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The Country of the Pointed Firs

By: Sarah Orne Jewett
Narrated by: Cindy Hardin Killavey
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Publisher's summary

This superlative work by Sarah Orne Jewett, a late 19th century writer, shows great literary skill, artistry and charm. The Country of the Pointed Firs depicts the close personal and family relationships in a small New England village. In its appreciation of the natural beauty and restorative powers of a small community, it is similar to Thoreau's Walden.

Ahead of its time with an important social message, and written in the careful prose that marked 19th century literature, The Country of the Pointed Firs is an exciting and memorable narrative creation.

Please note: This is an historical recording. The audio quality represents the technology of the time when it was produced.

Public Domain (P)1986 Jimcin Recordings
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Editorial reviews

Cindy Hardin Killavey uses an alert and welcoming tone in her performance of Sarah Orne Jewett’s The Country of the Pointed Firs, which Henry James described as a "beautiful little quantum of achievement".

Jewett’s 1896 novella takes place in a Maine fishing village named Dunnet Landing. The story’s narrator has returned to the fishing village after getting to know it a few years earlier and finds a place to stay with a feisty widow, Mrs. Todd. As she spends time in Dunnet, she gets to know other local characters, like the aging seaman, Captain Littlemore, and Mrs. Todd’s shy, eccentric brother, William.

Killavey’s inflections change to accommodate the regional dialect employed in Jewett’s loving evocation of coastal Maine.

What listeners say about The Country of the Pointed Firs

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The very best of American regionalism

A beautifully written book; the reader accurately captures the essence of a Maine accent, enhancing the reading experience considerably.

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    3 out of 5 stars
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the narrator is like a machine & metallic wooden

the writing is beautiful the narrator is terrible. from now on I will listen to the sample no matter how much I love the book

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars

Missing Chapter 21, 22, 23

Audio has background noice of someone else in the next room. You can hear it and very disturbed. Missing chapter 21, 22, and 23.

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14 people found this helpful

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Unexpected Delight !

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

This book was such a delight. The narrator was very good. She really caught the down home Maine atmosphere in her voice. The author has a knack for writing great descriptions with a minimum of words. You close your eyes and you are right there in the small village on the rocky Maine coast. No wonder its a classic.I liked it so much that I have suggested this book to my book group.

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4 people found this helpful

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Outstanding performance

A lovely book performed with an ear for Maine dialects. Comforting and beautiful. 👍

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