Nathan Coulter

Wendell Berry's Port William series, set in rural Kentucky, involves the Coulter family and the farming community in which they live. The simplicity of young Nathan Coulter's coming-of-age story, which takes place upon the death of his grandfather, is compelling. Paul Michael's narration authentically captures Nathan's sense of obligation, community, and love of the land. The story portrays profound changes--specifically, the development of agribusiness, which transforms farming and gives birth to moral questions. Michael's rich characterizations of "Old Jack" Beechum's struggles with his wife and town barber Jayber Crow's secret of unrequited love are especially believable. Michael's well-timed delivery enhances Berry's lyrical writing, but instances of animal cruelty and an abrupt ending detract from the story. G.D.W. (c) AudioFile 2010, Portland, Maine