The Time It Never Rained

De: Elmer Kelton

Narrado por: George Guidall

The Time It Never Rained helped convince the Western Writers of America to declare seven-time Spur Award-winner Elmer Kelton the greatest Western writer of all time. Forged from Kelton's 1950s observations of drought-ravaged West Texas, this compelling novel tells the story of one rancher's struggle to maintain his independence despite the swirling winds of change.

For decades, Charlie Flagg has eked out a living by raising cattle and sheep on his modest Texas ranch. Hardworking and old-fashioned, he distrusts federal programs that claim to help struggling farmers and ranchers. But as rainless years continue and others sell their souls for federal handouts, Charlie finds himself under increasing pressure to compromise his principles - and surrender his freedom.

©1999 Elmer Kelton (P)2008 Recorded Books

RANCHER FROM THE CONCHO VALLEY (SAN ANGELO,TX)

This book brought me to tears multiple times. I cried nostalgic tears, prideful tears, sorrowful tears, and good ole happy tears. I was raised ranching and working several large ranches in this exact area. I also worked at Producers Livestock Auction (San Angelo,Tx) which my father managed along with the ranches. i was born in 1987 and I can only list about 5 truly wet years out of my 34 years on earth. There were many drought years, and years that provided par to subpar rainfall. I lived through a bad 4 year drought that had record hot summers both in temperature and length in the late 00’s. I feel anyone who grew up ranching will relate to Mr. Kelton’s book in many ways. Especially those who’ve grown up ranches in the American Southwest or Northwest Mexico. Mr. Kelton described the lives lived so simply and beautifully that anyone from any background will enjoy this book.

True to reality

This is an excellent story that is as true today as it was when it was written. I was able to relate well with many of the characters in the book. The performance was fantastic and drew me in to the book and kept it going. I loved every minute of it.

Dead producer.........

Good story, would have gotten 5 stars if you producers would LEARN to always pause at least a little between chaPters. Very irritating not to do that.....!!!!!

Maybe the best book I have ever read/listened to.

I have never read a book that moved me like this one. I rank Elmer Kelton with the likes of Steinbeck. The Time It Never Rained is as good if not better than Grapes of Wrath. I didn't farm or ranch in west Texas but I did in North Central Missouri during the late 60's to the late 80's. I like so many of Kelton's character dealt with and suffered from the very repressive federal farm program. I became very depressed reading this book because it brought up long repressed deep feelings of resentment towards the FHA bureaucrats. The ever present second guessing by them was beyond discription. They demanded to make the final decisions and when it was the wrong decision they blamed the farmer. There is no way for the reader to understand the underlying problems dealing with the likes of a drought or any other natural disaster unless you have lived it. The weather is bad enough but the federal government did nothing but compounded the problem.

This truly is a great book.

The story of a man of character

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

This is a well written and well performed story of a man striving to be true to himself at the possible cost of his livelihood. The story is a modern western in West Texas in the late 1950's. A long drought is reaping havoc for ranchers and farmers. This rancher needs to decide how best to weather this storm. Many of his friends and associates have taken government subsidies to help. This has not been the main characters value. As he explains, he buys what he thinks important and doesn't expect others to pay his bills.

What did you like best about this story?

The relationships of the rancher and the people around him. He believes what he believes and won't compromise. This brings some strife to his relationships but he must continue to be who he is, or he would not be able to live with himself.

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

The reader sounds like an old western character. He doesn't Rush, and he is clear. When emotion is shown in the story it is right with the character who is showing it.

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

As the times get harder, it was harder for the rancher to stay true to what he believed. The cost of him being who he was had me crying at times. The frustration with seeing ones he loved not having the same strength of character also made me cry at times.

Sad but true

What did you love best about The Time It Never Rained?

My family members are ranchers in Wyoming and have also had to make hard decisions based on drought. I could relate very much to the book.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Charlie because he's a tough old rancher. Reminds me of my grandfather.

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

I really enjoy George Guidall. The one thing that I would say... everyone I know that runs a ranch in Colorado, Nebraska and Wyoming pronounces coyote - "kye oat"; however, in the book Mr. Guidall pronounces it "kye oh tee". After researching it, I discovered most rural people say, "kye oat" while people in cities say "kye oh tee". Texan pronunciation falls into these categories as well. Charlie and the other cast of characters certainly are country folk and not city dwellers.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The ending... I just wanted to cry.

Let It Rain

As a Native Texan, I enjoyed this story completely start to finish. For those who are Native Texans my age you can see them smiling and nodding their heads and for those who are not pick a expression and scratching of the head in surprise because they thought they knew Texas. Charlie Flagg is much like the people in the community where I grew up. Tough, independent men and women of hard work and principle. Having known a 5 year drought where I live, I understand Charlie. Step out of your 9-5 work-a-day world of silks and suits, come sit down by this old pot belly stove and let George Guidall draw a word picture for you of hard working men and women and the mindset of the people of the land called Texas.

Learning about the Past CanHelp Comprehend Now

After this “read” I can see and more fully understand some of the pervasive complications encountered in the political and human culture of West Texas and the southern boarder.

A classic!

Charlie Flag is a portrait of men I’ve had the honor of knowing…men like my own father. I was instantly transported to a simpler time of my youth listening and watching and admiring those men. At the same time today’s state of affairs and my own mortality was brought into sharp focus.

We wait on God, weather we like it or not. Those that manage to endure without losing hope are blessed…but endure or die is, was and will always be…at least until His Kingdom comes.

Thank you Elmer Kelton for capturing a glimpse of what once was and inspiring us all to endure and hope for a better day.

Touched me through and through

This is the first book I’ve read by Kelton but will not be my last. Fascinating and heart wrenching. As always, Guidall’s narration brought life to the characters so much so I feel like I knew them personally. That is also a testament to Kelton’s writing which flows so smoothly and comfortably. I did not know about these hardships in our countries history.