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Rode
When Thomas Fox Averill first heard Jimmy Driftwood's ballad 'Tennessee Stud,' he found the song hauntingly compelling. As he began to imagine the story behind the lyrics, he set out to research the song s history--a tale from 'along about eighteen and twenty-five' of the legendary exploits of the greatest horse that ever lived, the 'Tennessee Stud,' and his owner.
Traveling the same route the song chronicles, from Tennessee into Arkansas, through Texas and into Mexico, Averill visited racetracks, Spanish missions, historical museums, a living history farm, and national parks, inventing characters of his own along the way. His novel captures the spirit of the ballad while telling the story of Robert Johnson, a man who holds love in his heart though adventure rules his time. Pursued by a bounty hunter, Indians, and his conscience, Johnson and his horse are tested, strengthened, and made resolute.
Traveling the same route the song chronicles, from Tennessee into Arkansas, through Texas and into Mexico, Averill visited racetracks, Spanish missions, historical museums, a living history farm, and national parks, inventing characters of his own along the way. His novel captures the spirit of the ballad while telling the story of Robert Johnson, a man who holds love in his heart though adventure rules his time. Pursued by a bounty hunter, Indians, and his conscience, Johnson and his horse are tested, strengthened, and made resolute.
212 pages, Hardcover
First published May 26, 2011
1 person is currently reading
66 people want to read
About the author
Thomas Fox Averill
19 books38 followersAn O. Henry Award story writer, Thomas Fox Averill is Writer-in-Residence at Washburn University of Topeka, KS. His novel, rode, published by the University of New Mexico Press, was named Outstanding Western Novel of 2011 as part of the Western Heritage Awards. His recent work, "Garden Plots," consists of poems, meditations, and short-short stories about gardens, gardeners, garden design, plants, and the human relationship to nature. They can be found on his website. His most recent novel is A Carol Dickens Christmas, published by the University of New Mexico Press in 2014.
Previous novels are Secrets of the Tsil Café, and The Slow Air of Ewan MacPherson. His story collections are Ordinary Genius (University of Nebraska Press) and Seeing Mona Naked (Watermark Books).
Previous novels are Secrets of the Tsil Café, and The Slow Air of Ewan MacPherson. His story collections are Ordinary Genius (University of Nebraska Press) and Seeing Mona Naked (Watermark Books).
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
June 26, 2019
Writers are often inspired to imagine the stories that may have surrounded tales from the past, from famous paintings, and in this case, a story from the lyrics of Jimmie Driftwood's "Tennessee Stud." It's a coming of age story about young Robert Johnson and his Tennessee stud who, in 1825, flee bounty hunters, ruthless Indians, gambling Mexicans, and swindlers as well as Spainish missionaries and kind-hearted folk. Inn the end, Robert has gained a sense of self and enough courage to return home, face his adversaries, and claim his sweetheart and her mare. A good story enhanced by the careful research of facts and conditions in the early days of settling the west.
August 3, 2011
Tom Averill has added another star to his imaginative constellation with RODE, a lush extrapolation of the lyrics of the classic "Tennessee Stud." Tom's interpretation is part ODYSSEY (in which his protagonist is both Odysseus leaving and returning home AND Telemachus making peace with his father), part Orpheus and Eurydice (going through Hell to recover a woman), and part Bildungsroman (as Robert Johnson is educated by sages and sinners). Tom is a master storyteller, skillfully weaving historical fact (the developing West in "about 1825") with a narrative that consistently entertains and also surprises the reader. Although his diction can be described as Hemingway-esque, "They named things as though they were the first to invent the words," Averill's world view is more nuanced and gray than Hemingway's black and white vision. There are great descriptions of the early development of Memphis, the settling of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, and the efforts of the missionaries in Texas and Mexico. It's a rough world that Robert Johnson inhabits, yet Averill has his protagonist maintain a kind of hardened innocence and faith in his mission, despite the odds that he faces. And he is guided by many mentors who are marked more by their generosity and humanity than by adherence to religious creed or political or economic beliefs.
