One of Ours
Gelesen von Tom Weiss
Willa Sibert Cather and Willa Cather
(4,69 Sterne; 79 Bewertungen)
This 1923 Pulitzer Prize winning novel was written by Willa Cather. This work had been inspired by reading her cousin G.P. Cather's wartime letters home to his mother. He was the first officer from Nebraska killed in World War I. Claude Wheeler, the subject of the novel, is a young man growing up on a Nebraska farm. The son of well to do parents, Claude is troubled by his apparent inability to find purpose with his life. Everything he does seems to turn out wrong, at least in his own mind. Although he is a skilled farmer, Claude believes his destiny lies elsewhere. While attending a church-affiliated college his parents have selected for him, he befriends a German family (the Ehrlichs’) who open his eyes to other possibilities in life. When Claude’s father expands the Wheeler farming interests, Claude must leave college to return to his roots and operate the Wheeler farm. During this period, he marries a childhood friend, Enid, in what turns out to be a marriage of convenience rather than love. Enid tries to convert her new husband to her many other causes such as Prohibition in Nebraska. Eventually, Enid leaves Claude to care for her missionary sister who is ill in China, and Claude is somewhat relieved to see her go. During this period, Europe is ablaze with World War I. Claude and his mother fervently follow the events. Claude eventually enlists in the American Expeditionary Forces, becomes an officer, and travels to France to fight for the cause. Finally believing he has found purpose in his life, Claude revels in his new freedom and responsibilities. Despite an influenza epidemic and the continuing hardships of the battlefield, Claude has never felt as though he mattered more. His pursuit of vague notions of purpose and principle culminate in a ferocious front-line encounter with an overwhelming German onslaught. (Summary by Tom Weiss and Wikipedia) (13 hr 35 min)
Chapters
Bewertungen
Bravo from Borneo
Lord Jim
(5 Sterne)
I really enjoyed this book, which is poignant in so many respects. In my view, the novel's greatness derives from the time spent by the author in revealing in wonderful detail what life was like for individuals and families living on the Nebraska prairie in the years just prior to WW1. This becomes foundational in continuing the life story of the main character and how his experiences in France reveal such a juxtaposition in lifestyles from his own back in Nebraska. War is hell and this is explored through many incidences that uncover the price paid by so many civilians, as well as soldiers. Chapeau as always to Tom Weiss for such a sensitive reading and for bringing the characters to life.
juan carlos simon casal
(5 Sterne)
this is my second time that I heard a book read by Tom Weiss and I much impressed with his narration,he is one of my favorite readers. Regarding the novel itself I am right now speechless with the end of the book ( my eyes in tears); this is maybe one of the best approach to the war ever,a very vivid one, it these days when it seems like we all are so well acquaintance with the war, so familiaraize to the point to forget the horror of it; in that sense a nesseary book.
Linda Lake
(5 Sterne)
Marvelous book ! Makes me very great full for young men who have sacrificed all for thousands that have lived since the first Great War.. Wordsworth‘s poem. “ though nothing can bring back the-hour of splendor in the grass the glory in the flowers we will weep not rather find strength in what remains behind…..
Marge M
(5 Sterne)
The book is beautifully written. I had read other Cather books but had not heard of this one before. The descriptions of the Spanish Flu victims was touching, and what a refreshing take on the WWI experience. The narrator was fine except when he had to read words in French.
T.Batti
Terri Lynn
(5 Sterne)
I liked this book for it's bird's eye view of life on the prairie. I also appreciated the thoughts of oncoming war as well as a brief glimpse into the world of a Doughboy in WWW l. A special thumbs up to the reader!
A Poignant Story of a Midwestern Boy
kmilesmcleod
(5 Sterne)
Cather presents the beautiful story of Claude Wheeler, the son of a wealthy farmer in Nebraska, from his time on the prairie to finding himself on the battlefields of France during WW1.
One of Ours
Recat Routson
(5 Sterne)
A excellent true story , well worth listening to . Special thanks to the reader excellent story telling ,
(5 Sterne)
Excellent story, very well read, good recording. Adult treatment of serious topics: war, loyalty, marriage, religion, xenophobia .