Cities of the Plain

The Border Trilogy, Book Three

By: Cormac McCarthy

Narrated by: Frank Muller

Length: 9 hrs and 10 mins

Publisher's summary

In his novels, best-selling author Cormac McCarthy creates a western landscape filled with characters that are both mythic and authentic. Cities of the Plain, the stunning conclusion of his award-winning Border trilogy, brings together John Grady Cole and Billy Parham—the two lifelong friends who began their adventures in All the Pretty Horses. It is 1952. As Grady and Billy work a remote New Mexico ranch, Grady falls in love with a young Mexican prostitute. Determined to free her from her owner, Grady embarks on his dangerous quest of the heart. Billy tries to protect and help him, but the forces at work soon demand sacrifices greater than either can control. Capturing visions of the American West during its last decades, McCarthy’s powerful work is destined to leave a permanent mark on contemporary literature.

©1998 Cormac McCarthy (P)1998 Recorded Books, LLC

An incredible culmination

Extremely hard to get an audiobook of The Crossing. All three books are amazing. John Grady Cole is a fantastic character. Billy Parham too. Some deep emotional responses to some incredibly true, incredibly deep, and incredibly brutal events. Doesn't get much better.

Classic McCarthy

I am a McCarthy fan every one should be. Lessons aren't free but if you buy a McCarthy novel he'll give you one.

Cities of the Plain

I thoroughly enjoyed this audio book. This is one of my favorite Cormac McCarthy stories.

This book took me there

The characters are so richly voiced and perfect. Reminds me of the old cowboys I used to know when I was younger. Loved it!

I enjoyed this trilogy immensely, although at times I felt sadness I’m a better person having experienced it.

The characters in these three books are gone from this land, and I feel we’ve learned nothing from the truths expressed.

Perhaps the best of "The Border Trilogy"!

Would you listen to Cities of the Plain again? Why?

I have recently become a HUGE McCarthy fan due to taking a college class on him and I have to see that Cities of the Plain is truly one of the best books I've ever listened to/read. I will most certainly be listening to Frank Muller's interpretation again, because despite his difficulty in differentiating in voice between all the cowboys, he acts them all very well.

What other book might you compare Cities of the Plain to and why?

Cities of the Plain is in some ways an

What does Frank Muller bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

For me, the scenes between John Grady and Billy just became more personal. They may argue a lot, but you can get a real feel for their undying friendship with each other.

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

Well, the whole thing really :). This is an outstanding book. But probably the most moving part is the conclusion and the conversation that Billy has with a blind man. I won't give anything away, but let it be said that McCarthy's sages are always profound, and the one Billy encounters in this novel is no exception.

Any additional comments?

Why haven't you already bought this? GET IT NOW AND READ/LISTEN TO IT!

Great Ending to the Trilogy

What did you love best about Cities of the Plain?

Cormac McCarthy is the greatest living novelist. This book is a great ending to the series, and certainly better than 'The Crossing,' which fell a little flat. John Grady Cole is the same stubborn, horse obsessed cowboy we've known and again he's at a crossroads that he can't see is a crossroads for he thinks the choice is not a choice at all but already made as f made from the beginning and he's willing to go to any extreme as if that too were unchangeable.

What about Frank Muller’s performance did you like?

Frank Muller has the greatest range of any narrator, only Ray Porter comes close. Frank Muller's reading of 'The Prince of Tides' was the most incredible reading I've ever heard.

Any additional comments?

For newcomers to Cormac McCarthy, start with 'All the Pretty Horses' or 'The Road' and then go past 'The Crossing' right to this book and then finish with 'Suttree' then 'Blood Meridian' last.

McCarthy's genius

storyteller and poet. McCarthy is one of America's greatest writers. equally a master at southern gothic and western, cormac maccarthy is one of America's greatest treasures.

Brilliant Dialogue

Aching anticipation atop a stunning dog chase ends in a cutting finality that is gripping and sad.

Best Epilogue Ever

"The Crossing" is my favorite book in this exquisite and sad trilogy, but the epilogue to "The Cities of the Plain," in my opinion might be the best single chapter in all literature.