Thirteen Moons

A Novel

By: Charles Frazier

Narrated by: Will Patton

This magnificent novel by one of America's finest writers is the epic of one man's remarkable journey, set in 19th-century America against the background of a vanishing people and a rich way of life.

At the age of 12, under the Wind moon, Will is given a horse, a key, and a map, and sent alone into the Indian Nation to run a trading post as a bound boy. It is during this time that he grows into a man, learning, as he does, of the raw power it takes to create a life, to find a home. In a card game with a white Indian named Featherstone, Will wins - for a brief moment - a mysterious girl named Claire, and his passion and desire for her spans this novel.

As Will's destiny intertwines with the fate of the Cherokee Indians - including a Cherokee chief named Bear - he learns how to fight and survive in the face of both nature and man. Eventually, under the Corn Tassel Moon, Will begins the fight against Washington to preserve the Cherokee's homeland and culture. And he will come to know the truth behind his belief that "only desire trumps time".

Brilliantly imagined, written with great power and beauty by a master of American fiction, Thirteen Moons is a stunning novel about a man's passion for a woman, and how loss, longing, and love can shape a man's destiny over the many moons of a life.

Don't miss Charles Frazier's debut novel, Cold Mountain.©2006 3 Crows Corporation (P)2006 Random House, Inc.

Critic reviews

"A bountiful literary panorama....The history that Frazier hauntingly unwinds through Will is as melodic as it is melancholy, but the sublime love story is the narrative's true heart." (Publishers Weekly)

Give it a break

OK, so it was no Cold Mountain, but it was still enjoyable in an easy-chair kind of way. No plot to speak of. However I found myself drawn to the characters and the lives they led over the vast amount of time spanning this novel. Will Sampson's narration was probably what made this book for me. He embodied the main character. Unlike many narrators, he seemed to "get" what he was reading. Give this book a try. You won't be blown away by plot twists or heart-thumping action but immersed into the characters and the time in which they lived.

fair. it was no Cold Mountain. I need a classic.

I'm spending too much money on audio books. maybe 2 or 3 people feel me.

Fascinating!

Loved, loved, loved it! Best produced audio book I have ever listened too also. I am in love with Will Patton (been a fan of his acting for years), oh, what a voice! Perfectly sexy for this love story. And to think that this character was very similar to a real person makes it all the more fascinating. Learned about about that early 1800's period which is sort of a blank slate for me--the movement of the Indians also. Makes you really love Andrew Jackson, doesn't it?!

Disappointing

Would you recommend Thirteen Moons to your friends? Why or why not?

No. The story wasn't good enough.

What three words best describe Will Patton’s performance?

Swaggering tough guy

Do you think Thirteen Moons needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

No

Any additional comments?

This is a rambling and fragmented story with what seems like frequent digressions into NativeAmerican life and customs which do not necessarily add to the plot. I considered bailing at least twice but soldiered on but looked forward to finishing it and moving on. The language is frequently flowery and embellished as you might see in an old western page turner or romance novel. It was off-putting. I liked Frazier's other books (Cold Mountain and Nightwoods) but found this weak in comparison.

Fabulous writing, story lacking a little

Where does Thirteen Moons rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

For novels that I have read, I would rank it near the top. I loved the writing style of this author. He is one of the best wordsmiths I've ever come across. The storyline itself could have been better crafted however. It was mostly a narrative, like reading someone's lifelong journal.

What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

The most interesting aspect of this story was the time period and the subject matter. I loved imagining what it would have been like to have been Cherokee during the relocation—especially those Cherokees who stayed behind. It was a fascinating look into our changing nation during the 1800's.

Have you listened to any of Will Patton’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No, but I loved him. Perfect voice for this subject and time period.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No. It's way too long for that.

Any additional comments?

1. LOVED the narrator.

2. LOVED the writing. This author knows how to paint a picture with words.

3. The story was a bit lacking. At first, I was completely engaged with the story—more than halfway through the book. But toward the end, it became tiresome. It is a long book so that, in and of itself, is challenging. But the storyline didn't hold me all the way to the end. I finished it, but not because it pulled me through. I would have LOVED it, if it had been a little more engaging all the way.

All in all, I would recommend this book. The author is an amazing wordsmith. I would love to read more of what he's written.

I loved it!

mesmerized from start to finish. I felt as if I knew "Bear", William, and Claire. This was as good if not better than Cold Mountain.

Incredibly Beautiful Storytelling

Thirteen Moons is a masterpiece! A slice of American history before and after the Civil War. Such warmth, color, sensitivity - brilliant writer and perfect narration. A cross between Mark Twain and Ken burns. Highly recommend!!!

Awesome storyline expertly told/read

This is my 2nd time listening to this audio book. I love it. the strong characters, the reference to our history, the love story, the bonds of friendship, the conflicts among people, the politics and social struggles all of it told in beautiful language that leaves you wanting more. One of those books that you want to tell everyone about.

Not if you are easily saddened

The first 1/4 was so enjoyable, his beautiful horse, his lover... Don't read this if you have a soft spot for horses. It's occasionally beautiful but quite melancholy. Forlorn, but hard to relate to the female lead who for no apparent reason comes and goes. I'm not so sure about his portrayal of native Americans either. Still it's memorable for me.

Loved the book! Thoroughly enjoy Frazier books!!

I thoroughly enjoyed Cold Mountain. This book didn't disappoint - couldn't stop listening to it. Will be listening again. A new favorite!