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This Tender Land

Written by:
William Kent Krueger
Narrated by:
Scott Brick

Unabridged Audiobook

Ratings
Book
657
Narrator
219
Release Date
September 3, 2019
Duration
14 hours 21 minutes
Summary
For fans of Before We Were Yours and Where the Crawdads Sing, a magnificent novel about four orphans on a life-changing odyssey during the Great Depression, from the New York Timesbestselling author of Ordinary Grace. 1932, Minnesota-the Lincoln School is a pitiless place where hundreds of Native American children, forcibly separated from their parents, are sent to be educated. It is also home to an orphan named Odie O'Banion, a lively boy whose exploits earn him the superintendent's wrath. Forced to flee, he and his brother Albert, their best friend Mose, and a brokenhearted little girl named Emmy steal away in a canoe, heading for the mighty Mississippi and a place to call their own. Over the course of one unforgettable summer, these four orphans will journey into the unknown and cross paths with others who are adrift, from struggling farmers and traveling faith healers to displaced families and lost souls of all kinds. With the feel of a modern classic, This Tender Land is an en'thralling, big-hearted epic that shows how the magnificent American landscape connects us all, haunts our dreams, and makes us whole.
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Reviews
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Kathryn K.

I enjoyed this book and feel sad that its over. I especially like how the book wrapped up.

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Anonymous

Wonderful book that I'd listen to again! Each chapter was full of new challenges for the 4 lovable vagabonds. I hated for it to end.

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Shroas

This was an enjoyable read. It had me crying at points. Yet I never knew what was waiting around the corner.

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I kunt reed

Grate stori. Instent klasick. Reeder haz a grate voys.

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Anonymous

Good read and very good to listen, nice voice.

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Claire M.

Loved the tales of the four vagabonds and their adventures in search of their dreams. Beautifully written, a well paced narrative that kept this reader engaged and in anticipation of the next chapter.

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Pat E.

Beautiful , wonderful storytelling

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Anonymous

I loved this book! Character development was unmatched. The journey was amazing and the end was perfectly tied up.

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Diana H.

I loved this book. It reads like a classic, strong story, rich in history and filled with adventure. Some described it a bit like Tom Sawyer. I tend to agree. It’s not a story that would happen today, but it gives us a glimpse into our own history and inequities.

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Jim G.

Great listen. Didn’t want it to end.

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Kathryn Stiller (gift)

Very good book and narrator. I loved how it tied things in history to the experiences of these characters. The bonds and challenges between these characters, as well as the surprising twists, kept your interest. The story of the “vagabonds” inside the story of the characters added to the creativity and depth by the author. Listen to the author’s addition in the end….

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Steve R.

Excellent story and an excellent adventure told by one of my favorite authors and read by my favorite narrator.

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Nancy

The story was absolutely wonderful from start to finish. Just when I would think I could predict what was going to happen, something totally unexpected surprised me.

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David B.

This Odyssey of a novel, including a Cyclops along other classic characters, is a great story that kept me engaged throughout. I'll admit I thought he was going a bit too religious for my tastes, but his characterization of Mother Eve won the day. I always enjoy a book that helps me become related to the characters, such that I miss them when the story concludes - I really miss Odie. Scott Brick's narration is so excellent - the way he modulates his male voice to encompass women and children as well as men. Many deep insights into the human condition, including the path to peace in letting go.

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Aletha E.

I really liked this book - as I did the author's previous book, "Ordinary Grace." In both the characters struggle with matters of faith as they deal with the challenges put before them.

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Diane S.

I loved this book and couldn’t stop listening.

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Eve M.

Tender describes this beautiful book.

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Stacy D.

Great story, well written and I like the narration

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Susan S.

Excellent story and a terrific narrator!

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Anonymous

Great read. It kept me interested to the very end.

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Mrslpn

Did not want this to end! Mix between Anne With an E and Where the Crawdads Sing.

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Anonymous

More than a great story, this book brings the Great Depression era in the middle of our county alive illustrating both the ugliness and the beauty of the individuals and institutions that survived it. William Kent Krueger is a master storyteller and creative, heart centered “ historian”!

Both this book and Ordinary Grace are tremendous. Touching and historically engaging.

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John B.

Great book. Sad it is over

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Mendel G.

The story was engaging and sometimes riveting. A different sort of "coming of age" with enough surprise and twists to keep ones interest. The climax is not predictable yet fits well with the tale up to that point. There are several very moving parts. The story was so well structured, I was waiting for the author ( in his postscript) to say it was autobiographical. The narrator was excellent. And having lived in St. Louis in the 1980's, I enjoyed the local "color".

