A Land More Kind Than Home

By: Wiley Cash

Narrated by: Nick Sullivan, Lorna Raver, Mark Bramhall

“Bold, daring, graceful, and engrossing.”
—Bobbie Ann Mason

“This book will knock your socks off….A first novel that sings with talent.”
—Clyde Edgerton

In his phenomenal debut novel—a mesmerizing literary thriller about the bond between two brothers and the evil they face in a small North Carolina town—author Wiley Cash displays a remarkable talent for lyrical, powerfully emotional storytelling. A Land More Kind than Home is a modern masterwork of Southern fiction, reminiscent of the writings of John Hart (Down River), Tom Franklin (Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter), Ron Rash (Serena), and Pete Dexter (Paris Trout)—one that is likely to be held in the same enduring esteem as such American classics as To Kill a Mockingbird, Of Mice and Men, and A Separate Peace. A brilliant evocation of a place, a heart-rending family story, a gripping and suspenseful mystery—with A Land More Kind than Home, a major American novelist enthusiastically announces his arrival.

Mesmerizing and haunting

This is a beautifully written book with powerful characterization. It is told from three points of view - a story-telling technique that I happen to love because I know how difficult it is to write. Jess Hall is the younger brother of "Stump," a mute; Adelaide Lyle is an elderly woman and former midwife; and Clem Barefield, the town sheriff. The brothers, Jess and Stump, are endlessly curious which leads them into trouble and unleashes a chain of events that leads to a tragic climax.

What I most loved about this story was the way the author crafted the characters revealing bits and pieces of their pasts with both delicacy and power. I especially loved Clem for his essential goodness and his weariness of the evils of the world. The author's ability to convey a sense of place through the personalities of the people that inhabit it is mesmerizing. The ending is heart-breaking but believable. Altogether a great read.

The narration was excellent - I especially loved Mark Bramhill, whose strong, gruff voice perfectly embodied the world-weariness of a small town sheriff who has just seen too much and is tired of it all.

Great Story, Brilliant Narration!

Anybody reading this is already a fan of audiobooks and knows that narration can richly enhance the written word. While reading, I can use my imagination but when I listen, a professional actor can push the story to life.

In this book, the team of narrators were superb. I think I would have liked reading this book...BUT....I loved listening to it!

I great tale of a charlatan 'pastor' and naive congregation, a cowed elderly but wise woman, innocent boys and sheriff with a painful past.

I think you'll love this book.

A haunting story, beautifully performed.

What did you love best about A Land More Kind Than Home?

This story is a mystery, a coming of age story, and a struggle between good and evil all rolled into one. It was well paced and well written.

The voice acting was great and kept me immersed in the story. All three narrators were great.

Although I enjoyed the story, I wish the book went more deep into the climax. It felt so built up just to end so quickly.

Great Listen!

The narrarators made this book come to life. I didn't want to have to pause it!
I would strongly advise listening to it.