The Memory of Old Jack

By: Wendell Berry

Narrated by: Paul Michael

In a rural Kentucky river town, "Old Jack" Beechum, a retired farmer, sees his life again through the shades of one burnished day in September 1952.

Bringing the earthiness of America's past to mind,The Memory of Old Jack conveys the truth and integrity of the land and the people who live it. Through the eyes of one man can be seen the values of Americans strive to recapture as we arrive at the next century.

©1999 Wendell Berry (P)2009 christianaudio.com

Critic reviews

"This audiobook release offers an excellent venue for new audiences to discover Berry, a seminal literary figure whose gifted storytelling challenges, provokes, inspires and affirms." ( Publishers Weekly)

Anything but half-assed.

Settle for the half assed. Then admire it. Is not something I believe Mr. Berry does.

Lovely

The sort of book that makes you call home and spend morning gladly in your garden.

Amazing story of a bygone age, revealing great courage, character, and heart wrenching wrestling with the vicissitudes of life.

I loved the walk through a lifetime of this one old man’s journey through hardship and suffering to the development of great character, in the company of the whole spectrum of characters we’ve come to know and love in Port William and it’s surroundings through Wendell Berry’s marvellous stories. Each of them is so vivid in their descriptive power, journeying through a whole gamut of emotions, from elation through sorrow and grief to hard earned compassion and satisfaction and Joy. But I think this book has had a particular impact in the way that Old Jack was able to turn tragedy and grief into something powerful and meaningful.

Magical Writing

What did you love best about The Memory of Old Jack?

I loved the slow and easy pace of the story. It took a little while to grab hold but once it did, every day it would draw me in and rock me in its beautiful language.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Memory of Old Jack?

When Jack's wife died and they finally had a moment of closeness and understanding with each other after a lifetime of quiet unhappiness.

What about Paul Michael’s performance did you like?

Having heard Wendell Berry speak, Paul made me believe that it was the wonderful author doing the reading.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I entered so deeply into this world that it took me days to want to read anything else.

Any additional comments?

I would love it if audible offered more of Berry's non fiction such as "What Matters- Economics for a renewed Commonwealth" and "Bringing it to the Table".

The Rich World of Port William

Wendell Berry delivers again in this chronicle of one of Port Williams most beloved, notable and controversial figures - Old Jack.

Wendell Berry never disappoints

This book has you walking in the shoes of Old Jack. You are there with him and his townspeople, living and working alongside them all.

Wendell Berry is a gift to those who grieve

Wendell Berry is a gift to those who grieve. This is another timeless account of our common struggles in life and death.

Beautiful Appreciation of Life

A beautifully written but mournful tale, an old man's unusually insightful reminiscence of his apparently mundane life. Old Jack represents THE man of the earth who sees that his values of work, independence and responsibility are on the wane even by the early 1950's. It is however no jeremiad, rather a celebration of life. In the end he does leave successors who understand and will carry on his values. The narrator is perfect.

Great read

Would you listen to The Memory of Old Jack again? Why?

I've listened to it a couple of times already. This is a very thought provoking book. I enjoyed the audio version much better than the physical book. I originally bought the book, but never had the time to read it, so I bought the audio version. The audio was clear and in the form you would imagine the author to read.

What did you like best about this story?

I loved the setting on the farm. It brings memories to my mind about living near farms and growing up around farmers. It was a simple story of how we get lost in thought and replay our lives out near the end.

Who was the most memorable character of The Memory of Old Jack and why?

They were all memorable; Ben, Rose, Clara, Matt, Hannah, Ruth, Will, and Andy. Jack's memories of the people in his life can apply to us all.

Any additional comments?

This would be a great book for men and women to read. Men might even enjoy it more because it is written from a man's perspective.

Evocative!

My favorite Berry book brought to life. Makes Old Jack a friend that comes to life.