The Whistling Season

By: Ivan Doig

Narrated by: Jonathan Hogan

Length: 11 hrs and 50 mins

Publisher's summary

When a widowed rancher hires a housekeeper to help with his three young sons, he finds her to be cheerful and competent. Yet she is concealing a colorful and infamous past. Filled with humor and hardship, this novel sings with what the author calls "a poetry of the vernacular".

A finalist for the National Book award, Ivan Doig, who has published 11 books, has been hailed as the "West's preeminent literary novelist" by the Denver Post.

©2006 Ivan Doig (P)2006 Recorded Books

Critic reviews

"The Whistling Season is a book to pass on to your favorite readers: a story of lives of active choice, lived actively." (Publishers Weekly)

Enjoyed Listening as much as Reading!

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Whistling Season?

The most memorable moment was when Oliver and his sons stopped by the grave of his first wife, so he could see if he would have the courage to tell his sons he wanted to propose to Rose.

Which scene was your favorite?

The scene that I enjoyed the most was the scene where Morrie had the school children hold down Eddie Turley (the school bully all the students feared) so he could try out some eye-glasses on him to see if his "disinterest" in learning was related to not being able to see the chalkboard.

Who was the most memorable character of The Whistling Season and why?

The character I found most memorable was Morrie. He was so out of place in Montana country, with his well-educated speech and fancy clothes. Yet he managed to find a way to fit in without becoming sacrificing his uniqueness.

Any additional comments?

I purchased this audiobook because I so enjoyed reading this book that I wanted to listen to it. I was not disappointed. The narrator did an excellent job of portraying Morrie's personality through his voice. I have become an avid reader of Ivan Doig's novels. He does a remarkable job of using language to paint the experience of growing up in early 1900's Montana, complete with all its challenges. I highly recommend this selection to anyone who enjoys listening to a well-told story.

Felt like i knew the characters personally

Grew quite attached to the brother character. Was a little disappointed with the ending - not as happily-ever-after as I like, but acceptable. Character flaws seemed a out weigh the context of the book - but the writing was good and I got used to the narrator. It was a one-time read, enjoyable, worth the $4.95 sale price.

disappointed

Had the makings of a GREAT STORY
but fell short for me.I think this is a series so I didn't pay much but I won't continue.

A delight!

Ivan Doig is a master of descriptive writing, his words bring the prairie and its inhabitants to life. A truly charming story, refreshing in its depiction of a simpler time yet astoundingly beautiful language. I loved every minute and will listen to again, without doubt!

Great story annoying reader

It is another wonderful Ivan Doig masterpiece. However, I did not like the reader. It was especially difficult to Listen to as I had just finished Ivan Doig’s biography House of Sky, which was read by a wonderful reader.I was able to get through the book and enjoy it by increasing the reading speed to 1.25.

Hmmmm

I had no idea what to expect from this book or this author and was very pleasantly surprised for the first 11 hours. During the last a good listen became a really stupid story.

NOT a pity party

How refreshing to listen to a good story about a family that's no disfunctional. I enjoyed the book very much. They characters were engaging, the reading was good. A few good laughs and a little mystery.

Very good.

I enjoyed this very much. Not knowing what it was about made it even better, I think. In the end, my educational beliefs align nicely with the story.

A Fun Listen

Really easy to listen and enjoy getting to know this Montana community. It’s a humorous and well written intimate look into the life of a Montana family

Well Done!

Truly a wonderful experience to read this book. Ivan's words brought even the most ordinary everyday circumstances of a century ago to such vibrant life that I was living right beside a family I have come to know so well I now miss them. Frequently I caught myself in awe of his eloquence. The narration was superb. Well Done!