Play Audiobook Sample
The Coal Tattoo Audiobook
Play Audiobook Sample
(3.99) - 840 listener ratings
Quick Stats About this Audiobook
Total Audiobook Chapters:
Longest Chapter Length:
Shortest Chapter Length:
Average Chapter Length:
Audiobooks by this Author:
Publisher Description
Two sisters can't stand to live together, but can't bear to be apart. One worships the flashy world of Nashville, the other is a devout Pentecostal. One falls into the lap of any man, the other is afraid to even date. One gets pregnant in a flash, the other desperately wants to have a child. This is what's at the heart of Silas House's third novel, which tells the story of Easter and Anneth, tragically left parentless as children, who must raise themselves and each other in their small coal-mining town. Easter is deeply religious, keeps a good home, believes in tradition, and is intent on rearing her wild younger sister properly. Anneth is untamable, full of passion, determined to live hard and fast. It's only a matter of time before their predilections split their paths and nearly undo their bond. How these two women learn to overcome their past, sacrifice deeply for each other, and live together again in the only place that matters is the story of The Coal Tattoo.
Download and start listening now!
"Silas House weaves rich stories of family and relationships. He lives in Eastern Kentucky and his characters seem so real. This book should be read in with his other two books Clay's Quilt and A Parchment of Leaves. His next book is due on shelves in early 2008 and I can't wait!"
— Ann (5 out of 5 stars)
The Coal Tattoo Listener Reviews
-
" This book goes to prove the stereotypes right. Tennessee/Kentucky folk do nothing but drink, has sex, and speak in something that is NOT English. Story was okay ... The ending was awful. "
— Nancy, 2/14/2014 -
" The author didn't stretch too much to create the main characters - sisters who are opposites. "
— Wendy, 2/14/2014 -
" Definitely captures an almost indescribable love of land, which is quite the accomplishment. I felt as though I were a part of Easter and Anneth's world. It was nice to be home again. "
— Martine, 2/6/2014 -
" Not my favorite of House's novels, but well-written and totally worth reading. "
— Kelsey, 1/26/2014 -
" Good story of one family's efforts to grow up in impoverished Appalachia. Two sisters struggle to be the different, yet not so different, women they are. Worthwhile reading. "
— Jenny, 1/22/2014 -
" Silas House's best book. "
— Marian, 1/19/2014 -
" Another one I read in book club. It wasn't my type of book but I did like it. It think I liked that it was taking place in the same place I lived. It seemed to make the story more alive. "
— Melissa, 1/17/2014 -
" This was the first book I read by this author. Excellent. I never thought I would be interested in reading about people from the Appalachia Hills....but I was pleasantly surprised. "
— Sherri, 1/13/2014 -
" Silas House writes beautiful stories about Eastern KY. This was one of those. "
— Sandy, 1/8/2014 -
" I didn't like this novel very much. House spends way too much time overdescribing everything. He has some skills, but it sounds a bit like an MFA project. And the Appalachian motif is conspicuously self-conscious, to the detriment of believability. "
— Steven, 12/18/2013 -
" Great character development! I feel the characters are real. "
— Ken, 12/9/2013 -
" I really liked his personal writing style and characters. I also enjoyed the glimpse of life in the Eastern Kentucky region, which I'm sure closely resembles my grandparents' lives close to this time. I found the relationship between the sisters very interesting. "
— DeAnna, 12/6/2013 -
" Everything Silas House writes is worth reading. "
— Nora, 12/5/2013 -
" I liked this story and the interaction of two sisters who are trying to survive in the coal town they have grown up in and are trying to figure out their lives. "
— Niki, 11/10/2013 -
" very slice of life style. Reminded me of Nicolas Sparks type. Not my favorite but it was interesting to get a glimpse into an area and lifestyle so different than the south. "
— Donna, 11/5/2013 -
" I enjoyed this book but it was nothing earth-shattering. A good read... "
— Pat, 8/3/2013 -
" Interesting book, but I finished it still wondering if it was ever going anywhere. I have an autographed copy. That's pretty sweet. "
— Nikki, 8/1/2013 -
" Silas House hits the mark once again! "
— Becky, 7/8/2013 -
" This book is our (Bloomington/Normal public libraries) "community read" choice for 2009. The author will be coming to B-N on April 16. His blog is fabulous, so I look forward to the book. "
— Lud, 2/22/2013 -
" I think I liked this book even more than Clay's Quilt... I told Silas House this and he replied, "you must have sisters, cause women with sisters really like this book". I really did enjoy this one. "
— Sandy, 8/10/2012 -
" Applachia, 1960's "
— Phyllis, 11/7/2011 -
" I love the characters in this book. It was a bit predictable, but overall a good read. "
— Elizabeth, 8/19/2011 -
" Silas House writes beautiful stories about Eastern KY. This was one of those. "
— Sandy, 5/19/2011 -
" Everything Silas House writes is worth reading. "
— Nora, 3/3/2011 -
" Great character development! I feel the characters are real. "
— Ken, 12/9/2010 -
" very slice of life style. Reminded me of Nicolas Sparks type. Not my favorite but it was interesting to get a glimpse into an area and lifestyle so different than the south. "
— Donna, 9/12/2010 -
" I enjoyed this book but it was nothing earth-shattering. A good read... "
— Pat, 9/11/2010 -
" Interesting book, but I finished it still wondering if it was ever going anywhere. I have an autographed copy. That's pretty sweet. "
— Nikki, 7/1/2010 -
" loved all the silas house books...its a must-read! "
— Amy, 6/30/2010 -
" great story about coal mining and family dynamics. House's writing makes you feel the environment he is describing. "
— Stephanie, 5/26/2010 -
" I love the characters in this book. It was a bit predictable, but overall a good read. "
— Elizabeth, 4/22/2010 -
" This book is about two sisters living in Kentucky. It is a very good story. "
— Vikki, 4/15/2010 -
" Enjoyed the book and it's sequel. Referenced alot of KY. Silas House is from KY. "
— Terri, 3/11/2010 -
" his description of grief is realistic. describes my feelings of loss "
— Karen, 1/31/2010
About Silas House
Silas House is the author of several novels, including A Parchment of Leaves. He is a winner of the E. B. White Award, the Nautilus Award, the Appalachian Book of the Year, the Hobson Medal for Literature, and other honors. He is a frequent contributor to the New York Times and a former commentator for NPR’s “All Things Considered.” He is a member of the Fellowship of Southern Writers.
About Kate Forbes
Kate Forbes, winner of four Earphones Awards for audiobook narrating, is a professionally trained actress who has appeared on Broadway, in regional theaters, and with a renowned touring company. After graduating from Sarah Lawrence College, where she was active in theater, she completed an MFA at New York University School of the Arts. With this training, she launched into a successful acting career.