The Wettest County in the World, or Lawless Audiobook By Matt Bondurant cover art

The Wettest County in the World, or Lawless

A Novel Based on a True Story

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The Wettest County in the World, or Lawless

By: Matt Bondurant
Narrated by: Erik Steele
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Now a Major Motion Picture, Lawless, starring Tom Hardy and Shia LaBeouf.

Based on the true story of his grandfather and two granduncles, Matt Bondurant's novel is a gripping tale of brotherhood, greed, and murder.

The Bondurant Boys were a notorious gang of roughnecks and moonshiners who ran liquor through Franklin County during Prohibition and after. The brothers played a central role in a major conspiracy trial and its violent end. In 1935, Sherwood Anderson, working on a magazine story, finds himself driving along the dusty red roads trying to find the brothers and break the silence that shrouds Franklin County.

In vivid, muscular prose, Matt Bondurant brings these men - their dark deeds, their long silences, their deep desires - to life. His understanding of the passion, violence, and desperation at the center of this world is both heartbreaking and magnificent.

©2008 Matt Bondurant (P)2008 BBC Audio Genre Fiction Historical Literary Fiction Mystery Suspense Thriller & Suspense Fiction

Critic reviews

"Bondurant endows this gritty story with all the puzzle-solving satisfactions of a mystery. It's a gripping, relentless tale, delivered in no-nonsense prose." ( Publishers Weekly)
Historical Authenticity • Compelling Narrative • Beautiful Land Descriptions • Fascinating Family Lore • Excellent Voice
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Would you listen to The Wettest County in the World, or Lawless again? Why?

A movie that was better than the book. The screen adaptation was an easier version to follow and enriched the characters far better than the book.

For Once

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first book I've read after a movie and 10/10 story and writing couldn't be better

10/10 story of the past

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not bad, i had some trouble following the author. skipped around a bit. very interesting.

enjoyed the book

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Excellent story. I have read the book and listened to the audible version. The audible version really brings it to life!

One of the best stories of all time!

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I've listened too this book 4 times already love the narrator puts you in the moment.

Grate story can't get enough

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Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I'd recommend The Wettest County to anyone. It will appeal to history buffs, people who like mystery and intrigue, and it has its tense, suspenseful, heart-stopping moments as well.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Though a semi-minor character my favorite is Howard Bondurant. The reason? It is clear he is a tortured soul, but the author never really elaborates in detail the reasons why. Interestingly, though clearly very troubled, Howard exudes a level of morality that is truly striking considering his chosen profession.

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

His cadence and delivery are very strong - it is obvious why he does what he does. What he brought to this story was a wide variety of accents and drawls common to the region and era making the listen truly authentic. Plus, in the few spots where he performs female dialogue he doesn't try to sound like a woman. I really hate it when narrators attempt this. Erik is top notch in the Wettest County.

Who was the most memorable character of The Wettest County in the World, or Lawless and why?

Clearly it is Forrest... Can people, like they say with cats, have 9 lives?

Any additional comments?

The name of this very solid novel is "The Wettest County in the World", period. Just because it has been adapted to a screen play and the forthcoming movie is called "Lawless" let's not be disrespectful and confuse the issue. Do legitimate readers of literature refer to "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep" as Blade Runner? Audible... have some class.

Just outstanding!

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If you could sum up The Wettest County in the World, or Lawless in three words, what would they be?

The reader does a remarkable job telling this brutal tale. I was pulled back to that time and felt as if I was viewing the poverty, the greed, and the tragedy first hand. Well worth taking the time to read/listen to.

A tale worth telling.

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Loved it. I loved the movie too and this book dodn't disappoint. a a a

excellent

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Compelling and essential story of the prohibition era in American history.

Much in-depth intrigues fleshed out compared to the brilliant movie that was inspired by the novel. The writing style fits the set piece cultural nuances.

A Jar of 120 proof White Lighting

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I watched the movie lawless and I was completely mesmerized. The book gave so many more details and it was clearly read and a great voice. I’m pretty sad I’m done with it

The Wettest County

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