Bad Dirt - Softcover

Proulx, Annie

3.98

3,804 ratings by Goodreads

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0007196911 ISBN 13: 9780007196913

Publisher: 4th Estate, 2004

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Pulitzer Prize-winning author Annie Proulx follows the success of Close Range with another remarkable collection of short stories set in Wyoming. Bad Dirt is filled with the vivid and willful characters for which Proulx has become known. Each occupies a community or landscape described in rich and robust language, with an eye for detail unparalleled in American fiction. In 'The Contest', the men of Elk Tooth, Wyoming, vow to put aside their razors for two seasons and wait to see who has the longest beard come the 4th of July. Deb Sipple, the moving protagonist of 'That Trickle Down Effect', finds that his opportunism -- and his smoking habit -- lead to a massive destruction. And 'What Kind of Furniture Would Jesus Pick?' is the story of Gilbert Wolfscale, whose rabid devotion to his ranch drives off his wife and sons. Proulx displays her wit in every story of this stunning collection, as well as her knowledge of the West, of history, of ranching and farming. Her profound sympathy for characters who must use sheer will and courage to make it in tough territory makes this collection extraordinarily compelling.

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About the Author:

Annie Proulx published her first novel Postcards in 1991 at the age of 56. She is the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of The Shipping News, the acclaimed novels Accordion Crimes and That Old Ace in the Hole, and the bestselling short story collection, Close Range.

From AudioFile:

Annie Proulx's second installment of stories on the West is an interesting mix of fiction. Some tales seem made to comment harshly upon the foolishness of mankind, while others are there for some rough-edged fun. The result is a literary trail ride with some great views, punctuated by the occasional dusty dry patch. For the most part, Bill Dufris offers an appropriate performance, although sometimes his voice seems too smooth for the sandpapery text. Also, the comical natures of many of Proulx's eccentrics are exaggerated to cartoon-like extremes by some of his vocal interpretations. Overall though, this collection is entertaining and contains some gorgeous descriptions of Wyoming. L.B.F. � AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine-- Copyright � AudioFile, Portland, Maine

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