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Bastard Out of Carolina
- Narrated by: Elizabeth Evans
- Length: 11 hrs and 13 mins
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Summary
A modern literary classic, now available in a 20th anniversary edition with a new afterword by the author.
The publication of Dorothy Allison's Bastard Out of Carolina was a landmark event. The novel's profound portrait of family dynamics in the rural South won the author a National Book Award nomination and launched her into the literary spotlight. Critics have likened Allison to William Faulkner, Flannery O'Connor, and Harper Lee, naming her the first writer of her generation to dramatize the lives and language of poor whites in the South. Since its appearance, the novel has inspired an award-winning film and has been banned from libraries and classrooms, championed by fans, and defended by critics.
Greenville County, South Carolina, is a wild, lush place that is home to the Boatwright family - a tight-knit clan of rough-hewn, hard- drinking men who shoot up each other's trucks, and indomitable women who get married young and age too quickly. At the heart of this story is Ruth Anne Boatwright, known simply as Bone, a bastard child who observes the world around her with a mercilessly keen perspective. When her stepfather, Daddy Glen, "cold as death, mean as a snake", becomes increasingly more vicious toward her, Bone finds herself caught in a family triangle that tests the loyalty of her mother, Anney - and leads to a final, harrowing encounter from which there can be no turning back.
What listeners say about Bastard Out of Carolina
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- Considered opinion
- 21-12-22
A deeply uncomfortable tale
There is little to no light relief to be found in this story, however, the pros are visceral and wholly believable. The tale is deeply affecting but this is not a book to be listened to for escapism and light enjoyment!
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- vanda kinder
- 16-01-22
exceptional
I loved its raw honesty and found myself shouting at the mother to stop the pig of a step father
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- Hayley J.
- 14-01-23
One of the greatest contemporary novels
When people start banning books, you know they are worth reading. Some people are frightened of the truth about the horror and violence inflicted within families, upon children and women, that so often goes unchallenged by too many, both inside and outside the family. This book is harrowing, but in its brutality is one of the most powerful novels I've ever read! It's books like this that give young women who have been subjected to physical and sexual violence and emotional neglect by those who are meant to protect them, a voice. In a world where violence against women and girls is more prevalent than ever, this novel is vital to shine a light on hidden harm within the family home.
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- Lisa Bowker
- 03-05-22
Can’t recommend this book highly enough.
I was riveted by the story and the characters. So honestly and well written. I could see the story unfolding and just got lost in South Carolina with the heroine!
This should be on the school curriculum by and in public libraries, well done Stephen King for ensuring the latter did happen!
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- Frankie
- 17-12-22
A very sad novel
I thought the writer had written a good book , though a novel I realise that this does go on in the world and very sad to think that young children have to go through this or anybody for that matter
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- V & M M
- 19-07-20
Impactful and distressing
Amazing story and excellent narration but it will break your heart wide open. Trigger warning for physical and sexual violence
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- Emilie
- 04-08-21
Harrowing but brilliant
And excellent narration. Not for the faint hearted, survivors off assault may want to avoid - there are graphic scenes of violence and abuse. Very raw, but full of quiet steel. Superb prose.
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- Alena
- 06-09-13
This is a great book
Any additional comments?
This book did all the things book should do. It told me about group of people I knew nothing about, it made me feel compassion and anger. I could not stop listening. The narrator is wonderful.
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- ADEVINE Property Services
- 21-04-22
A truly great story.
This book should be on all school book shelves, it is compelling and visceral. You meet and get to know each character, some are l understandable other make you mad as hell
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- Peter
- 19-04-16
Das beste Buch seit Jahren
Das ist das beste Buch, das ich seit Jahren gelesen / gehört habe. Es ist unglaublich authentisch, manchmal brutal und immer ehrlich.
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