In a career that has included two brilliant coming of age novels (Secrets of the Tsil Cafe and The Slow Air of Ewan McPherson) as well as the short story "Some Small Talk, Sweet Talk, from Will Parr to the World," Tom Averill's RODE is the novel in which the protagonist has indeed come of age and yet maintained his essential faith in humanity and his innocence. Averill's writing and underlying philosophy have matured, and his calm and resolution are evident throughout the novel, even in the passages that could lead lesser authors to engage in political or social criticism. It is fitting that an author in his sixties would achieve this sort of vision. In the interest of avoiding spoilers, I will not comment on the plot, except to say that the last 50 pages of the novel seemed to be written with an urgency to finish and resolve that were not present in the first 150 pages, which were more luxuriantly developed. This reader appreciated the pacing of the novel which created complicated situations and then set the consequences in motion with ever-increasing speed. Having grown up with Tom Averill, I have delighted as each of his works has shown that growth, understanding, and wisdom can be the result of hard work, sensitivity to the struggles of the human condition, and a magnanimous world view that is not restricted by limited vision. And it's a hell of a read!
In a career that has included two brilliant coming of age novels (Secrets of the Tsil Cafe and The Slow Air of Ewan McPherson) as well as the short story "Some Small Talk, Sweet Talk, from Will Parr to the World," Tom Averill's RODE is the novel in which the protagonist has indeed come of age and yet maintained his essential faith in humanity and his innocence. Averill's writing and underlying philosophy have matured, and his calm and resolution are evident throughout the novel, even in the passages that could lead lesser authors to engage in political or social criticism. It is fitting that an author in his sixties would achieve this sort of vision. In the interest of avoiding spoilers, I will not comment on the plot, except to say that the last 50 pages of the novel seemed to be written with an urgency to finish and resolve that were not present in the first 150 pages, which were more luxuriantly developed. This reader appreciated the pacing of the novel which created complicated situations and then set the consequences in motion with ever-increasing speed. Having grown up with Tom Averill, I have delighted as each of his works has shown that growth, understanding, and wisdom can be the result of hard work, sensitivity to the struggles of the human condition, and a magnanimous world view that is not restricted by limited vision. And it's a hell of a read!
September 5, 2012
I enjoyed this book as much as anything I've read this year. What a dashing story, and a great piece of Americana. First let me just say that this is one of the most creative covers I've ever seen. The lovely horse's head is appealing enough, but I was several chapters into the story before I realized that in the middle of this horse's kind eye is a reflection. And that reflection also tells a story.
I was quite intrigued by Robert Johnson's journey with the Tennessee Stud in 1825. Although this is a fictional account of a tale that might have happened, the settings and culture of the time are obviously well-researched by the author. To cross the Mississippi to the west and travel days without seeing another soul is just awesome to imagine. In our family we have hand-written notes from my great-great grandfather, who made a similar horseback journey from Ohio to Texas and back in the 1850's, and also to Minnesota, so it's amazing to think of how wild this country was in those times (not so very long ago.)
Apart from the historical aspects, there is also a young man growing up, a love story, as much adventure as one could handle, and of course the horses. Not only the Tennessee Stud, but horses of Arabian heritage, mares with deep hearts, mules, and race horses. Quite a lot to fit into a book of just over 200 pages, but the lively plot moved right along, and I was breathless just keeping up. And of course now I will go do a very modern thing, and download The Tennessee Stud tune to my iPod, so that I can relive and enjoy it all over again.
I loved this book, and for me, it's a keeper.
I was quite intrigued by Robert Johnson's journey with the Tennessee Stud in 1825. Although this is a fictional account of a tale that might have happened, the settings and culture of the time are obviously well-researched by the author. To cross the Mississippi to the west and travel days without seeing another soul is just awesome to imagine. In our family we have hand-written notes from my great-great grandfather, who made a similar horseback journey from Ohio to Texas and back in the 1850's, and also to Minnesota, so it's amazing to think of how wild this country was in those times (not so very long ago.)
