The Ancient Minstrel

Novellas

By: Jim Harrison

Narrated by: Mark Bramhall, Xe Sands, Keith Szarabajka

Length: 6 hrs and 37 mins

Publisher's summary

New York Times best-selling author Jim Harrison is one of our most beloved and acclaimed writers, adored by both consumers and critics. In The Ancient Minstrel, Harrison delivers three novellas that highlight his phenomenal range as a writer, shot through with his trademark wit and keen insight into the human condition.

Harrison has tremendous fun with his own reputation in the title novella about an aging writer in Montana who spars with his estranged wife, with whom he still shares a home; weathers the slings and arrows of literary success; and tries to cope with the sow he buys on a whim and the unplanned litter of piglets that follow soon after. In "Eggs", a Montana woman reminisces about staying in London with her grandparents and collecting eggs at their country house. Years later, having never had a child, she attempts to do so. And in "The Case of the Howling Buddhas", retired Detective Sunderson - a recurring character from Harrison's New York Times best sellers The Great Leader and The Big Seven - is hired as a private investigator to look into a bizarre cult that achieves satori by howling along with howler monkeys at the zoo.

Fresh, incisive, and endlessly entertaining, with moments of both profound wisdom and sublime humor, The Ancient Minstrel is an exceptional reminder of why Jim Harrison is one of the most cherished and important writers at work today.

©2016 Blackstone Audio, Inc. (P)2016 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Wow

A wonderful ride; one last time through these lives we have lived with for years. I can't imagine a more fitting send off.

Masterful Storytelling

Would you listen to The Ancient Minstrel again? Why?

Jim Harrison has held a special place in my heart as a writer of fiction and poetry. I enjoyed the story. Looking forward to more from this fine author. My Michigan roots lead me to discover him many years ago.

Interesting Memoir

Of a raging Gourmand and admitted Dirty Old Man laying bare his innermost feelings for all to read. Still a helluva writer and a joy to listen to. Four Stars ****

Outstanding!

If you're looking for one of Harrison's best, this is it. One of the most poetic authors in history. He will be missed.
-Scribe Podcast

So sad...

Oh Jim, how much you will be missed, thanks for everything! Please Audible, make the whole body of work available.

Fascinating shorts

Would you listen to The Ancient Minstrel again? Why?

I've listened to it three times and get something new out of it every time.

Which scene was your favorite?

There were many scenes. Interesting and diverse listening.

Disappointing.

I expected a lot more out of these novellas. The first two were nearly unbearable, they were repetitive and non-sensical, with a story that went nowhere. They ended abruptly without apparent warning, making it difficult to determine if I found the endings maddening or if I was just relieved that it was over. The final novella demonstrated an actual story with movement and purpose and provided a glimpse into why Mr. Harrison is so beloved as a writer.

Masterbation w/o a climax

The author seems to be obsessed with self absorbed masterbation with no climax except the last story which predictably ends in suicide.

There's too much about erectile dysfunction.

The bit about erectile dysfunction was mildly funny enough for one chapter. I lost interest when it continued several chapters in.

The ancient minstrel

Ok...how do I feel about this book? I endured it. parts of it were sort of enjoyable, but mostly I just wanted it to end.