Sharecropper Hell

By: Jim Thompson

Narrated by: Mike Dennis

Nineteen-year-old Tommy Carver desperately wants to make something of himself, but he's got some mighty tall odds stacked against him - a brutal sharecropper father, a secret love affair with his wealthy landowner's daughter, a step-mother devoid of maternal instincts, and even his own short-tempered, prideful ways. The odds only get worse when Tommy is fingered for murder in this shocking, twisting tale that explores sex, American Indian rituals, simmering race politics in mid-20th century Oklahoma, and, of course, crime.

©2013 The Devault-Graves Agency (P)2014 The Devault-Graves Agency

Not A Fathers Day story

Would you listen to Sharecropper Hell again? Why?

Yes it's a prime example of one of our greatest Pulp writers of out time. Along with an outstanding reading of the book.

What did you like best about this story?

The build up of coming doom

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

A nice pace and very well difference in voices of the characters. Very engrossing really captures the feel.

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

His returning home.

Any additional comments?

Jim Thompson is a must read for any anyone who loves the pulps of yesteryear. This story has a simple story line that reflects struggles we are experiencing with the Fracking going on now.

Along with oil rights and some steamy hot scenes in the back of cars that used to have seats to have fun in, and the darkness inside the character that takes you down paths you may fear to go.

Not as good as Killer Inside Me but well worth a read.

Strong Plot and Good Narration

Sharecropper Hell was originally titled Cropper’s Cabin when it was published in 1952. The author, Jim Thompson, also published his arguably best novel, The Killer Inside Me, that year.

This novel, while publicized as a noir, was much more than just that genre. It has parts that could be individual categorized as dysfunctional family drama, historical novel, mystery, romance, erotica, courtroom drama, and revenge tale. The problem with having so many different sub-genres is that it would be difficult to find someone that likes them all so the reviews of this novel are all over the place. In my case, I found the dysfunctional family part rather boring. Unfortunately, for me, that part lasted for the first nine chapters. Normally, I quit listening to a book well before chapter ten if it’s dull on the assumption that it won’t get better. I didn’t in this case because I received this audio book for free in exchange for my honest review. I am so glad I didn’t stop. Beginning with chapter ten, the action doesn’t stop. All the loose ends are tied up nicely, but not predictably, by the end. To say more about the plot would be a spoiler but take my word for it—the plot is very good.

The narrator has the exact voice, deep and gravelly, that would be expected during the time period of the novel. He portrayed each character differently so you could immediately tell who was speaking, which made it easier to enjoy during a long commute with frequent distractions.

Overall, I would recommend this audiobook and not just to noir lovers but to anyone who enjoys a good story.

A good historical read

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

I enjoyed listening to this book. Sharecropper Hell s a story about a poor white family in Oklahoma early 20th century who work under an American Indian landowner rich in property. The story has murder, jealousy, family situations, and romance. It's a bit tongue in cheek and very modest.

What other book might you compare Sharecropper Hell to and why?

Sharecropper Hell reminded me at times of the Jack Reacher series, with its slow cadence, solitary, tough man character, and mostly 1-person narration.

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

I really enjoyed narrator Mike Dennis. He brought a really authentic slow, southern accent to his narrating that really gave a visual feel to the main character. Mr. Dennis voice is smooth, accentuated in the right places..just right for the story.

Was Sharecropper Hell worth the listening time?

For the most part. The story was a perfect length (7 hours), carried enough variance of narration and dialogue, and historical background.

Not his best work.

I love Jim Thompson's work usually. But the characters just seemed dumb and mean
Hard to find anyone to root for.