Miller's Valley

A Novel

By: Anna Quindlen

Narrated by: Brittany Pressley

A novel about family and the secrets that we keep - a young woman learning to love and leave home and realizing that, maybe, she never quite left. From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Still Life with Bread Crumbs and Rise and Shine.

This story begins in the 1960s, and explores how Mimi Miller comes of age, over and over again.

As a young girl in Miller's Valley, an ordinary farming town that may be facing its final days, Mimi is observing adults, selling corn, growing up and changing, and watching the world around her change, too.

As the years go by, the unthinkable starts to seem inevitable. Anna Quindlen's novel takes us through the changing eras of Mimi and her family, as secrets are revealed, and the heartbreaks of growing up and falling in love with the wrong man are overcome.

A deeply moving, inspiring story of a young woman learning to love and leave, the place and family from which she comes.

©2016 Anna Quindlen (P)2016 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

"In a quiet, unaffected performance, narrator Brittany Pressley makes 1960s Miller's Valley, Pennsylvania, incredibly real.... Quindlen's spot-on insights allow Pressley to give each family member a convincing personality--from Mimi's no-nonsense mother to her gentle father, from her two older brothers to her agoraphobic aunt. Engrossing listening." ( AudioFile)

Very touching

I liked this novel- maybe I was in the mood for a sad story. even though it went on and on - in and out of different sub stories - very much like listening to an older woman's ramblings about her heartbreaking past/ I felt connected to Mimi and cried for many times throughout the story of her life; especially when she hopes that her brother is proud of her. The antagonistic, but devoted relationship with her mother, the love she had for her father, the strange , mentally ill aunt who had a hold in her father - the big brother who lets her down /and then finally, the fate of her valley just seals it all into a neat theme- your childhood/past is not where you lived or what you left behind. It's what you keep in your heart . The narrator was very good.

Better than I anticipated

Insightful, real, not maudlin, describing well the mysteries, vagaries, and hardness of life. Glad to have listened.

Another beautiful story from Anna Quindlen! Keep them coming!

Written like a dream. Nostalgic, loving, hopeful, bittersweet and heartbreaking. Recalling a life that almost feels like you lived it yourself. Wish I could have met Mimi on the road selling corn. I can hear the clink of the quarters hitting the bottom of the can and smell the cows in the barn..,

Loved This Book

Would you consider the audio edition of Miller's Valley to be better than the print version?

No I enjoyed the audio because it helps pass the time when traveling without being distracted.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Miller's Valley?

Just reading about her story and the period of time in which it took place.

What about Brittany Pressley’s performance did you like?

Style of writing, holding interest of those listening to it.

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

All of it.

Any additional comments?

Excellent Reader and a good pace.

Beautiful Story

What did you like best about this story?

It was such a quiet but strong book. I loved the characters.

What about Brittany Pressley’s performance did you like?

It draws you into the story completely

Vocal fry

The story was good, but I was distracted by the reader’s vocal fry. It was difficult to enjoy because of that

Balance of drama, pleasantries, believability

I found this book a good balance. It was dramatic without being overly dramatic, not particularly predictable or unbelievable, a little sad and a little happy. Enjoyed it very much overall!

Moves slow but it is worth every minute!

This isn't an adventure story. Quidlen writes a heartwarming story of a realistic character who never backs down from the challenges she faces. The best thing about this story is that the main character is a young woman whose main goal isn't to find love, but to be true to herself and her family.

great read! classic Anna Quinlan.

intertwined how relationships mold and shape us as part of the changes we experience as part of life.

Nothing new

The characters were 2 dimensional and the plot achingly predictable. Like a Fannie Flagg book without the humor. The more introspective the author became, the more schmaltzy the prose became. Felt this book was a waste of time. I have enjoyed other Quinlan books but would not recommend this one.