The Spectator Bird

By: Wallace Stegner

Narrated by: Edward Herrmann

Joe Allston is a retired literary agent who is, in his own words, "killing time before time gets around to killing me." His parents and his only son are long dead, leaving him with neither ancestors nor descendants, tradition nor ties. His job, trafficking the talent of others, had not been his choice. He passes through life as a spectator. But a postcard from a friend causes him to return to the journals of a trip he had taken years before. The memories of that trip to his mother's birthplace move through layers of time and meaning, and reveal that Joe Allston isn't quite spectator enough.©1976 Wallace Stegner (P)2009 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

• National Book Award Winner, 1976

"Elegant and entertaining. . . .Every scene is adroitly staged and each effect precisely accomplished." ( The Atlantic)

Excellent saga of aging and the meaning of life

To begin with, the narration was superb. And, if that isn't enough the characters are so well developed and real that you feel you know them. And finally, as an elderly reader the subjects dealt with in this tale of aging and introspection wete very rellevant and their conclusions satisfying to me.

Captivated

A chance encounter with Wallace Stegner here on Audible has me now captivated with this author and his storytelling!
“The Spectator Bird” has touched my heart in a special way as I consider my forty one years of marriage to my husband and the committed love we have shared.
Mr. Stegner captures beautifully the human emotions and some of the questions and challenges that a long-term relationship might possibly encounter, very unexpectedly.
I found much beauty in the human struggle and ultimate commitment he brings to light.
The search for deeper understanding about the main character’s mother and his familial heritage sets the stage for an intriguing journey.
The story is very engaging, bolstered by the beautiful narration.
This is a special story in many ways and one that will not easily be forgotten. I’m adding this one to my list of “Favorites”❣️

Soulful, spirited, funny, transforming

What a generous surprise. Such detailed descriptions. Marvelous writing. Creative structure and devices. Fabulous reading too; Herrman's voice becomes Stegner's. I am grateful.

Life/Relationships/Aging

A sweet story of a couple, and their journey . They reflect their past, their pain and their profound love.

Great book!

I thoroughly enjoyed it this book, it has such great depth and feeling and took me to places I didn’t know existed.