The Road

By: Cormac McCarthy

Narrated by: Tom Stechschulte

Length: 6 hrs and 39 mins

Publisher's summary

Pulitzer Prize, Fiction, 2007

America is a barren landscape of smoldering ashes, devoid of life except for those people still struggling to scratch out some type of existence. Amidst this destruction, a father and his young son walk, always toward the coast, but with no real understanding that circumstances will improve once they arrive. Still, they persevere, and their relationship comes to represent goodness in a world of utter devastation.

Bleak but brilliant, with glimmers of hope and humor, The Road is a stunning allegory and perhaps Cormac McCarthy's finest novel to date. This remarkable departure from his previous works has been hailed by Kirkus Reviews as a "novel of horrific beauty, where death is the only truth".

McCarthy, a New York Times best-selling author, is a past recipient of the National Book Award and National Book Critics Circle Award. He is widely considered one of America's greatest writers.

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©2006 M-71, Ltd. (P)2006 Recorded Books LLC

Critic reviews

"McCarthy's prose retains its ability to seduce...and there are nods to the gentler aspects of the human spirit." (The New Yorker)
"One of McCarthy's best novels, probably his most moving and perhaps his most personal...Every moment of The Road is rich with dilemmas that are as shattering as they are unspoken...McCarthy is so accomplished that the reader senses the mysterious and intuitive changes between father and son that can't be articulated, let alone dramatized...Both lyric and savage, both desperate and transcendent, although transcendence is singed around the edges...Tag McCarthy one of the four or five great American novelists of his generation." (Los Angeles Times Book Review)

Read before your watch the movie

A great audio experience. The unrelenting hardships and isolation are almost palpable.
The only thing I found a little difficult was the boy being so soft - surely a child born into a world in destruction would grow up more self reliant and capable.
Enjoyed the audio far more than the movie.

Sad that my read is over

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

Yes. It's dark and introspective, but well-worth the listen. It won't appeal to everyone, but the writing is tight, deep, and expansive.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Road?

The descriptions of the landscape helped me fall into this charred, ash-strewn, and heartless place. It stuck me on the back of my skull with the remnants of a cloistered statuary.

What about Tom Stechschulte’s performance did you like?

His slight south-western accent helped me hear the individual voices of the characters. Of the reviews I've read of the written book, it is hard to follow the dialog, but Tom made it seamless and come alive.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

The ending made me cry. I identified with the father and the deep feelings for his son. I was so immersed in the book, that I could envision saying some of the same words to my children. Without spoiling the book, the father was so good to his son: understanding, patient, and caring; all qualities that I, as a parent, want to have more of.

Any additional comments?

I saw the movie years ago, and loved it, and it moved me. I forgot some of the story, but the audiobook brought it back and made it new again.

Loved the story

But the ending was confusing and disappointing to me. This is, however, a story that will stay with me for a very long time. I highly recommend it.

Raw AF

I had seen the movie a few years back. and was surprised at how unromantic and Bleak of a film it was. Brought up a lot of emotions as well. what I didn't realize was the film was surprisingly close to this book. So dark, so depressing with a tiny glimmer of hope throughout it all. This isn't too long and there's not a lot of down time. You're either in a position of tension or bleakness. Never bored. The performance was really good, the acting top notch. For the price of this audiobook this is a steal.

Classic post apocalyptic adventure

The Road is one of the classic post-apocalyptic adventures.

When society collapses, how do you protect your home, your family and yourself?
This is the compelling story of a man and his son crossing the destroyed waste land of post apocalyptic America.
Trying to avoid dangers, thieves and finding food all while trying to find a safe place to live, a father desperately tries to protect his son.

This book made me stop and consider what I can do to be more prepared for uncertain times. It also made me think about how I would protect my loved ones

I'm a little sad right now

fathers should read this book as should his sons . it is about something bigger in us all. the fire I see every time I look at my own son. the fire I hope he sees in me.

Subtle story, good writing, surprisingly drawn in

Where does The Road rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I've only listened to a handful of audiobooks, but I think this one might be my favorite.

What about Tom Stechschulte’s performance did you like?

I thought it was very authentic. Reminded me of tough, yet warm people from my native rural Texas.

Any additional comments?

There's not a lot of action in this story...not much happens most of the time. I would only recommend this to people who have a strong degree of empathy and/or who can appreciate good writing.

Fantastic

This book is so beautiful in every way. Everyone should read or listen to it multiple times.

A Complex Masterpiece

If you could sum up The Road in three words, what would they be?

Bleak Sublime Prose

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Road?

The last paragraph of the book is so beautiful and haunting, as are all the recollections of a beautiful world unappreciated until it is gone.

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

His clear characterizations of the various characters add to the storytelling.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

If parts of this book do not move you to tears, then perhaps your heart is made of stone? Complex it is disgusting and beautiful.

Any additional comments?

This is a powerfully moving story of bleak sadness but the main characters evoke empathy in a world of death and cruelty. It is an existential meditation on life, even a life that no one would want, but that we may ourselves create in our lack of appreciation of this beautiful living world.

Excellent story... A father. A boy. Surviving.

I really enjoyed this book. It touched my heart in a way that made me even more proud to be a father. I hugged my boys a little longer after k finished this read.