Apart from the historical aspects, there is also a young man growing up, a love story, as much adventure as one could handle, and of course the horses. Not only the Tennessee Stud, but horses of Arabian heritage, mares with deep hearts, mules, and race horses. Quite a lot to fit into a book of just over 200 pages, but the lively plot moved right along, and I was breathless just keeping up. And of course now I will go do a very modern thing, and download The Tennessee Stud tune to my iPod, so that I can relive and enjoy it all over again.
I loved this book, and for me, it's a keeper.
July 6, 2012
The writing was faltering but somehow compelling. I am not sure that I would recommend this book, but I did finish it and had some enjoyment with the storyline. But the writing style was very off putting.
November 26, 2011
Three stars, because I liked it. I just wanted to like it more than I did. To me it felt too abrupt and not fully developed.
February 7, 2017
A metaphor for us all that running away from our problems does not solve them.
July 18, 2017
Based on the ballad Tennessee Stud, in which a man is forced to abandon his home by the Pa and brother (or brothers) of his sweetheart. After a long journey to Mexico and back he returns, claims his sweetheart as his own, (after "whupping" her family) and they and the horse are able to settle down to a peaceful and fruitful life. Averill's adaptation is colorful and vivid, and it felt like a recreation of Homer's Odyssey in a western setting.
September 16, 2011
More than a half-century ago, Jimmy Driftwood wrote a song about a man and his horse, "Tennessee Stud," that told the story of a man's lost love, travels and adventures with the horse, and eventual happy ending with his sweetheart.
Inspired by the song, Averill made some travels of his own, to the locations in the song: Tennessee, Arkansas, Texas, Mexico. He took the song and filled in the gaps, rounded out the characters and created a thoroughly enjoyable novel, one that reflects the American spirit of independence and fresh starts, as well as the optimism and belief in the future that may yet lurk beneath today's cynicism.
The song, and the novel, start out in Tennessee "along about eighteen and twenty-five." Framed for a murder he didn't commit by the disapproving family of his sweetheart, Robert Johnson flees on The Stud, the truest, fastest and most valiant horse in the new world, to hear Johnson tell it. He flees his family and his land, and the cabin he built with his own hands.
Aimless, Johnson heads west, with a bounty hunter in pursuit. He encounters a variety of characters along the way, some friendly, some not, some who offer advice like: "Whatever you're running from, remember that's what you'll end up running toward."
Those words ring true for Johnson in more ways than one, as he becomes an outlaw and a horse thief and even a killer despite having fled false charges of being the very same. And as he rides farther away from his Jo, she is all he can think about and what eventually brings him back.
In the meantime, though, he encounters a Memphis entrepreneur with a big heart and a dangerous side enterprise, Indians, missionaries, Texans with an eye on statehood, Mexicans, horse-loving Spaniards, and settlers in Arkansas who are such fine people that it convinces him to make his new home there.
He loses and regains The Stud more than once, but the pair have an indelible bond that deprivation, hardship and separation cannot break. An adult when he left, but still in some ways a boy, Johnson learns some hard lessons on his travels and truly grows up, mindful of the kind of man he wants to become.
When he finally returns to settle his score and claim his bride, the novel plays out a little differently than the song does, but it fits well with the character of Robert Johnson whom we've come to know — and we're proud of him.
Johnson's story, while archetypal in several ways, seems fresh and never turns into cliche. In lively and evocative prose, Averill paces Johnson's long journey well, giving fine detail when needed and rough sketches when that's all that's warranted.
As Robert and Jo Johnson begin their lives together, their bliss is tinged with reality: "They would raise horses, become citizens of a new place, become people who could be trusted to do honest business in the world, who would have open hearts and open hearth. But first, Robert realized, he had to undo his words. And after that, unravel the knot of all his experiences in his travels, just as she had her own knots to loosen."
A new life, a hope for the future, the bonds of friendship and family: the classic story of America, told in "Rode" with depth and emotion.
Inspired by the song, Averill made some travels of his own, to the locations in the song: Tennessee, Arkansas, Texas, Mexico. He took the song and filled in the gaps, rounded out the characters and created a thoroughly enjoyable novel, one that reflects the American spirit of independence and fresh starts, as well as the optimism and belief in the future that may yet lurk beneath today's cynicism.
