Trials of the Earth

The True Story of a Pioneer Woman

By: Mary Mann Hamilton

Narrated by: Barbara Benjamin Creel

The Powerful, Only Known First-Person Account of One Woman's Struggles and Triumphs Taming the Mississippi Delta

Near the end of her life, Mary Mann Hamilton (1866-c.1936) was encouraged to record her experiences as a female pioneer. The result is the only known firsthand account of a remarkable woman thrust into the center of taming the American South - surviving floods, tornadoes, and fires; facing bears, panthers, and snakes; managing a boardinghouse in Arkansas that was home to an eccentric group of settlers; and running a logging camp in Mississippi that blazed a trail for development in the Mississippi Delta. All this she tackled - and diligently wrote about in secrecy, in a diary that not even her family knew she kept - while caring for her children, several of whom didn't survive the perils of pioneer life. The extreme hard work and tragedy Hamilton faced are eclipsed only by her emotional and physical strength; her unwavering faith in her husband, Frank, a mysterious Englishman; and her tenacious sense of adventure.

An early draft of Trials of the Earth was submitted to a writers' competition sponsored by Little, Brown in 1933. It didn't win, and we almost lost the chance to bring this raw, vivid narrative to listeners. Eighty-three years later, in partnership with Mary Mann Hamilton's descendants, we're proud to share an irreplaceable piece of American history.

Conveyed in frank and expressive prose by a natural-born writer, and withheld for almost a lifetime, Trials of the Earth will resonate with listeners of history and fiction alike - an emotional testament to our ability to endure as well as the story of extraordinary love and the allure of pioneer life.

©2016 Mary Mann Hamilton (P)2016 Hachette Audio

Critic reviews

"A reminder of how punishing the physical struggle could be, and how unspeakably lonely a woman's life was when men were clearing the land." ( New York Times Book Review)

"To read Hamilton's autobiography is to experience an extraordinary life of courage and hardship.... Hamilton, a born storyteller, has written a rich, simple narrative; her personal strength is surpassed only by the strength of her writing abilities." ( Library Journal)

Captivating!

The fabulous narrator brings this story to life, as if you're right there living alongside Mary Hamilton. I'm sure reading the book would be good, but Barbara Benjamin-Creel turns it into a riveting account of pioneer life. The hardships and friendships are palpable. Each character is infused with personality through Ms. Benjamin-Creel's talented telling of the tale. I dragged out the last hour and a half, not wanting it to end. That's high praise indeed, especially considering this isn't the kind of book I usually choose. I'll definitely be looking for more books narrated by Barbara Benjamin-Creel.

I can't recommend this Audible book highly enough. Gold stars!!!!!!!

What a treasure!

To get a glimpse into late 19th century/early 20th c. life, first hand, from someone with such a detailed memory and rich story, truly is a treasure. Ms. Creel does a wonderful job reading. She makes it very easy to listen to. I will miss this book now that it's over!

This brought me back home! Excellent narration!

Where does Trials of the Earth rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Listening to this book took me back home to where I grew up in Mississippi. The main character portrays the strength and tenacity of a true southern woman. I felt like I was hearing my grandmother speak directly to me. Fantastic, authentic narration!

An amazing story!

I loved this book! May Mann Hamilton is a great attribute to our American roots. This is a story of an ordinary woman who did extraordinary things to survive in a world in which every day was a true challenge. Her loyalty to her children and her husband was so tender an heartfelt. Her courage was exceptional. I believe there were many stories like this in our American History that will never be heard, but it is why we are the Americans we are today.

Reminiscent of Little House On The Prairie

A narrative of Pioneer life in the Mississippi Delta and Arkansas. What an extraordinary life these simple people lived. I enjoyed the resiliency of Mary Mann Hamilton and her family. Worth a read.

Easy listen

Interesting book. My only complaint is that the way the narrator voiced the children’s voices grated on my nerves. They always sounded extremely whiny.

Excellent book! The narration is phenomenal!

Excellent book!
So visual, such a strong performance.
The narration is phenomenal! She deserves an award.

A very interesting story.

This story brings the high, and low notes of one strong, interesting woman to the listener. I winced at times at the language and sentiments, but it is history, warts and all.

What a great story!

An encouraging, heartbreaking and loving family who lived through tough times in the Mississippi Delta.

I cant believe its over!#

I wish this book went on for hours longer! So good! you wont regret getting this one.