The Color of Lightning

A Novel

By: Paulette Jiles

Narrated by: Jack Garrett

“Meticulously researched and beautifully crafted.... This is glorious work.” — Washington Post

“A gripping, deeply relevant book.” — New York Times Book Review

From Paulette Jiles, author of the critically acclaimed New York Times bestsellers Enemy Women and Stormy Weather, comes a stirring work of fiction set on the untamed Texas frontier in the aftermath of the Civil War. One of only twelve books longlisted for the 2009 Scotiabank Giller Prize—one of Canada’s most prestigious literary awards—The Color of Lightning is a beautifully rendered and unforgettable re-examination of one of the darkest periods in U.S. history.

Old west, survival, slavery, native american story

Would you listen to The Color of Lightning again? Why?

no, i dont re-listen to books

Who was your favorite character and why?

Britt, but there are so many great ones

What does Jack Garrett bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

He does the voices

If you could rename The Color of Lightning, what would you call it?

n/a

Any additional comments?

good narration, he does the voices. Id never heard the story of Britt Johnson before, so it was fun tying in this book to the history. Careful though, the author, although a literary writer with lovely descriptions, pushes you into situations without warning. The violence is as matter of fact, I imagine, as it was a part of life in the old west. If you like stories of survival, the old west and native peoples, you will enjoy this book!

Truth and Fiction

I found The Color of Lightening to be less-tight as a narrative than Jiles' "News of the World", but the interweaving of real events, real people, with fictional imaginings was perhaps more interesting. I was born in Young County and know many of the places in the story. I've also read about many of the captives mentioned in the story, sometimes in passing, sometimes in depth. It's a fascinating point in Texas history, between worlds, and the author captures the confusion of the times, the identity crisis of several ethnic groups and people in the middle of a changing world. Her descriptions of nature are some of the best. In that sense, the title of the book is a prelude to the way her voice evokes the land. I would read it again. I've recommended it to several history buffs. It's also just a darn good read.

Excellent read or listening book

well written, informative. a beautifully written story, teaching history in way that would move anyone and never be forgot and yet s person would would not 'feel' as they were learning.

Beautifully written

The inevitable, deadly collision of cultures between the indigenous plains people and the American settlers is so tragic that it’s heartbreaking. There was no way for the two sides to understand each other’s world view or values. This book provides valuable insights into that conflict. And the narrator does a great job with the telling. The writing is awkward in a few spots, but overall is compelling. Such a sad history.

Very sad story.

The writer is amazing but subject is tragic. I am sure it is based on factual events nevertheless.