Through Black Spruce

By: Joseph Boyden

Narrated by: James Jenner

Joseph Boyden's first novel, Three Day Road, was a Today Show Book Club selection. Through Black Spruce is the exceptional follow-up to his acclaimed debut. Cree bush pilot Will Bird lies comatose in a hospital, while his wayward niece Annie arrives to sit in silent vigil by his side. Slowly their stories reveal two people previously separated by great distances, beaten and broken, and searching for some sense of where they belong in the world.©2008 Joseph Boyden (P)2009 Recorded Books, LLC

Critic reviews

"[A]n intelligent, multilayered accomplishment, and well worth reading." ( Publishers Weekly)

Great story, great narration!

loved it, great dialogue and writing, makes me want to spend more time in the wilderness.

Learn your place names!

Great story and generally strong performances but the mispronunciation of the Canadian place names was really grating. Spa-DEE-na? Bath-HURST? Tor-RAWN-to? MAWN-tree-all? And then Mount Royal with a French accent?? It's like listening to an American tourist. Come on guys! Get it together!! At least talk to a local next time.

Absolutely Great Book

Loved this book. Especially liked that there is a male and female reader. You would not be disappointed with this book. I looked forward to my walks each day so I could continue with the story.

Couldn't put it down

Didn't want it to end, but knew that it had to. Told so beautifully, I want to go back there, I want to be the hero , to save the day , but I know very little would change , and that is tragic.

Amazing and captivating story.

Amazing and captivating story. really love how much i get to learn about Cree ways of life, living off the land, struggling to survive in both the bush and cities. A novel that provides lots of perspective.

A pleasure to listen to

The author acknowledges native life, and its shortcomings, but it doesn't own his characters, or the book.
Very realistic wilderness scenarios, not tidy, nor idyllic.
Exceptionally well read, wonderful parallels between predators in the many worlds inhabited by the characters.
Would love to listen to Boyden's first book " Three Day Road"

Wonderful

l loved this book. I was sorry It had ti end. the characters easily became a part of my day. I looked forward to the adventures and their personal growth.

pure excellence...

The books were better each read. It is one of those few times I am sad too have finished... and days later still think about them....
(Three Day Road, the Orenda & Through Black Spruce)

Winter’s Bone meets Canadian First Nation

This was well read by the narrators! I could see the characters and what was happening! They really brought it to life!

I have native relatives who I still need to get to know better and this book makes me appreciate some of the lifestyle they have (I especially love the connection to nature that is so well explored).

I also think this book captures the battle all of our communities now face with drugs (and the crime that comes with it).

A window into a parallel culture.

I was swept into the conscious minds of both the lead characters. The extended family ties, family concerns and the real business of survival in both cultural worlds are gently displayed in the unfolding events. Previous happenings in the family become the listeners memories, as they drift across the minds of the characters. This gives a rich background for the interesting plots in the story.
In all, a finely crafted view into genuine people, living lives, within their culture, and their challenges in thier world and the external culture. Survival and resilience. Respect!