The Maples Stories, John Updike
The Maples Stories, John Updike
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The Maples Stories

Author: John Updike

Narrator: Peter Van Norden

Unabridged: 5 hr 51 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 08/01/2009

Synopsis

Collected together for the first time on audio, these eighteen classic stories from across John Updike's career form a luminous chronicle of the life and times of one marriage in all its rich emotional complexity. In 1956, Updike published a story, "Snowing in Greenwich Village," about a young couple, Joan and Richard Maple, at the beginning of their marriage. Over the next two decades, he returned to these characters again and again, tracing their years together raising children, finding moments of intermittent happiness, and facing the heartbreak of infidelity and estrangement.

About John Updike

John Updike (1932–2009) was the author of more than sixty books, including collections of short stories, poems, and criticism. His novels have been honored with two Pulitzer Prize Awards, the National Book Award, and the Howells Medal of the American Academy of Arts and Letters. Hugging the Shore, a collection of essays and reviews, received the National Book Critics Circle Award for criticism.

About Peter Van Norden

Peter Van Norden has been acting on stage, film, and television for over thirty years. He has appeared on Broadway, off Broadway, and with most of the regional reps across the country. His film and television credits include roles in Police Academy 2 and The Accused (opposite Jodie Foster), as well as the role of Ralph Brentner in Stephen King’s eight-hour miniseries The Stand. He currently lives in Los Angeles.

Reviews

Goodreads review by Jennifer on August 04, 2024

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about optimal distance. Each of us is most comfortable in a relationship when our partner, friend, or family member meets our level of optimal closeness. It’s deregulating when someone doesn’t allow us enough space to express or unfold, or is content with a distance t......more

Quotes

“A masterpiece…Updike owns a rare verbal genius, a gifted intelligence and a sense of tragedy made bearable by wit.” Time, praise for Rabbit Redux

“The power of the novel comes from a sense, not absolutely unworthy of Thomas Hardy, that the universe hangs over our fates like a great sullen hopeless sky. There is real pain in the book, and a touch of awe.” Esquire, praise for Rabbit, Run

“Brilliant and poignant…By his compassion, clarity of insight, and crystal-bright prose, [John Updike] makes Rabbit’s sorrow his and our own.” The Washington Post, praise for Rabbit, Run

“An awesomely accomplished writer…For God’s sake, read the book. It may even—will probably change your life.” Anatole Broyard, praise for Rabbit Redux

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