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Alan R.

what a pleasant surprise this story was, well narrated, I highly recommend this book.

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Anonymous

I enjoyed this book very much until the end. I didn’t like the rushed ending.

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Tracy A.

What a wonderful story, tue characters were so richly developed and I really like the narrator. It does make it easier to follow the story when different inflections are used, but I find it annoying when men do a high-pitched woman’s voice. This narrator didn’t do that, he just used a subtle difference for women’s voices and it was seamless.

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Cyndi S.

I love the story line it was captivating

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Anonymous

What a wonderful story about the goodness and the evil of humanity. The difficulties of the people that lived through the depression and the injustices of the Native American people were brought to life. It was a beautiful story of love and kindness and family.

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Claire

A different type of book to what I have listened to but loved it. It did remind me of a modern day Huckleberry Finn which was mentioned at the end of the book. Some interesting directions.

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Debra B.

Thank you for writing this, a great story

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Willo B.

Excellent story, characters, and verbal reader. Highly recommend!

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Dennis M.

Really enjoyed!

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Sandy H.

One of the best books I have ever read. A true classic

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Jamie

I found this book interesting. It grabbed me right away. I really felt for the characters and I thought the narrator did a great job!

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Cynthia D.

Great listen.. loved the authors notes at the end.. definitely did his research about the time period.. Well worth it!

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Keith K.

Exceptional both in the story and the narration. Compelling and thoughtful, it balances good and evil in an era most Americans don’t think about, but is still in our collective memories and fears. Don’t miss this one!

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Cari H.

Wow, just WOW!! This book never stops twisting and turning, even to the very end! I loved this book so much and was always disappointed to arrive at my destination because I would have to wait to hear what happened next. The narrator is the absolute best I have ever heard. I am quite looking forward to listening to some other books by WKK.

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Kristen N.

What a refreshing tale that has every element of a perfect story. There is no way to not love this book. Also, I’ve been so annoyed lately with overzealous narrators. This performance restored my faith that not reader is breathy, gaspy, and sing songy.

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Leo C.

Excellent book right up to the end!

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Anonymous

Loved the story and the narration. I am anxious to read more books by William Kent Kruger.

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Peri P.

This book was heart wrenching but lovely. Though the story itself is fictional, I learned a lot about the time period and enjoyed to story. The narrator was fabulous.

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Deborah H.

I enjoyed I found it very interesting and really kept my attention. Hated for it to end

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Anonymous

Very well written. Cast of characters was phenomenal. I really was pulled into the lives of these young people. The epilogue was very much appreciated. We always want to know what happened to so and so. Well done Mr. Krueger.

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LYNN W.

Poignant & compelling story with twists & turns to keep you wondering "just what will happen next?'.

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Shyree R.

I loved this book.. It kept my interest and I didn’t want to stop listening. Narrator was awesome!! Highly recommend

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Anonymous

Great insight into that period in history the tragic abuse of the indigenous children and a tale of enlightenment. Enjoyed this read

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Anonymous

Great story well written. I enjoyed the book

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Anonymous

After living a short time in Minneapolis I was able to recognize many of the areas mentioned and it brought back memories. It was a slow start for me but ended up coming full circle to genuine enjoyment.

Great listen! Kept our interest with plot twists & turns. Wrapped up nicely at the end, and had a nice author's note. Well read/narrated.

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Marla H.

A moving story taking place during the Great Depression. The author captures coming of age issues in adolescence when teens begin to see more than black and white in moral issues. A thought provoking book. A must read.

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Anonymous

I loved this book

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Talita A.

Oh how I loved this book. I think it’s in my top 10. Amazing, so easy to follow, so thrilling and also emotional. The story is different from my usual books and so worth the time!

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Jamie

I enjoyed this story. The character development was done very well. Excellent ending.

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Brook J.

I very much enjoyed this book!

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OuchUhh

Excellent.

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Anonymous

A wonderful book. I did not want it to end. The narrator was excellent!

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Anonymous

I enjoyed this book. Liked that it ended with the bad guy/gal getting what was due them. I knew it had to end but I wanted more. Good narrator.

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Anonymous

The story ambles along slowly and in the last 50 pages it tries to tie up the lives of the all too many characters. The ending was slapped together.

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Marilyn S.

Great novel. Loved it

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Nichole M.

Really enjoyed this book!! Didn’t want it to end! Narrator did a great job!

