The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford by Ron Hansen

Abridged Audio CD

Last weekend, I finished listening to the abridged audio version of The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford by Ron Hansen. 

This was my first exposure to Ron Hansen's writing. I'd heard positive things about his novels from other readers. So, when the opportunity presented itself, I took the time to listen to 'The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford' on audio compact disc sent to me by another avid audio listener.

I really enjoyed the way in which this novel was read by Sam Freed. He seemed to have the right voice for reading this novel and a nice way of reading the story.

I enjoyed Ron Hansen's vivid storytelling. At the start of 'The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford', one hears a very detailed description of Jesse James. I felt as if I'd recognize Jesse James immediately if I saw him walking down the street and came face to face with him. 

Other scenes of  'The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford' were also very well told and one felt as if they were in the room witnessing the action as it happened. I especially liked the way the story picked up and was told from the time Robert Ford killed Jesse James through the end of the novel.

Occasionally, if truth be told, I did find myself tuning out the story of Jesse James. Not because it wasn't entertaining or well told, but due more to the fact that I am not a huge 'western' fan. Stories about the wild west, gunslingers, or with historical figures like Jesse James, Wyatt Earp, and so on, just normally aren't my thing. 

The fact that I actually finished listening to 'The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford' is testament to Ron Hansen's entertaining and engaging storytelling. I look forward to reading other works of fiction published by Mr. Hansen.