The Wettest County in the World, or Lawless

A Novel Based on a True Story

By: Matt Bondurant

Narrated by: Erik Steele

Now a Major Motion Picture, Lawless, starring Tom Hardy and Shia LaBeouf.

Based on the true story of his grandfather and two granduncles, Matt Bondurant's novel is a gripping tale of brotherhood, greed, and murder.

The Bondurant Boys were a notorious gang of roughnecks and moonshiners who ran liquor through Franklin County during Prohibition and after. The brothers played a central role in a major conspiracy trial and its violent end. In 1935, Sherwood Anderson, working on a magazine story, finds himself driving along the dusty red roads trying to find the brothers and break the silence that shrouds Franklin County.

In vivid, muscular prose, Matt Bondurant brings these men - their dark deeds, their long silences, their deep desires - to life. His understanding of the passion, violence, and desperation at the center of this world is both heartbreaking and magnificent.

©2008 Matt Bondurant (P)2008 BBC Audio

Critic reviews

"Bondurant endows this gritty story with all the puzzle-solving satisfactions of a mystery. It's a gripping, relentless tale, delivered in no-nonsense prose." ( Publishers Weekly)

For Once

Would you listen to The Wettest County in the World, or Lawless again? Why?

A movie that was better than the book. The screen adaptation was an easier version to follow and enriched the characters far better than the book.

10/10 story of the past

first book I've read after a movie and 10/10 story and writing couldn't be better

enjoyed the book

not bad, i had some trouble following the author. skipped around a bit. very interesting.

One of the best stories of all time!

Excellent story. I have read the book and listened to the audible version. The audible version really brings it to life!

Grate story can't get enough

I've listened too this book 4 times already love the narrator puts you in the moment.

The Wettest County

I watched the movie lawless and I was completely mesmerized. The book gave so many more details and it was clearly read and a great voice. I’m pretty sad I’m done with it

Amazing read Way better than the movie

i love this book very well done puts the movie to shame an all around great book

Maybe my only five star review ever

This book is probably my only five star review I’ve ever given. Other reviews mentioned that although very similar to the movie there is enough difference and added info to make it worth the listen. I would agree. There are parts that are almost exactly as the movie portrayed it with subtle differences in the storyline or timeline. I guess I have it five stars because the story is so fascinating to me and it reminds me very much of my own families sorted past and tales of legend concerning my father and his brothers. Just an extremely interesting time period to be sure! Times are certainly not what they used to be! I’d recommend this book to anyone interested in those long ago days!

Great story

I liked everything about it. I like how most of the story match the movie, which made it easier to follow along.
The narrator was easy to listen to also.

Just outstanding!

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

I'd recommend The Wettest County to anyone. It will appeal to history buffs, people who like mystery and intrigue, and it has its tense, suspenseful, heart-stopping moments as well.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Though a semi-minor character my favorite is Howard Bondurant. The reason? It is clear he is a tortured soul, but the author never really elaborates in detail the reasons why. Interestingly, though clearly very troubled, Howard exudes a level of morality that is truly striking considering his chosen profession.

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

His cadence and delivery are very strong - it is obvious why he does what he does. What he brought to this story was a wide variety of accents and drawls common to the region and era making the listen truly authentic. Plus, in the few spots where he performs female dialogue he doesn't try to sound like a woman. I really hate it when narrators attempt this. Erik is top notch in the Wettest County.

Who was the most memorable character of The Wettest County in the World, or Lawless and why?

Clearly it is Forrest... Can people, like they say with cats, have 9 lives?

Any additional comments?

The name of this very solid novel is "The Wettest County in the World", period. Just because it has been adapted to a screen play and the forthcoming movie is called "Lawless" let's not be disrespectful and confuse the issue. Do legitimate readers of literature refer to "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep" as Blade Runner? Audible... have some class.