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The Book of the Dun Cow  By  cover art

The Book of the Dun Cow

By: Walter Wangerin Jr.
Narrated by: Paul Michael
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Publisher's summary

Walter Wangerin's profound fantasy concerns a time when the sun turned around the earth and the animals could speak, when Chauntecleer the Rooster ruled over a more or less peaceful kingdom. What the animals did not know was that they were the Keepers of Wyrm, monster of evil long imprisoned beneath the earth....and Wyrm was breaking free.
©2003 Walter Wangerin (P)2009 christianaudio.com

Critic reviews

National Book Award, 1980


"Paul Michael enlivens the text with a deep, robust voice that keeps a good pace." (AudioFile)
"Belongs on the same shelf with Animal Farm, Watership Down, and The Lord of the Rings." (Los Angeles Times)

What listeners say about The Book of the Dun Cow

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The Barnyard Battles Heinous Evil

This book is best listened to. You know how some books paint vivid images in your mind? Well, this book paints audible sounds in your mind. I love the voices and personalities Paul Michael paints with his narration. I would have never envisioned Chantacleer with a southern drawl, but it fits!

The story -- is more than just a classic struggle of good against evil. The evil is so evil you can taste it; Wangerin paints the evil creatures as vividly as he creates the "good" animals. The "good" animals each have fully developed personalities that make the barnyard and its environs very like a human community; you have the innocents, the conniving, the thieves, the naive, and everything in between.

My absolute favorite scene in the book is the night before battle, when Chantacleer gently crows blessings and affirmations individually on each creature in his realm, singing away their fears with his voice and replacing them with peace. He sings the entire night away, filling his "people" with the strength they need to face what they all fear will be their death, death at the hands of the most gruesome and nasty creatures ever to fill the earth.

The writing is sheer delight, the characters are full-fleshed, and the story itself is, well, you'd best read for your self; I guarantee the battle will keep you fully engaged!

This book is Good, in the best sense of the word. A must-read (or, in this case a "must-listen"). Well worth it at any price.

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4 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

a well kept secret

I read this book in college and loved it - it was fantastic to listen to it again as I drove around in my job. Anyone who loved Animal Farm will adore this different twist on the life inside a barnyard.

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1 person found this helpful

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Great story

I read this to my kids when they were young but I got much more from it listening to it read by someone else!

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Every kid should have this read to them.

This is a rich story. I had it read to me as a child, and I remembered some. Coming back to it a second time, I see more, and am glad that I had a first reading as a child to shape me.

The narration is well done, and does the book and its characters justice.

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  • Overall
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Amazing plot and storyline

I enjoyed this fictional story! Good job to the author, voice actor and editorial staff

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Stirring

This book ended up being more profound that’s I anticipated when I first started it. Excellent story telling.

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A curious, fascinating, thought-provoking, and meaningful story

Wangerin masterfully weaves an interesting and thought-provoking story. Though difficult to label, it is worth the listen. It entertains like all good novels, and it asks important questions like the best novels.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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from Mike

I read this book to my children. I remember their little faces spellbound at the heroism of John W. and the animals innocent and harmless but had such courage to stand and face insurmountable evils. I feel fortunate to have found it and bonded. It was inspired and inspiring, I've not known anyone who has read it who did not love it. Well done Mr. Walter Wangarin Jr. and Thank You for your time and dedication to A wonderful story.

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Excellent narration for an excellent book

Very well narrated - you can feel the characters personalities with the great narration. The book is superb.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

A Must Read

This book is a beautiful story that has your mind caught up in imagery and thought. I feel thatbI will need to read it again to truly grasp all that this book has to give.

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