possibly stick with you as a point of philosophical debate for years to come. The time and effort are there by the author who writes with such periodical conviction. what I'm trying to say is you can laugh, cry, fall asleep or be inspired by this brilliant coordinated effort. highly recommended.

Heartbreaking and Joyful!

Loved it! Wonderful perspective on 19th-cent southern @ Cherokee history with endearing mix of adventure, love intertest, and philosphic gems on living and life.

Will Patton is an exceptional reader.

This book took me a summer to get through. Not because it was boring but because I wanted to savour it and do it justice by giving it my full attention. This is a great American novel and Will Patton does a fantastic job of inhabiting the narrator Will Cooper. A satisfying tale of love lost and found and lost in a changing world. Highly recommended!