American Copper

De: Shann Ray

Narrado por: Richard Poe

As Evelynne Lowry, the daughter of a copper baron, comes of age in early 20th-century Montana, the lives of horses dovetail with the lives of people, and her own quest for womanhood becomes inextricably intertwined with the future of two men who face nearly insurmountable losses - a lonely bull rider named Zion from the Montana highline and a Cheyenne team roper named William Black Kettle, the descendant of peace chiefs.

An epic that runs from the Sand Creek Massacre of 1864 to the ore and industry of the 1930s, American Copper is a novel not only about America's hidden desire for regeneration through violence but about the ultimate cost of forgiveness and the demands of atonement. It also explores the genocidal colonization of the Cheyenne, the rise of big copper, and the unrelenting ascent of dominant culture. Evelynne's story is a poignant elegy to horses, cowboys both native and Euro-American, the stubbornness of racism, and the entanglements of modern humanity during the first half of the 20th century. Set against the wide plains and soaring mountainscapes of Montana, this is the American West reenvisioned, imbued with unconditional violence but also sweet, sweet love.

©2015 Shann Ray (P)2015 Recorded Books

Stunning and poetic historical fiction set in MT

If you could sum up American Copper in three words, what would they be?

Can't do it in three words but how about: Montana's unfortunate transition to modernism

What did you like best about this story?

Actually, the setting. Western Montana in the late 1800's to early 1900's would have been a sight to behold! Very poetic and detailed descriptions of all things Montana (landscape, cultures, and technology) during that period, albeit for a short novel. In fact, that is my only criticism -I wish it was longer!

What about Richard Poe’s performance did you like?

His narrations of various works have grown on me. At first, I thought his voice was too intense. However, once I got accustomed to it, that intensity really propelled his readings of works by Cormac McCarthy, Larry Watson, Lance Weller, and Christian Kiefer. Moreover, his voice can do a subtle shaky warble effect that can genuinely transfer the pain or loss a particular character is undergoing in a very convincing way- Like I said, intense!

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

I usually end up disappointed with film adaptations so lets not go there.

Any additional comments?

Please tell me there are plans in the works for an audio book of Shann Ray's American Masculine.

The beauty of life

An eloquently delivered experience that brings forth the simplicity and complexity of the beauty of life.
Highly recommend enriching your own life with this work.