The Cove

A Novel

De: Ron Rash

Narrado por: Merritt Hicks

“Set during World War One, The Cove is a novel that speaks intimately to today’s politics. Beautifully written, tough, raw, uncompromising, entirely new. Ron Rash is a writer’s writer who writes for others.”
—Colum McCann

“Ron Rash is a writer of both the darkly beautiful and the sadly true; The Cove solidifies his reputation as one of our very finest novelists.”
—Richard Russo, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Empire Falls

Here is a magnificent tale that captures the wondrous beauty of nature and love—and the darkness of superstition and fear—from one of America’s most exciting contemporary novelists. With The Cove, Ron Rash, author of the acclaimed New York Times bestseller Serena, returns to the Appalachian milieu he has previously so memorably evoked. A two-time O. Henry Prize winner for his short fiction—and recipient of the 2010 Frank O’Connor International Story Award and the 2010 SIBA Book Award for his story collection Burning Bright—Rash can expect more honors for The Cove, a novel that brilliantly explores often dangerous notions of patriotism during wartime. This story of a love affair doomed in the rising turmoil of WWI resonates powerfully in today’s world.

Intriguing story distorted by bad narration

Would you try another book from Ron Rash and/or Merritt Hicks?

Ron Rash-yes. Merritt Hicks-NO

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of Merritt Hicks?

Merritt Hicks' interpretation of western North Carolina dialect was an auditory caricature which signified that she was altogether unfamiliar with the mellifluous, indigenous speech of that area. Her attempt with a German accent was even worse suggesting that she did not receive any coaching in the pronunciation of a foreign alphabet. If The Cove is recorded again, Cynthia Darlow would do an excellent job.

Was The Cove worth the listening time?

Until The Cove is recorded with a different narrator, I would not recommend it.

Narrator accent

Why do readers/actors insist on making every Southern accent a bad version of Nicolas Cage (on tap as worse accent ever) in ConAir? There are subtleties in regions, not only in the entire Southern area of US, but also differences in NC Appalachian, Piedmont, Coastal, etc.

Ron Rash’s writing deserves better research and production for this audiobook. His prose, characters, and story calls forth special memories of my Scots grandmother with her Appalachian dialect calling for us chaps to get on in the house. This narration distracts from the atmosphere his writing creates.

he's done it again

loved the story, his work is so beautiful. I didn't like the narrator. she does not have a grasp of the southern dialect and it was very distracting.

Love this Author

Although not my favorite Ron Rash writing, still a good read. The narrator seemed a little robotic at first, but I loved how her accent flowed with the story. I wish there was more emphasis on the plot, but altogether a good story to listen to while I work.

Love Ron Rash!

Ron Rash tells a sad, beautiful story about World War II era Appalachia. This was a great listen.

Interesting historical fiction

I liked it a lot. It was especially interesting for me because I live in North Carolina. It gives a historical view of what it might have been like at the beginning of the last century.

Absorbing Backwoods Mystery

Where does The Cove rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I rank this book among the top 5 I've listened to in the past 2 yrs.

What did you like best about this story?

The haunting and simple prose is remniscent of Carson McCullers' style. Characters are richly developed and you can feel their loneliness and longing. Detailed descriptions of the surroundings bring the settings to life.

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

I was impressed with how fluidly she moved between different voices; seemless transition between male, female, old, and young.

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

I felt breathless for the last 20 minutes. Surprising ending to the eerie mystery introduced at the beginning. Don't want to add a spoiler alert.

Any additional comments?

Beautifully written prose where backwoods mystery mixes deeply developed & flawed characters with anti-immigrant sentiment from WWI and desire to find a place to fit in. Well worth the credit.

Parallel themes in the Shelton Laurel Massacre

Would you try another book from Ron Rash and/or Merritt Hicks?

Yes

Did The Cove inspire you to do anything?

Read more Ron Rash books

Any additional comments?

To fully understand the meaning of the story (after you've listened to it), do an internet search for the Shelton Laurel Massacre. A different war; same issues.

Good start, very poor ending

This book wasn’t for you, but who do you think might enjoy it more?

I think people who also like Sharyn McCrumb's ballad series might find it enjoyable as its setting is the same.

What do you think your next listen will be?

I have not yet listened to Wolff Hall or Bring Up the Bodies, so probably Wolff Hall.

Which scene was your favorite?

I don't think I had one.

You didn’t love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

This book could've been great, but the conclusion ruins it.

Any additional comments?

Not worth the time