The Devil's Dream

By: Lee Smith

Narrated by: Linda Stephens, Tom Stechschulte, Sally Darling

A New York Times Notable Book of the Year, The Devil's Dream is an animated, lyrical novel that is meant to be savored as spoken word. Consummate storyteller Lee Smith's creation will delight anyone who enjoys the sound of language and a good story.

Preacher's son Moses Bailey believed that the fiddle was the voice of the Devil and denied his wife the pleasure of the music she dearly loved. She fiddled for her three children behind her husband's back. Thus begins a magnificent 150-year saga of a musical Southern family featuring barn dances, medicine shows, the Grand Ole Opry, and the evolution of country music from hymns to rockabilly.

Generations of authentic, down-home mountain people spring to life, colorful dialects and all, through the magic of several extraordinary narrators. Each chapter, a story in itself, will move listeners with its passion, emotion, warmth, and intimacy.

©1992 Lee Smith (P)1998 Recorded Books, Inc.

Critic reviews

"In Smith's rollicking hillbilly saga about the family of a country music star, strong characters, their matter-of-fact voices, and their affection for their rustic mountain home make for a rich multigenerational tale." (Publishers Weekly)
"Warm, amusing, moving, this novel represents Smith at her best." (Library Journal)

Has some wisdom in it

This book shows how people can grow foolish or wise, loving or tight and alone as they age. The century and education don't even matter. The book spans generations and families, following the thread of music. Lee smith is fabulous.

Loved this!

The story was amazing and the narration one of the best I’ve ever heard! I was sad when it ended and I rarely have that reaction.

Such a Great Listen

I really enjoyed the telling of this story... the narration elevated the story from an okay read to folk art.

Enjoyed

Such a good old town home saga. My family is a lot like this family I even had an uncle that made records and was hired to play. Much better than I thought it would be.

Lyrical

This book was written to be listened to, each character has their own voice which brings them to life and the music enhances the story - makes you feel you are part of it. The book is a journey, with characters who are real people - both good and bad at the same time, facing life and doing the best they know how to survive it. Get this book, kick back and get ready to meet some memorible people.