The Jack-Knife Man
Ellis Parker Butler
Read by Roger Melin
A lighthearted tale which revolves around old Peter Lane, who lives in a houseboat on the Mississippi River and mostly whiles away his time whittling with his jack-knife and not really doing much else. That is, until one night, a sickly woman knocks at his boat door holding her son in her arms. This encounter would change Peter's life, as the old man befriends little Buddy and is determined to keep him and raise him as his own, provided he is able to keep a host of others from laying claim to the orphan.
(Note - While the online text for this book appears that there is no chapter 7, no chapters have been omitted from this recording.) - Summary by Roger Melin (5 hr 46 min)
Chapters
The Jack-Knife Man | 26:09 | Read by Roger Melin |
Peter's Guests | 10:53 | Read by Roger Melin |
Peter Lodges Out | 20:39 | Read by Roger Melin |
The Scarlet Woman | 28:51 | Read by Roger Melin |
Buddy Steers the Boat | 28:40 | Read by Roger Melin |
'Booge' | 28:30 | Read by Roger Melin |
Rivals | 19:18 | Read by Roger Melin |
Peter Gives Warning | 10:35 | Read by Roger Melin |
A Violent Incident | 11:51 | Read by Roger Melin |
Peter Hears News | 17:15 | Read by Roger Melin |
The Return of 'Old Kazoozer' | 9:13 | Read by Roger Melin |
Aunt Jane | 31:30 | Read by Roger Melin |
A Ray of Hope | 14:07 | Read by Roger Melin |
An Encounter | 19:07 | Read by Roger Melin |
Jail Uncles | 15:06 | Read by Roger Melin |
Funny Cats | 16:53 | Read by Roger Melin |
More Funny Cats | 19:42 | Read by Roger Melin |
Peter Goes to Town | 9:56 | Read by Roger Melin |
Peter Gets His Clock | 8:12 | Read by Roger Melin |
Reviews
Phxjennifer
Delightful story, with some serious messages underlying it. Gives a glimpse of the shantyboat culture of the Mississippi River and its tributaries during the Great Depression of the 1930s, which was entirely new to me! Narrator was a joy to hear.
Rooster
I’ve listened to hundreds of books on LibriVox. ( thank you LibriVox and all the volunteers!). This heartwarming story is one of the best. Very well written and read. Thank you Roger Melin !
bahamajohn08
I found this novel incredibly entertaining. The twists and turns and highs and lows kept me riveted to it. such a quaint story and full of ambiance. highly recommend it.
sweet story ..,
joseph zimmerman - salcha, alaska -
thank you for this tale ... and your precious time . great ending !!
a great listen
James E
really well read thoroughly enjoyed the book. je
John Price
very good enough storyh thanks Roger thanks Libervox.
Heartwarming story read by the wonderful Roger Melin.
Sharon
one of my favorite readers
Ms. Elizabeth
Cute story.