Shane

By: Jack Schaefer

Narrated by: Eric G. Dove

I had lain in my bed thinking of our visitor out in the bunk in the barn. It scarce seemed possible that he was the same man I had first seen, stern and chilling in his dark solitude, riding up our road. Something in father, something not of words or of actions, but of the essential substance of the human spirit, had reached out and spoken to him and he had replied to it and had unlocked a part of himself to us. He was far off and unapproachable at times even when he was right there with you.

The Starrett family's life forever changes when a man named Shane rides out of the great glowing West and up to their farm in 1889. Young Bob Starrett is entranced by this stoic stranger who brings a new energy to his family. Shane stays on as a farmhand, but his past remains a mystery. Many folks in their small Wyoming valley are suspicious of Shane, and make it known that he is not welcome. But as dangerous as Shane may seem, he is a staunch friend to the Starretts - and when a powerful neighboring rancher tries to drive them out of their homestead, Shane becomes entangled in the deadly feud. This classic western, originally published in 1949, is a profoundly moving story of the influence of a singular character on one boy's life.

©2017 Jack Schaefer (P)2017 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

book is better than the movie

a piece of America, in a fictional setting, where a family lives and demonstrates value for building strong friendship and mutual respect in a snapshot of time.

Masterpiece of machismo

There is something to be said about what it took to get this country started. It is a testament to not only the grit of the people who settled the great American west, but to the type of community we have lost through prosperity.

Excellent

An exciting sorry and we'll read. I look forward to listening again. I didn't even think I liked Westerns.

Listened to in one setting.

Started listening as I began my early morning walk and finished when I returned home because I was too caught up in the story. After finishing I’ve concluded the film to be an excellent adaptation but there are some differences. The goodness of Joe, Marion and Shane always shine through and at times made my eyes moist. Great story!

This is real fiction

Schaefer's use of detail not only lend evidence of a gritty west but highlight the sinews and Filets of the human spirit in a handful of unforgettable characters wrought in the rugged circumstances of surviving a wild untamed environment at the behest of a Chaotic evolution of society.

One of the finest western novels ever written

A perfect blend of action packed western combined with a tender coming of age story told in reflection through the eyes of a boy, now a man.

Memorable

The beginning was slow, but I'm so glad I stuck with it. It was worth my time.

Still the best

This is without doubt my favorite western book. There are few others that make you think of them as your day goes on like Shane.

Great performance & Story

Loved it. I’ve seen the movie multiple times. Anyone should appreciate the book. Happy I read it.

Always have to add leftism

Could have done without the ramblings of a douche bag in the beginning, before the story started. How about not cheapening a great western with the musings of a leftist about farming and ranching being part of the evil colonial capitalist. Eat shit commies!!!