A Son of the Middle Border


Read by LibriVox Volunteers

(4.9 stars; 7 reviews)

A Son of the Middle Border is Hamlin Garland's evocative memoir that captures the essence of life in the American Midwest during a transformative era. Through his vivid storytelling, Garland reflects on his personal journey, detailing the struggles and triumphs of those who toiled against the harsh realities of nature and society.

Set against the backdrop of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, this work explores themes of resilience, identity, and the complex relationship between man and the land. Garland's narrative is both a tribute to the beauty of the West and a candid examination of the challenges faced by its inhabitants, making it a unique contribution to American literature.

With a blend of poetic insight and stark realism, Garland's memoir serves as a poignant reminder of a generation's experiences, offering listeners a rich tapestry of emotions and reflections that resonate with the human spirit.

Chapters

Select a chapter to play

01 - Home from the War 24:41 Read by Greg W.
02 - The McClintocks 24:12 Read by Greg W.
03 - The Home in the Coulee 31:08 Read by Greg W.
04 - Father Sells the Farm 15:22 Read by Greg W.
05 - The Last Threshing in the Coulee 18:25 Read by Greg W.
06 - David and His Violin 16:47 Read by Greg W.
07 - Winneshiek 'Woods and Prairie Lands' 22:16 Read by Greg W.
08 - We Move Again 12:54 Read by Greg W.
09 - Our First Winter on the Prairie 28:21 Read by Greg W.
10 - The Homestead on the Knoll 15:03 Read by Greg W.
11 - School Life 18:26 Read by Greg W.
12 - Chores and Almanacs 16:51 Read by Greg W.
13 - Boy Life on the Prairie 40:18 Read by Greg W.
14 - Wheat and the Harvest 34:26 Read by Greg W.
15 - Harriet Goes Away 24:03 Read by Greg W.
16 - We Move to Town 32:09 Read by Greg W.
17 - A Taste of Village Life 29:28 Read by Greg W.
18 - Back to the Farm 34:59 Read by Greg W.
19 - End of School Days 25:31 Read by Greg W.
20 - The Land of the Dakotas 27:20 Read by Greg W.
21 - The Grasshopper and the Ant 39:12 Read by Greg W.
22 - We Discover New England 24:29 Read by Greg W.
23 - Coasting Down Mt Washington 16:24 Read by Inah Derby
24 - Tramping, NY, Washington & Chicago 28:25 Read by Inah Derby
25 - The Land of the Straddle-Bug 35:17 Read by Inah Derby
26 - On to Boston 29:50 Read by Inah Derby
27 - Enter a Friend 40:17 Read by Inah Derby
28 - A Visit to the West 43:47 Read by Inah Derby
29 - I Join the Anti-Poverty Brigade 41:31 Read by Inah Derby
30 - My Mother is Stricken 26:55 Read by Inah Derby
31 - Main Travelled Roads 21:12 Read by Inah Derby
32 - The Spirit of Revolt 22:46 Read by Inah Derby
33 - The End of the Sunset Trail 13:19 Read by Inah Derby
34 - We Go to California 28:29 Read by Inah Derby
35 - The Homestead in the Valley 26:41 Read by Inah Derby

Reviews


(5 stars)

a real midcentury gem. especially for memoir lovers. not fast paced but beautifully written