Raintree County (1948) - Ross Lockridge

Written by Ross Lockridge
Read by Lloyd James
Format: MP3
Bitrate: 64 Kbps
Unabridged

Publisher: Blackstone Publishing
Release date: January 20, 2009
Duration: 43:06:34

Another forgotten classic…

A number-one bestseller when it was first published in 1948, this powerful novel is a compelling vision of nineteenth-century America with timeless resonance.

Throughout a single day in 1892, John Shawnessy recalls the great moments of his life—from the battles of the Civil War to the politics of the Gilded Age, from the love affairs of his youth in Indiana to his homecoming as schoolteacher, husband, and father.

Shawnessy is the epitome of the place and period in which he lives, a rural land of springlike women, shady gamblers, wandering vagabonds, and soapbox orators. Yet here on the banks of the Shawmucky River, which weaves its primitive course through Raintree County, Indiana, he also feels and obeys ancient rhythms.

This panoramic epic of the nineteenth century in Raintree County—particularly of the Civil War and its effects—was produced after six years of research, writing, and revision. It continues to command attention and respect as a stylistically unique work of considerable force.

In this forgotten classic–the only novel written by its author–John Shawnessy recalls his life during a single day in 1892. … Lloyd James does a wonderful job reading this book, providing an excellent narrative and a wide range of voices for the various characters. This is an excellent match between a great novel and a narrator who seems to understand the book perfectly. While the book is long, it’s well worth listening to. K.M. (c) AudioFile 2009

Like many of the fine novels written during this period (1940 – 1950) it was filmed. 1957 staring Montgomery Clift, Elizabeth Taylor, Eva Marie Saint, and Lee Marvin. The fictional Raintree County was based on Henry County, Indiana.