The Harder They Come

A Novel

By: T.C. Boyle

Narrated by: Graham Hamilton

Acclaimed New York Times bestselling author T.C. Boyle makes his Ecco debut with a powerful, gripping novel that explores the roots of violence and anti-authoritarianism inherent in the American character.

Set in contemporary Northern California, The Harder They Come explores the volatile connections between three damaged people—an aging ex-Marine and Vietnam veteran, his psychologically unstable son, and the son's paranoid, much older lover—as they careen towards an explosive confrontation.

On a vacation cruise to Central America with his wife, seventy-year-old Sten Stensen unflinchingly kills a gun-wielding robber menacing a busload of senior tourists. The reluctant hero is relieved to return home to Fort Bragg, California, after the ordeal—only to find that his delusional son, Adam, has spiraled out of control.

Adam has become involved with Sara Hovarty Jennings, a hardened member of the Sovereign Citizens’ Movement, right-wing anarchists who refuse to acknowledge the laws and regulations of the state, considering them to be false and non-applicable. Adam’s senior by some fifteen years, Sara becomes his protector and inamorata. As Adam's mental state fractures, he becomes increasingly schizophrenic—a breakdown that leads him to shoot two people in separate instances. On the run, he takes to the woods, spurring the biggest manhunt in California history.

As he explores a father’s legacy of violence and his powerlessness in relating to his equally violent son, T. C. Boyle offers unparalleled psychological insights into the American psyche. Inspired by a true story, The Harder They Come is a devastating and indelible novel from a modern master.

Unforgettable

A novel so rare and true that it seems wrong to have merely listened to it. The closing lines are as beautiful and meaningful as Fitzgerald's " boats against the current". I am grateful for the mind and heart of this magnificent author.

Hard to like the characters

Unemotional, hyper masculine Sten
Sarah is a conspiracy theorist who doesn't use rational thought
Adam is a schizo gun freak survivalist prepper
I found it hard to find much in common with any of these characters.
It is frequently mentioned that Adam is always drinking or doing drugs, if that is so then why doesn't he show the effects of it more often? He seems to always be the same character whether he is loaded or not. And as any addict can tell you, that's not how an addicted person works.
Great story telling though, really dark and twisted novel that had me going until the very end

Dark and unsettling but a compulsive read.

Would you consider the audio edition of The Harder They Come to be better than the print version?

yes

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

Most of the time. Story line shifted between the present time and past.

What about Graham Hamilton’s performance did you like?

Just the right inflections.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Not really..

Any additional comments?

An insider's glimpse into the minds of a psychotic and those who view the government as the enemy.

intense

A gripping emotional drama that kept me on the edge of my seat. very entertaining.

Based on a true story

I live in Northern California where the events that this book is based on played out. It was a scary situation and the local media could focus on nothing else at the time. I am a T.C. Boyle fan, and familiar with the story, but I thought I would pass on this book. I was tempted though, so listened to the sample, at which point I became hooked!

This book is a very good read from page one through the finish. The story pulls you right in and never lets you go. Graham Hamilton does a great job of narrating. This is T.C. Boyle's 25th book, and I hope he keeps right on writing. He is a master.