Chrissie's Reviews > Carry the Wind

This is the first of three, ALL three free, for Audible-UK-Plus members!

I have enjoyed listening to this audiobook. Really, I shouldn’t be sitting here writing a review; I have so much else I should be doing! I am doing it anyhow, because I consider it important to tell my GR friends that this book is definitely worth reading. This is NOT because it is free. That is just an added bonus.

You can start with this book. You need not go back to book one of the series. What has happened in the past is explained, and in an interesting manner.

We follow the friendship that develops between two men, one is younger, the other older. The elder becomes the mentor of the younger, but they both come to mean a lot to each other. This is a book that focuses upon human relationships. The two travel out west and encounter Native Americans as well as the flora and fauna of the land. Appreciation of nature is evident in the telling of the tale. There is a mule. She turns out to be an important character too.

A second theme is the traditions of native tribes, their customs, beliefs and way of life. There is a lot if factual detail. I found it all interesting, despite that I have read many books about Native Americans. Do you know why three moccasins are worn one on top of the other? Each serves a specific purpose. You learn of tree burials, of childbirth rituals, spiritual beliefs, the varied use of buffalo, elk and beaver, and not only the usage of their pelts. The story is at times terribly exciting. Why? Because you care what happens to the characters. There are gruesome practices not easy to read of; some are revolting. You are given reality, not a pretty, sanitized version. This I prefer, but a word of warning is not out of place.

There is a third reason to choose this book over other books about the American West. The dialogue is expertly done, and at the same time, it is never hard to understand. I don’t quite know how the author pulls this off! The language is that of trappers, traders and Native Americans and one guy who is fervently religious. The setting is Wyoming of the 1800s.

I recommend this book for its accurate, informative details, the moving evocation of the friendship that develops and the true to life dialogue. I have already downloaded the next two books in the series.

Alex Boyles narrates the audiobook VERY well. Four stars I have awarded the narration. There are different accents. He does them all well. One trapper speaks with a Scottish lilt. Even though the words used are not of our time, the listener has no difficulty understanding.

I didn't think this book would be as good as it is! What a great surprise. Don’t miss this.

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*Carry the Wind 4 stars
*Borderlords 4 stars
*One-Eyed Dream 3 stars