The Cattle Killing [Unabridged] [Audio Cassette]

John Edgar Wideman (Author), Howard Weinberger (Narrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: 1996

(From back cover) The book's title refers to the Xhosa people's ritual destruction of their cattle, a vain and finally self-destructive attempt to resist European domination.

Product Details

• Audio Cassette
• Publisher: Books on Tape (1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0736640746
• ISBN-13: 978-0736640749
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)

More About the Author

JOHN EDGAR WIDEMAN is the author of more than twenty works of fiction and nonfiction, including the award-winning Brothers and Keepers, Philadelphia Fire, and most recently the story collection God's Gym. He is the recipient of two PEN/ Faulkner Awards and has been nominated for the National Book Award. He teaches at Brown University.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Beatifully written, January 29, 2003

By 

Joseph - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Cattle Killing (Paperback)

I feel conflicted when describing this book. The words are beautifully pieced together yet the story moved like a loose dingy caught in choppy waters, which made it difficult for me as the reader, to feel any attachment to the characters. This book has to be cradled to enjoy, meaning it requires attention like a needy relationship. I would have enjoyed the book as much if I had opened a page and read a random paragraph. Wideman has the ability to translate words into emotion. I was so moved by some of his random thoughts, which to me, were as moving and powerful as Bataille or Nietzsche. For example, "Light struck dumb since the moment it witnessed sin." Overall, I do recommend it, maybe as a bed stand companion for brief inspiration.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A challenge to the reader, but ultimately worth the effort., February 16, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: The Cattle Killing (Hardcover)

Mr. Wideman's book is a challenge to the reader, with its shifts not only in time but also in voice. This book takes the reader from 18th century England and America to the present day in a mesmerizing yet ambiguous tale. Ultimately, Mr. Wideman attempts to understand how stories can influence the understanding of ourselves. Although much of Mr. Wideman's writings have a clear Afro-American centrism, nonetheless Mr. Wideman is still able to shed light on the murkey underpinnings of present day mainstream American culture. For readers who wish a thought provoking book by one of America's most celebrated novelists, and who don't mind the challenge of a, at times, difficult-to-follow narrative style, then "The Cattle Killing" is a definite winner.

1 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars RESEARCH ON THE MAIN THEMES, May 6, 2004

By 

gaetan (france) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Cattle Killing (Paperback)

Iam looking for help to study the main themes (death, African influence,..) of The Cattle Killing. please help me.