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The Violent Bear It Away
- Narrated by: Mark Bramhall
- Length: 6 hrs and 15 mins
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The Violent Bear It Away
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Publisher's Summary
First published in 1960, The Violent Bear It Away is now a landmark in American literature. It is a dark and absorbing example of the gothic sensibility and bracing satirical voice that are united in Flannery O'Conner's work. In it, the orphaned Francis Marion Tarwater and his cousin, Rayber, defy the prophecy of their dead uncle - that Tarwater will become a prophet and will baptize Rayber's young son, Bishop. A series of struggles ensue, as Tarwater fights an internal battle against his innate faith and the voices calling him to be a prophet, while Rayber tries to draw Tarwater into a more “reasonable” modern world. Both wrestle with the legacy of their dead relatives and lay claim to Bishop's soul.
O'Connor observes all this with an astonishing combination of irony and compassion, humor and pathos. The result is a novel whose range and depth reveal a brilliant and innovative writer acutely alert to where the sacred lives and where it does not.
What the critics say
What listeners say about The Violent Bear It Away
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Anonymous User
- 2019-04-10
Essential Book
I had read a collection of Flannery O’Connor’s short stories decades ago and remember being struck and deeply affected by one about a man who gets the face of Jesus tattooed on his back. Since I’ve got Audible I’ve been seeking out important books that I’ve missed along the way. I decided I needed to read/hear this book and wow. The story and characters are gripping, the narrative deep, twisted and compelling and the writing is powerful, visceral, intensely visual. Again. Wow. I really enjoyed the reading of the book. I gravitate to readers who take on the voices of the characters, for me it brings it alive, and Mark Bramhall’s performance supports and enhances this great literary work.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- SuperDucky
- 2023-01-11
Recommended Read
Southern gothic at its finest - an incredible novel.
Rich with symbolism & metaphor. Among many themes, the story visits religion, spiritual pride, secularism, destiny and coming of age. All interwoven with the constant theme of “the terrible speed of mercy. “
Flawless narration!
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Amazon Customer
- 2020-08-01
A cornucopia of emotion.
The theme of this book is not immediately apparent and its content is mysterious and just a little haunting. While I couldn't develop a clear thesis on what I just read, I can't help but think about it obsessively, like a bystander who just watched a school bus of children get narrowly missed by a semi in an intersection.
The writing in this book is superb, and its imagery riveting. It's not the "feel good" book of the century, but it will make you reflect on a great deal.
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