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Tina R.

Enjoyed this listen very much, particularly the narrator.

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Amanda P.

Couldn’t stop listening to. Great story!

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Anonymous

Even better than the first book!

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Kay C.

I loved this book … it’s truly moved me!

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Ruthless621

Oh my goodness, this was an enthralling tale from start to finish! It’s not often I read a book and literally get jumpy at some of the twists and turns taken, with grave concern for the characters. So beautifully written! I didn’t love the epilogue but understandably, it must be incredibly difficult to wrap up a story that could, probably easily, go on through the lifetimes of the characters. It felt rushed and a bit too introspective but in truth, that is likely exactly what would happen with age, maturity, and emotional growth. Some of the magic must disappear.

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jessi

An interesting coming of age story that gets better and better as the book goes along; with a unique twist you don't see coming.

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Patrick M.

This was my first exposure to William Kent Krueger works. I throughly enjoy this book and look forward to more of his works.

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Patty M.

Wonderful story! And the narrator did such a good job with becoming different characters and expressing emotion. Definitely one of my favorites that I’ve already been recommending to others!

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Christine L.

I really enjoyed this book. The ending allowed me to wander.

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Lesley B.

I’d read a few of the Cork O’Conner novels and enjoyed them. Wasn’t at all disappointed with this diversion. Author keeps you on the edge of your seat as usual, and his sympathetic view of the treatment of 1st Nation Americans is still evident. Your heart is constantly in your mouth for the little band of four and you pray they’ll stay safe. Could have ended better but a great read on the whole.

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Judy P.

The story was good and I really liked it. It kept me interested during the entire time and never got bored with it

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Elizabeth B.

I rated this book low because of the violence against children and for a misrepresented view of God. I did finish the book but was very disappointed in the ending. Giving Emma special powers was really out there. I would not recommend this book to any of my friends

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Anonymous

A powerful, beautiful story, read by the perfect narrator.

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William E.

A very well written tale set during the Depression of four children making their way to better lives in the upper Midwest. Loved the changing interplay amongst them as the dealt with life's challenges.

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Karole H.

I really enjoyed listening to this book. I could stop listening. A very engaging tale.

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Anonymous

Fantastic! Book brings the characters to life. I never forgot that it was fiction, but I cried buckets when bad things happened, celebrated when good things happened, smelled the odors, and so forth. Outstanding book - highly recommended.

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Jaime B.

Started out a bit slow but picked up quickly. Really enjoyed it!

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Michelle Houston

gripping - really rang true, and was so poignant.

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Kari H.

Solid book, an epic tale. Heartbreaking and endearing. The ending is quite phenomenal. Being from Minnesota I really enjoyed hearing about all the places along the River but wouldn’t detract from it if you didn’t know the places.

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Lesa G.

Really good story!!

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Lisa M.

Fantastic story that kept my interest to the very end.

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Shirley S.

This book is Sanctimonious preachy . I don't want to finish it and I wish I could remove it from my books Narrator is really awful

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Crista N.

Very engaging story.

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Anonymous

The book is enjoyable but I found the book moralistic and preachy. A good teenage read.

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Marguerite S.

This book is fantastic!!! I could not quit listening! Highly recommend!

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Cyn K.

This book definitely held my interest as the journey of the four kids was adventurous and full of challenges and surprises. There was always something going on and the story never felt as if it got static. The narrator did a good job, even if I did not get the sense that he was as the narrator of the book states, 80 years old.

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Anonymous

Love this book couldn’t stop listening to it

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Christin T.

Narrator had a calming voice. The story seemed to be all over the place. Reminded me a little of Huck Finn at times.

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Anonymous

good story. a little predictable. Narrator could have been a little more in the dialect of the situation.

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Linda K.

I am astounded that this book Has been compared to where the crawdads sing. This book is very dark, very long, and with little redeeming qualities at the end. I almost quit halfway through, but Read on in hopes of a turn of mood, and a wonderful ending, neither of which came about.

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Gina M.

WKK’s Ordinary Grace was extraordinary. Unfortunately, This Tender Land was not. Filled with over used stereotypes and cliches, I found it simply shallow and uninteresting. The psycho head mistress, the orphanage pedophile, the con-artist faith healer, the lesbian couple, the prostitute, and on and on. And ... seriously ... if you ‘just believe’ you will be healed? You can do better WKK.

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Denise C.

I am not a fan of the narrator so I will just say I wish I read the book instead of listened to it. Which I probably will do - I loved Ordinary Grace.

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