This Tender Land

By: William Kent Krueger

Narrated by: Scott Brick

Length: 14 hrs and 19 mins

Publisher's summary

The acclaimed author of Ordinary Grace crafts a powerful novel about an orphan's life-changing adventure traveling down America's great rivers during the Great Depression, seeking both a place to call home and a sense of purpose in a world sinking into despair.

"Ask me, God's right here. In the dirt, the rain, the sky, the trees, the apples, the stars in the cottonwoods. In you and me, too. It's all connected, and it's all God. Sure this is hard work, but it's good work because it's a part of what connects us to this land. This beautiful, tender land."

1932: Located on the banks of the Gilead River in Minnesota, Lincoln School is home to hundreds of Native American boys and girls who have been separated from their families. The only two white boys in the school are orphan brothers Odie and Albert, who, under the watchful eyes of the cruel superintendent Mrs. Brickman, are often in trouble for misdeeds both real and imagined. The two boys' best friend is Mose, a mute Native American who is also the strongest kid in school. And they find another ally in Cora Frost, a widowed teacher who is raising her little girl, Emmy, by herself.

When tragedy strikes down Mrs. Frost, it's the catalyst for a series of events that will send Odie, Albert, and Mose to rescue Emmy and flee down the river in a canoe, heading for the mighty Mississippi, leaving a dead body in their wake. Soon, they are wanted by the law, and they know that Mrs. Brickman will stop at nothing to track them down for dark reasons of her own. Over the course of this unforgettable summer, Odie, Albert, Mose, and Emmy carefully make their way through the small river towns and big cities filled with people who are by turns desperate and generous, cruel and kind. As they search for a place to belong, these four remarkable children will lose their innocence but gain the strength to survive in the face of terrible loss.

With his signature "pitch-perfect, wonderfully evocative" (Dennis Lehane, New York Times best-selling author) prose, William Kent Krueger's This Tender Land shows how the magnificent American landscape connects us all, haunts our dreams, and makes us whole.

©2019 William Kent Krueger (P)2019 Recorded Books

Interesting story

The narrator was too dramatic for my taste. But maybe it wouldn’t bother most people. Very interesting characters and themes. I had a really hard time believing a 6 year old could have handled this kind of experience with such calm and poise.

captivating

I was impressed it was written with gusto for all the areas of life it touched.

Excellently Told

I am an avid reader, and listen to about a book a day. This I must say is one of the best books I’ve read and listened to. William Kent Krueger is an excellent author, and Scott Brick drives the story home with his narration. This story kicked up all sorts of emotions... which to me is what makes a story worth telling. Thank you William Kent Krueger for your great stories!

The Tender Land - I read or listen to over 50 books a year. This one tops my 2019 favorites list!

This was such an grossing book. It was authentic to the times in which it was set. Telling the story through a young person’s voice added texture and depth to the story.

Good story

Good story telling. Thoroughly enjoyed the book. It is heart breaking how the Sioux Indian Orphans were treated during the Great Depression.

This Tender Land

Can a 13 year old do all that? Think like that? Really? I don't know.The story is a little unbelievable and contrived but it's an interesting plot and contains both hopelessness, redemption, evil and good people. Also enlightens readers to the history of that era from an Native Americn perspective, which is sorely lacking in many books. As the saying goes, "he who holds the pen writes the story" For that reason, the book gets an extra star from me. A well written yarn overall.

Outstanding

With nods to The Odyssey, Huckleberry Finn, and Grapes of Wrath, this novel is a modern classic in its own right. Beautifully written and narrated.

love the st

Loved the story. Couldn't wait for a long drive to be able listen and see where they go next how it would turn out for them.

Absolutely amazing

I wanted to listen every chance I could- from the author’s introduction until his notes at the end, and every word in between. The story was wonderful and the narrator was perfect.

Epic Journey of 4 vagabonds

beautiful and soul touching book about belonging, family, overcoming and forgiveness. well-wtitten and I felt I was on the journey with them