Two for Texas

By: James Lee Burke

Narrated by: Will Patton

Length: 5 hrs and 23 mins

Publisher's summary

This James Lee Burke novel, featuring Son Holland - the great-grandfather of Burke's Billy Bob Holland - as he flees a Louisiana prison camp with a Native American woman and a fellow prisoner in tow, is now available in audio.

©2000 James Lee Burke (P)2012 Simon & Schuster Audio

A western for everyone

James Lee Burke is such a skilled writer. His descriptive phrases bring sharp images to the imagination. This is a small book, but the story did not seem small. It moved along briskly. The characters that he created seemed so real, one would almost think he actually knew them and shared firsthand in their real life adventures. The narrator was nothing short of fabulous. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a terrific story and great characters, regardless of how one feels about western genre books. This one is special.

This book should be a movie...

Any additional comments?

... And Will Patton should play Sun Holland.
Not to sound like a member of the heard, but this story is Amazing ;)
There is certainly a recognition of characters from prior series, but I think that is part of the magic. The flow of the story blends perfectly with the writers in-depth description of this flawless and surprising tale from the past. Though it is fiction, I found myself googling the main characters to try and see where their story ends.
To anybody ready to pass on this novel because of its short length, Don't you dare! This is a must hear. A captivating, one- sitting, listen with a satisfying finish.
Thank you JLB.

Two for Texas

Historical fiction at its best, The Author James Lee Burke weaves a story of two men around the Alamo and early Texas history as only he can . Will Patton does a great job reading this book.

Another great one by James Lee Burke!

Love Will Patton's narrations! I love all the different voices he can do! I look for work that he is the narrator.

TEXAS NATIVE - LOVES THIS BOOK

Where does Two for Texas rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Will Patton is by far the BEST narrator for any and all James Lee Burke books. I couldn't take my earbuds out - started this book at night and stayed up all night. One of my very favorite Burke books.

Who was your favorite character and why?

"Son" - he was believable, vulnerable, honest and made me proud to be a Texan.

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

I have NEVER been disappointed in any of the narratives by this performer. His portrayal of any of the characters developed by Burke makes each one individual and SO EASY to follow - as far as I'm concerned, he would never have to say the "he said, she said" etc., because his narration is so concise that one knows each character without identification.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

The Alamo Revisited

Any additional comments?

LOVE THIS BOOK

will patton the best LP

good story... with 2 interesting and unique characters. enjoyed history about alamo...and sam Houston

The battle for Texas, Burke style.

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

It's a brutal story about brutal men. Still, there are unforgettable characters and enough of Burke's amazing story telling ability to recommend to most.

It begins with a descriptive tale of Louisiana prison life in the early 19th century. Not pleasant in the least, but surprisingly familiar to the prison portrayed in Cool Hand Luke. Most of the book revolves around the escape of two men, the main characters.( No spoiler here, all this foretold in the first paragraph.)

Who was your favorite character and why?

Hugh Allison is a 19th century version of Clete Purcell.

Which character – as performed by Will Patton – was your favorite?

No question it was Allison, Son Holland seemed just to be along for the ride.

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

It was so violent I felt like I was in the midst of it.

It was tough, rough, yet entertaining.

Neat characters.

The story starts with life in a prison camp. It’s cruel and bad and depressing. Then the two guys escape, and they’re on the run. It’s hard. This is not a fun read. But it was a good story. It turns into some historical fiction with Sam Houston leading the Texans against the Mexicans. The Alamo and the battle at San Jacinto are included.

I really enjoyed the character Hugh. He was nasty. I wouldn’t want to be him or do what he does, but he makes being an older guy “cool.” I don’t mind being older if I can be like him. (Don’t get me wrong, I hope I am never like him, but ...) His survival instincts were amazing. He was crafty, competent, impressive, cantankerous, ornery, and a good decision maker in desperate circumstances. He was always getting into trouble, couldn’t keep his mouth shut, insulted the wrong people, and not good at keeping a job. I liked Hugh even though I shouldn’t.

The other main character was Son. What an honorable guy, his honesty kept coming out.

I loved the narrator Will Patton. He is now one of my favorite narrators.

Genre: historical fiction, prison fiction

Forgettable

As usual, Will Patton's delivery was perfect and was probably all that kept me listening to this story. Unlike most books I listen to....and I've listened to most of James Lee Burke's....I just couldn't keep my focus on this one. The story just didn't seem to go anywhere or have a point that I could identify with. Maybe I was just in the wrong mood for it but generally, when listening to a really good story, I do not want to stop to do anything else. This time, I was hoping for something to interrupt me so I'd have something more interesting to do. Just not my cup of tea, I guess.

Wow

Would you listen to Two for Texas again? Why?

Yes - JLB always stands up to multiple readings. The plot, characters, narrative voice, humour, and depth of emotion in this story make it a very rewarding experience

What was one of the most memorable moments of Two for Texas?

Anytime Hugh is knocking around. Or Deaf. Will Patton's delivery is brilliant, particularly for these two characters.

Which character – as performed by Will Patton – was your favorite?

Hugh or Deaf!

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

Oftentimes both!

Any additional comments?

Nobody should ever be permitted to read James Lee Burke other than Will Patton. I'm addicted.