Martin Marten

A Novel

By: Brian Doyle

Narrated by: Travis Baldree

Dave is 14 years old, living with his family in a cabin on Oregon's Mount Hood (or as he prefers to call it, like the Multnomah tribal peoples once did, Wy'east). Dave will soon enter high school, with adulthood and a future not far off - a future away from his mother, father, his precocious younger sister, and the wilderness where he's lived all his life.

And Dave is not the only one approaching adulthood and its freedoms on Wy'east that summer. Martin, a pine marten (of the mustelid family), is leaving his own mother and siblings and setting off on his own as well.

As Dave and Martin set off on their own adventures, their lives, paths, and trails will cross, weave, and blend. Why not come with them as they set forth into the forest and crags of Oregon's soaring mountain wilderness in search of life, family, friends, enemies, wonder, mystery, and good things to eat?

Martin Marten is a braided coming-of-age tale like no other, told in Brian Doyle's joyous, rollicking style.

©2015 Brian Doyle (P)2017 Tantor

Every word was a treat!

Such a treasure to hear the beautiful narration of the wonderful words of this book. Every character, every conversation, every setting was perfect. I listen to lots of books of many genres and I can’t say I have been this comfortable or became one with a book as I have with this one. Thank you.

No worries

Loved it! Thought it was over about half way through and was apprehensive about the author's ability to keep me engrossed. Should never have worried. warm and cuddly experience.

First book read by Brian Doyle, but not the last.

Book review: The Author Brian Doyle takes us on an incredible journey through a year in the lives of many human and non-human inhabitants on an Oregon mountain.

This isn't my usual genre of book, but a friend recommended and it came up in my book recommendations and I am very happy I listened.

The book is so much more than a coming of age story about a young boy - Dave. In parallel with a Marten, the storytelling pulls you in; the romance between Ms. Moss and Mr. Douglas, the friendship between Dave and Moon, Moon and his parents, the connection between Cosmos and the Robinsons, the music and struggles of the Unabled Lady, Emma’s personal journey, and let us not forget Maria.

Through the eyes of the non-human's Martin (a pine marten), Louis (an elk), Edwin (a horse), an unnamed dog friend of Mr. Shapiro, and all the non-human characters, the reader is touched by their adventures, fears, survival, and yes, possibly love.

In many books like this, readers could be frustrated by what some would consider anthropomorphism; however, Doyle does stress that we can’t possibly understand their thoughts and knowledge. I agree with others who have said that - his way of writing is distinct and crafted in such a way that it really worked for me. His style of blending the non-human and human storytelling was a major compliment to the storytelling and a beautiful reminder that the humans are not the only living beings on the mountain.

So yes, Mr. Doyle took some fantastical liberties, but in my mind it did not distract from the story, but was a huge enhancement. The beauty, sensitivity, and emotions felt were worth it. For me the best books allow me to get away from the daily grind, provide excitement, learning, feeling the beauty of the world around me, and in many ways get at the truth or heart of the story by whatever means available to the Author. .

This Author uses a boy, a community, a mountain, and a Marten to get at the truth and heart of the book..

I highly suggest adding to your reading or listening list - it is well worth it. Hoping for a book 2.

A beautifully written tale

Doyle once again captured a true sense of communal harmony with nature, creating a balanced perspective that shares both human and animal personas. The warmth, authenticity and humor expressed in his storytelling is totally engaging. This writer will be sorely missed by so many devoted readers.

My favorite book

This is my all-time favorite book. I’ve listened to it twice already and expect to visit it again often. The writing is beautiful.

A revelation of of sorrowful joy and beauty

It is a travesty that we were given only so many writings of Brian Doyle but each one is a universe of excellence.

Captivated to the end

I liked the feeling of the book. The characters just walked right in & made themselves at home in my world. I had read & loved Mink River so was fully prepared to love this one. Mr. Doyle is a gifted wordsmith & obviously knows a great deal about wild life. I learned something on nearly every page. He makes us aware of our responsibilities for our earth without preaching. Well done.

The give, the take.

I love the world Mr. Doyle creates and how he informs us of, invites us in, and paints, what that world is with his unique voice. I really like spending time there

The characters, their interactions with each other and their world is a wonderful place to be in and experience.

The only criticism I'd offer, is at times the strength of all of that is slightly diminished, to me, by staying in the depth of the feeling too long, by over articulation of that feeling, or moment, in a way that, again to me, oversells it in places that may take away from what is being conveyed.

He walks up to that line often, but backs away in time. That’s a strength of his IMHO

At the end of this story, for my taste, it spent a bit more time in, and it over articulated/explained things we already knew, or could infer by the dance and actions of the characters he so richly painted in the story previously.

That said I not only still love this book, this story, this world, and the way the writer gives us all of those things, I also realize and respect the fact that Mr. Doyle is an incredibly accomplished writer and I'm a guy basically giving a book Yelp;)

Can't wait to read Mr. Doyle's next book.

A wonderful story!

Brian Doyle hits the mark again with this gem of a book in which multiple characters, animal and human alike, discover themselves. His deep love and reverence for nature and all things Oregon shines through. Characters are quirky and likable, each with their own philosophical bent. The narrator was excellent in getting the nuances of the story across!

View nature in a different way.

Good story. Author creates a way for the reader to think of all of the individual stories and perspectives of everything around us.

I don't understand the overuse of the word "infinitesimally " that is used throughout the book.

I must now make it a goal to put eyes upon a Marten before my time is through in this world.