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Tony Hillerman

By: James McGrath Morris
Narrated by: George Guidall
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Summary

The author of 18 spellbinding detective novels set on the Navajo Nation, Tony Hillerman simultaneously transformed a traditional genre and unlocked the mysteries of the Navajo culture to an audience of millions. His best-selling novels added Navajo Tribal Police detectives Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee to the pantheon of American fictional detectives.

Morris offers a balanced portrait of Hillerman’s personal and professional life and provides a timely appreciation of his work. In intimate detail, Morris captures the author’s early years in Depression-era Oklahoma; his near-death experience in World War II; his 60-year marriage to Marie; his family life, including six children, five of them adopted; his work in the trenches of journalism; his affliction with PTSD and its connection to his enchantment with Navajo spirituality; and his ascension as one of America’s best-known writers of mysteries. Further, Morris uncovers the almost accidental invention of Hillerman’s iconic detective Joe Leaphorn and the circumstances that led to the addition of Jim Chee as his partner.

Hillerman’s novels were not without controversy. Morris examines the charges of cultural appropriation leveled at the author toward the end of his life. Yet, for many fans, including many Native Americans, Hillerman deserves critical acclaim for his knowledgeable and sensitive portrayal of Diné (Navajo) history, culture, and identity.

At the time of Hillerman’s death, more than 20 million copies of his books were in print, and his novels inspired Robert Redford to adapt several of them to film. In weaving together all the elements of Hillerman’s life, Morris drew on the untapped collection of the author’s papers, extensive archival research, interviews with friends, colleagues, and family, as well as travel in the Navajo Nation. Filled with never-before-told anecdotes and fresh insights, Tony Hillerman will thrill the author’s fans and awaken new interest in his life and literary legacy.

©2021 James McGrath Morris (P)2021 Recorded Books
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Entertaining and thought provoking

I don’t seem to listen to biographies right the way through. This one kept me riveted to the end. From hard times in his early life to being first an enthusiastic reporter, a competent university lecturer, and finally a much loved author, Tony Hillerman knew he wanted to write and did to his last days. For me there were added bonuses like quotes from Hillerman’s lectures to his writing students and more fascinating information about the Navajo people’s beliefs and world view which is why I read Hillerman’s books.
And then there is the short and very welcome reference to the narrator, George Guidall’s, association with the Hillerman books which gave his acting career such a boost. George Guidall’s voice and execution in many talking books is a favourite of mine…

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