The Sea of Grass

By: Conrad Richter

Narrated by: Norman Dietz

Published in 1936, this novel presents in epic scope the conflicts in the settling of the American Southwest. Set in New Mexico in the late 19th century, The Sea of Grass concerns the often violent clashes between the pioneering ranchers, whose cattle range freely through the vast sea of grass, and the farmers, or "nesters," who build fences and turn the sod.

Against this background is set the triangle of rancher Colonel Jim Brewton, his unstable Eastern wife Lutie, and the ambitious Brice Chamberlain. Richter casts the story in Homeric terms, with the children caught up in the conflicts of their parents.

©1936 The Curtis Publishing Company (P)1992 Recorded Books, LLC

The mastery of words & imagined dealing with the West

It’s my second time in as many years to enjoy this fine book. It’s a trek gem on the American West.

Wonderful Story and Narration

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

Very high up in my opinion. The author was very poetic and descriptive. I felt like I was right there in the late 19th century, on a cattle ranch in New Mexico. The story is about ranchers, whose cattle range freely through the sea of grass, and the farmers, or "nesters," who build fences and turn the sod.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Hard to say. Each character was very interesting in their own right.

Have you listened to any of Norman Dietz’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No, I never have. His performance was wonderful. Great voice and great reading style. I'll be looking for more from Norman Dietz.

If you could take any character from The Sea of Grass out to dinner, who would it be and why?

Hal. He was most observant and had the most realistic observations. He saw the truth.

Any additional comments?

I highly recommend this book. I could listen to it again.

Engaging Tale

I had never read one of Conrad Richter's books, but after reading David McCullough's profile of Richter in his book, Brave Companions, I was moved to try Sea of Grass. I was not disappointed. This is a beautifully descriptive tale of the old Southwest. The narrator's pace was a bit slow for me; I enjoyed the story much more when I increased the speed of the narration a little.

As if I were there

What a great story! I felt as if, as much as it would be possible, was able to live in the setting of this story. What people, what a time! There aren’t many like that anymore.

Amazing western artfully told

This is a very special and sensitive story beautifully told .you will feel every moment.