The song, and the novel, start out in Tennessee "along about eighteen and twenty-five." Framed for a murder he didn't commit by the disapproving family of his sweetheart, Robert Johnson flees on The Stud, the truest, fastest and most valiant horse in the new world, to hear Johnson tell it. He flees his family and his land, and the cabin he built with his own hands.
Aimless, Johnson heads west, with a bounty hunter in pursuit. He encounters a variety of characters along the way, some friendly, some not, some who offer advice like: "Whatever you're running from, remember that's what you'll end up running toward."
Those words ring true for Johnson in more ways than one, as he becomes an outlaw and a horse thief and even a killer despite having fled false charges of being the very same. And as he rides farther away from his Jo, she is all he can think about and what eventually brings him back.
In the meantime, though, he encounters a Memphis entrepreneur with a big heart and a dangerous side enterprise, Indians, missionaries, Texans with an eye on statehood, Mexicans, horse-loving Spaniards, and settlers in Arkansas who are such fine people that it convinces him to make his new home there.
He loses and regains The Stud more than once, but the pair have an indelible bond that deprivation, hardship and separation cannot break. An adult when he left, but still in some ways a boy, Johnson learns some hard lessons on his travels and truly grows up, mindful of the kind of man he wants to become.
When he finally returns to settle his score and claim his bride, the novel plays out a little differently than the song does, but it fits well with the character of Robert Johnson whom we've come to know — and we're proud of him.
Johnson's story, while archetypal in several ways, seems fresh and never turns into cliche. In lively and evocative prose, Averill paces Johnson's long journey well, giving fine detail when needed and rough sketches when that's all that's warranted.
As Robert and Jo Johnson begin their lives together, their bliss is tinged with reality: "They would raise horses, become citizens of a new place, become people who could be trusted to do honest business in the world, who would have open hearts and open hearth. But first, Robert realized, he had to undo his words. And after that, unravel the knot of all his experiences in his travels, just as she had her own knots to loosen."
A new life, a hope for the future, the bonds of friendship and family: the classic story of America, told in "Rode" with depth and emotion.
January 31, 2012
I really liked th ewriting style in this book. It was fast paced and always interesting. The book was inspired by Jimmy Driftwood's song "Tennessee Stud" and the author researched the orgins of the "Stud" legend to write the book, although it is fiction.
Robert Johnson, a young man in Tennessee is the owner of a special hores he calls the Stud. He owns 40 acres of disputed land and the neighbors, the Bensons, would like to take it and his horse. He is also in love with the Benson daughter, Jo. The Bensons frame him for murder and to escape prison, Robert takes off across the Mississippiu River and rides through Arkansas, Texas, and part of Mexico to avoid the bounty hunter named McDonald. He meets some folks who help him,and some Indians who steal his clothes, shoes and horse and leave him for dead. Eventually he ends up being discovered by some vaqueros who take him to a mission. After getting some clothes and a horse, he rides to Mexico, turns around to come back, only to run into McDonald, who he kills.
Will Robert return to Jo, find his horse and live to tell the tale? Read this book to see.
Robert Johnson, a young man in Tennessee is the owner of a special hores he calls the Stud. He owns 40 acres of disputed land and the neighbors, the Bensons, would like to take it and his horse. He is also in love with the Benson daughter, Jo. The Bensons frame him for murder and to escape prison, Robert takes off across the Mississippiu River and rides through Arkansas, Texas, and part of Mexico to avoid the bounty hunter named McDonald. He meets some folks who help him,and some Indians who steal his clothes, shoes and horse and leave him for dead. Eventually he ends up being discovered by some vaqueros who take him to a mission. After getting some clothes and a horse, he rides to Mexico, turns around to come back, only to run into McDonald, who he kills.
Will Robert return to Jo, find his horse and live to tell the tale? Read this book to see.
September 17, 2013
Wonderful novel about a young man's travels set in 1825. The writing was excellent as was the story telling. I am not a big fan of fiction, but I was really drawn into this story. If you like westerns, I think you'll like this one. Averill has a way with word - very melodic. He also has knack of keeping readers on their toes! I often found myself asking how is Johnson, the main character, going to get out this predicament and what's going to happen next. It's clear Averill did his homework in researching the time period. The story truly comes alive in the mind of the reader. I think it would make for an excellent movie. The story was inspired by the song, Tennessee Stud, which I highly recommend as well - Doc Watson's rendition.
