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The Song of the Lark  By  cover art

The Song of the Lark

By: Willa Cather
Narrated by: Pam Ward,Ken Burns - introduction
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Publisher's summary

The daughter of a Swedish minister growing up in Colorado, Thea Kronborg's musical talent sets her apart from her contemporaries. Driven by her determination to satisfy her artistic impulse, she moves to Chicago, where she falls in love with a wealthy married man. The novel follows Thea's growth from provincial Midwesterner to acclaimed international opera singer. Her ability to resolve the tensions between her personal and professional lives and to communicate through her art makes her an unusual and thoroughly modern heroine.

Bonus: In partnership with Audible and Playtone, the television and film producer behind the award-winning series Band of Brothers, John Adams, and The Pacific, this audiobook includes an original introduction, written and read by acclaimed documentarian Ken Burns. For more from Audible and Playtone, click here.

Public Domain (P)2010 Tantor Media

What listeners say about The Song of the Lark

Average customer ratings
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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Willa knows my heart

I truly enjoyed the insights into the heart of an artist. It was beautiful.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

American novel

It’s always a pleasure to read (listen) to a book written by a praised American author. This moving story is about how a world-famous opera singer sprouted from rural Colorado in the late 19th century. Willa Cather knows mid western Americans; the reality is skillfully presented.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Exquisite Characterization

This is the story of a naturally talented performer and her triumphs and sacrifices to achieve international recognition. The timely narrative flows smoothly through her transition from a gifted Colorado small town girl to a world-famous diva. Cather brings each of the several characters in her journey to life with exquisite detail and believable emotion.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

Not the fantatic book I had herd it was

Is there anything you would change about this book?

There is no rise in action or climax. The story is just like hearing about any person's life. In this case the person is an artist and in some ways the book describes an artists soul and the circumstances that help lead one person to public success in art and another to not realize his/her full potential.

Would you recommend The Song of the Lark to your friends? Why or why not?

It would depend on the person.

Have you listened to any of Pam Ward and Ken Burns (introduction) ’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

Yes

Any additional comments?

There are some beautiful passages in this book, but I was told (and so expecting) a good explanation of the vocal artist. This is perhaps what some, but not most vocal artists experience I think. I never really liked the main character, she seemed aloof and superior. What kept me reading were the other characters in the book.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Clear story telling.

Smoothly executed respect for author’s style. It reflected the voice of Willa Cather. One of my favorite books brought forth.

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