Woodsburner: A Novel Audiobook

" I had high hopes for this one, but it was, in a word, SLOW. Some interesting characters but I didn't really care what happened to them. Henry David Thorough comes across as a self-absorbed, spoiled, wanna-be - and this is probably right on target, but not a very sympathetic character. There is so little action and the story builds so slowly, I almost gave up on this one. Having trudged through to the end, I wasn't fond of the rather abrupt ending either. Little satisfaction to be found in this book and I was disappointed. "

" This is a marvelously-written novel. Pipkin nails the 19th-century prose and perspective, but what's best is the way his characters speak. I was slightly dissatisfied with the "After" portion of the ending, but over all I think I understand why the book has garnered an award. It deserves more of them. "

" Dallas Morning News review. . . "

" Unfortunately, it's been well over a year since I read this, but only just now realized that it remained in my "currently reading" pile. I can't elaborate on the specifics. Overall, this had fairly well-developed characters and the story jumped between them as the larger tale unfolded. The manufacture of pencils was also covered. That's always a bonus. I enjoyed this book. "

" The prose was like poetry. I absolutely loved it. The story evolves for each character, each intertwined in some way. I recommend it highly. "

" Working on a project at work involving this book...we'll see! "

" I love historical fiction, and this book did not disappoint. The book follows quite a few characters in detail, but it's written in such a way that it's easy to follow because the characters are well developed. The book also is rich in the history of America in 1844. I highly recommend this book! "

" Will be reading this soon for my in-person book club. "

" This book is one of the best I've read this year. The characters are well fleshed-out, the story is quite entertaining, and the ideas that Pipkin sticks throughout the narrative are quite intriguing. "

" This is a beautiful and wise book that hasn't gotten much attention. It was a slow beginning for me, but an early description of a man fucking a pumpkin (my words) won me over. I loved these characters, especially poor Oddsmund, with his dead family and his love for fat Emma. Oh! "

" Odd, lame, did not finish "

" Pipkin uses the 1844 wild fire started by HD Thoreau as the common element around which a number of characters act and interact. "

" I couldn't even finish the first chapter. It was written in 3rd person. It just totally rubbed me the wrong way! Such a shame, because I felt the plot had such potential. "

" Beautiful prose. Flawed characters that evoke sympathy. Hopeful, wistful, and horrible moments are all captured honestly and precisely. And an ending that left me delightfully satisfied. If you are interested in historical or literary fiction, this needs to be on your list. "

" This is one of the best books I've read in a long time. Thoroughly entertaining and loads of little gems throughout. Highly recommended! "

" Who knew Thoreau was responsible for burning down 300 acres of woods outside of Concord? As the fire spreads, the story reveals it effect on several characters appropriate to the time. The writing is beautiful. "

" Interesting read, not my cup of tea. "

" I loved this book. Loved the writing and the intricate story telling. Wish it hadn't been so long since I read about transcendentalism! I suspect I missed a lot. I like the juxtaposition of a serious historical event and character with the peculiar fictional characters. Great read. "

" Will be reading this soon for my in-person book club. "

" I couldn't even finish the first chapter. It was written in 3rd person. It just totally rubbed me the wrong way! Such a shame, because I felt the plot had such potential. "

" Definitely enjoyable. Had to push through a couple of passages that drug on, but was overall quite interesting. "

" I loved this book. Loved the writing and the intricate story telling. Wish it hadn't been so long since I read about transcendentalism! I suspect I missed a lot. I like the juxtaposition of a serious historical event and character with the peculiar fictional characters. Great read. "

" highly original novel of one day in the life of Henry David Thoreau when he unintentionally burns down the woods near Concord, MA. "

" Really this is 3 1/2. I learned some interesting factoids and some of the perspectives of the fire were very engaging...but eh, overall it wasn't that enticing. I'm happy it wasn't as ridiculous as March. "