October 24, 2011
This was a great read, although not a standard western, it reminded me of old fashioned western stories...guy, horse, gal, thieves, and rugged terrain. Averill took the ballad Tennessee Stud and turned it into a full length book. Robert Johnson, falsely accused of murder, runs to the Southwest and in the process finds himself. He returns to Tennessee for his woman and starts a new life in Arkansas. Story is fast-paced, the hero faces one hurdle after another, and there is a True Grit punch in all the characters...I can see Clint Eastwood making this into a movie.
August 19, 2025
"Robert Johnson" is running through the entire story as a man wrongly accused. Thieving or mooching from everyone he passes until he decides "Robert Johnson" is ready to go home and collect his woman ... All the loose ends, like his cabin door knob or the best place to cross the river, the boxes of food, pregnant mares , all got tied up in it's tidy ending. No closure for the man who was murdered? & the land battle. I began to think maybe "Robert Johnson" did do it! Who killed the guy? Perhaps I need to get on Youtube and listen to the song again.
January 8, 2012
This book came about when the author starting researching the lyrics to the country song- The Tennessee Stud. As he imagined the story behind the song, he began his research, it lead him from Tennessee to Arkansas, through Texas and deep into Mexico . I loved the historical aspects of the story, the wild- yet unsettled frontier. A good horse story with love, betrayal and redemption thrown in. Enjoyed it.
March 3, 2012
I really wanted to love this book due to its strong reviews and unique premise ... a story inspired by the song Tennessee Stud, sung by many including Johnny Cash. Plus, it's a horse story; how wrong could I go? But I never really got into it and returned it to the library unfinished. Might give it another try one day.
June 30, 2012
This book was divine! I loved every minute of reading it. It is amazing how one little country song could inspire such a tale. If you know and love the song "Tennessee Stud", this book is a must read. Not only did I love the plot, I learned a little of the history of Tennessee and the Memphis area specifically. Very entertaining book. I would definitely give this book as a gift.
June 22, 2015
This was a good story based on the song Tennessee Stud that has been covered by many artists. I'm not big into Westerns, but found it to be enjoyable. Why I gave this a 3 star and not a 4 is because my pacing was off with this book. There were times I felt that it moved too slow then suddenly I had to re-read because it went too fast and I missed something.
January 4, 2017
I tried to read this (because it has horses, and I love horses) but I quickly found that this was not the book for me.
I have an issue with slower paced books, and this slid into that category with the speed of a winter molasses covered slug.
Its not a horrible book, but I can't do slower paced unless the story really captures me... Hint hint, it didn't.
I have an issue with slower paced books, and this slid into that category with the speed of a winter molasses covered slug.
Its not a horrible book, but I can't do slower paced unless the story really captures me... Hint hint, it didn't.
December 12, 2011
I liked reading the novel. To me, the text flowed seamlessly, then abruptly stopped; leaving my imagination to piece together what happened. Overall, I thought it was good even though the chapters seemed fragmented and choppy.
December 16, 2011
Something as simple as this story is... refreshing. Short and sweet, a little bit bad, historically maybe...if there were many stories meshed into the boy soon to be man. This would be a great story for a high school reading list.
December 27, 2014
The introduction to this wonderful story states that a ballad caught Tom Averill's attention. As he researched the legend of the song, he built this wonderful story based in the old west.
Read Tom Averill. You won't be disappointed.
Read Tom Averill. You won't be disappointed.
December 1, 2011
Good read!Loved the horse angle to the story.
February 21, 2012
I would give it more like 3 1/2 stars. It was an enjoyable read.
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September 24, 2014Will read again for Nov 2014 meeting @ Terry C
August 19, 2013
I loved this book. It really reminded me of the Cormac McCarthy border series. Read it for the story the first time. Will read it again for the style and language.
October 13, 2013
Simple story. Positive, good guy wins.
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December 21, 2012GREAT book
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews