A Land Remembered

By: Patrick D. Smith

Narrated by: George Guidall

Length: 14 hrs and 59 mins

Publisher's summary

Patrick D. Smith here tells the story of three generations of the MacIveys, a Florida family who battle the hardships of the frontier to rise from a dirt-poor Cracker life to the wealth and standing of real estate tycoons. The story opens in 1858, when Tobias MacIvey arrives in the Florida wilderness to start a new life, and ends in 1968 with Solomon MacIvey, who realizes that the land has been exploited far beyond human need. Between is a sweeping story rich in Florida history.

A best-selling novel of Florida historical fiction, A Land Remembered was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize and received the state’s highest literary award from the Florida Historical Society, the 1986 Tebeau Prize for the Most Outstanding Florida Historical novel.

©1984 Patrick D. Smith (P)2003 Recorded Books, LLC

Evocative of a Time and Place

This is a beautifully-written book that made me feel that I knew Florida before Disney and South Beach. This would be a great book to listen to as a family. It is filled with the joys, heartaches, and reminiscenses that are a part of many of our families' histories. My first 5-star book in some time.

Fantastico!

What made the experience of listening to A Land Remembered the most enjoyable?

This was a wonderful book. The narrator did a great job giving each character a voice, and reading with emotion.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Sol was my son's favorite character because "he was funny and cute".

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

George Guidall brings a real voice to the characters. I felt like I knew them.

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

When characters died or were killed.

Surprisingly Awesome!

I was not honestly expecting much when I picked up this book with my remaining credits on audible. I took a chance on it and am glad I did. What follows is a masterpiece of storytelling across three compelling generations and set in a Florida so close to the real thing that it might be confused for a chapter in a local history book. Do yourself a favor, get this.

excellent read

Mr, Guidall's narration really made this book come alive with believable characters. Really felt the elation as much as utter sadness. I'll be looking for other books narrated by him.

The unknown Florida Story

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

yes

What about George Guidall’s performance did you like?

He's a great narrator. His changes are always so subtle with each character. He's very easy to listen to.

If you could rename A Land Remembered, what would you call it?

I wouldn't

Awesome listen

This is very good book (audio). The story is awesome and the history of the land was very interesting.

Extremely well written and interesting read.

What did you love best about A Land Remembered?

I loved the fact that one was able to follow a family from the 1800's to recent days with well rounded characters that were developed very well and who were all likable. It was so good that I read it through in a 3 day weekend.

What about George Guidall’s performance did you like?

George always makes me feel comfortable, calm and warm inside. He sounds like the grandpa or father that I remember from my past. He seldom if ever makes a mistake.

Any additional comments?

I recommend this book highly and I doubt it will disappoint. It gives a personal touch to events that actually happened in Florida history and teaches us at the same time. I just loved the book and will read it again.

American Exceptionalism

Epic tale of three generations of a family in the wilderness of Florida overcoming hardship and heartache.

Engrossing and Emotional

Would you consider the audio edition of A Land Remembered to be better than the print version?

The audio version gives added depth and emotion to the story. The narrator did an outstanding job of diversifying the voices and conveying the intensity throughout.

What was one of the most memorable moments of A Land Remembered?

The reunion of Zech and Tawanda where he meets his son, Toby.

Which character – as performed by George Guidall – was your favorite?

Tobias

If you could take any character from A Land Remembered out to dinner, who would it be and why?

Emma because she was such a supportive, giving person whose own inner emotions I'd like to explore.

Any additional comments?

As a native Floridian I couldn't believe I had missed this book. My husband and I listened as we drove around the state. We had an appointment in West Palm but got off the Turnpike and went along the northern rim and the eastern edge of Lake Okeechobee just as we were hearing about Sol turning that land into farmland. We had smelled the orange blossoms all through central Florida and found ourselves transported back in time. Then the spell was broken by the massive developments as we drove into Wellington. Progress or pollution? A sense of pride in my cracker forebears and an abiding pensiveness have stayed with me. This was an amazing shared experience for my husband and me and we have been recommending the audio book to everyone we know.

Loved it! !

I loved the story and the narration was great. Captivating story that keeps you listening from beginning to end. Would recommend this book to everyone.