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Killing Mr. Watson  By  cover art

Killing Mr. Watson

By: Peter Matthiessen
Narrated by: Mark Hammer, Norman Dietz, George Guidall, Barbara Rosenblat
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Publisher's summary

When Peter Matthiessen was 17, he was told the story of Edgar J. Watson, a popular and successful planter who had been murdered by his neighbors in 1910. This novel is Matthiessen’s attempt to piece together the life of a mysterious man who became a legend, and the dangerous legend that destroyed him.

During the Reconstruction Era, Edgar Watson grew up in the South at the mercy of a brutal alcoholic father and a vindictive mother. Witnessing the horrors of slavery, bilked out of his inheritance, and blamed in his youth for a murder he didn't commit, E.J. developed a reputation for violence that preceded him everywhere he went.

Finally, it brought him to a tragic and bloody end as his family watched in helpless horror. Borrowing an old local tale about a man who was killed by his neighbors, Matthiessen creates a powerful character. George Guidall's excellent reading brings this moving tragedy home to us with a passion.

©1990 Peter Matthiessen (P)1991 Recorded Books, LLC

What listeners say about Killing Mr. Watson

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Excellent

Wonderful book with great historical information on old Florida and the pioneers who scratched out a living

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4 people found this helpful

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Fascinating history lesson

The story is relayed from many points of view. I had some difficulty tracking the perspective change from time to time, but when I listened back it was clear.
Performance of the various characters was excellent. Recommend listening.

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3 people found this helpful

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One of my favorite books I've ever read.

One of my favorite books I've ever read. Tragic and captivating. Loved it.

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2 people found this helpful

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A very interesting and worthwhile listen!

I really loved this audiobook, as a half first generation U.S. citizen who didn't attend more than a few years of public school (hello hippie education) I so appreciate learning more about the harsh reality of our Nation's development in the South East. This was a good story for weeding the garden, cooking dinner and doing other chores that seem like a burden until I am reminded of what people went through to give me a path forward.. and how insanely lucky I am to be white. While survival historically was a backbreaking endeavor for all, this book helped shed light for me on how much harder it has been for Black and Brown people and how much we OWE THEM regardless of when our ancestors came here. Not that I needed another reminder but it was nice to hear that the white settlers in this area had a really hard time too. BLM.

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Amazing

Great telling of an infamous story
From a fascinating time in South Florida pioneer history

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Love reading about the old time Everglades

pretty good recreation of the old Watson gang. I love reading about the old-school Everglades.

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