The Heart Is A Lonely Hunter

De: Carson McCullers

Narrado por: Cherry Jones

The beloved classic that turned Carson McCullers into an overnight literary sensation and one of the Modern Library's top 20 novels of the 20th century.

“A remarkable book…From the opening page, brilliant in its establishment of mood, character, and suspense, the book takes hold of the reader.”

In a Georgia Mill town during the 1930s, an enigmatic John Singer, draws out the haunted confessions of an itinerant worker, a doctor, a widowed café owner, and a young girl. Each yearns for escape from small town life, but the young girl, Mick Kelly, the book's heroine (loosely based on McCullers), finds solace in her music.

Wonderfully attuned to the spiritual isolation that underlies the human condition, and with a deft sense for racial tensions in the South, McCullers spins a haunting, unforgettable story that gives voice to the rejected, the forgotten, and the mistreated—and, through Mick, gives voice to the quiet, intensely personal search for beauty.

Still A Classic

One of those books I always meant to read, and this superb audio edition shows why it is and will remain a classic. Cherry Jones delivers an subtly understated but spot-on performance with her narration, and the story of how the young girl's imagination entwines her life with that of the deaf-mute boarder is both touching and enlightening.

The Heart is a Lonely Hunter

I participated in a discussion of this book recently in a book group, and I took the opportunity to recommend Audible to the whole group as a wonderful way to "read" while commuting, taking a walk, etc! I thoroughly enjoyed Cherry Jones narration of this memorable work. The careful development of the strong characters as they struggle in their isolation makes this a fascinating read. It is difficult to fathom the maturity of Carson McCullers who wrote this novel at the age of 23 years. Do not expect a page turner, but be charmed by the weaving of the tapestry Ms McCullers designs. The story will stay in your heart long after the last chapter.

Depressing but beautiful prose and insights

I picked this up after a recommendation and I found it flowed easily, primarily because of the beautiful prose, great character development and expert narration. Unfortunately, the story had no ending and no conclusion to the issues and social insights brought up in the telling. This book is considered a classic, most likely because of the open discussions of the troubles of the time and social injustices that had developed in the early 20th century due to the growth of industry and wealthy corporations. The insights about social and racial injustice were probably unusual and compelling for the time it was written and I suspect that is why it gets the high marks. Unfortunately, the story itself was somewhat boring as it meanders from one character's thoughts and conflicts to another and in the end, it just stops. There is no conclusion, no real ending at all...no particular plot or even the classic beginning-middle-end structure. If you want some exposure to what life in the South may have been like for a small town (late 1930s) this is an interesting listen. If you want a laugh or two, find something else. If you want a story that will move your emotions, don't bother with this one. I'm afraid I would not recommend it even though the writing is itself pleasant enough that I listened all the way through.

Superbly narrated 20th century masterpiece.

Any additional comments?

Listeners seeking a plot-driven "page turner" will be disappointed. But for those who love beautifully crafted characters presented to the audience through an exquisitely wrought narrative that draws them in and thoroughly surrounds them, this thought-provoking masterpiece of 20th century American fiction will come to occupy a treasured place in their literary experience. The five central characters each struggle in their own way to come to terms with the passions and disappointments that fill their being. The pivotal character, a kind and courtly deaf mute, is the one the other four attach themselves to, constructing of him a kindred spirit—a mentor, friend, or confidante who understands them and supports them. But what they see in him is in fact a reflection of their own needs rather than the man himself. Set in a small town in the Depression-era South, McCullers' vivid character study is timeless and maintains its relevance and poignancy to this day.

Cherry Jones's exquisite narration expertly draws out the volume and depth of McCullers' characters. The listeners almost forget that they are being read to and not reading the words themselves. Her performance is neither flat nor overwrought. It's perfect.

Excellent

Good story, but Cherry Jones rules the day. Her reading is brilliant. With so many characters, she has distinctive voices for each and is consistent and clear throughout. I want to listen to anything she has recorded.