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The Natural audiobook written by Bernard Malamud read by Ken Howard. Abridged

Great Books on Tape・106 minutes read

Roy Hobbs, a talented baseball player, faces personal and professional challenges as he navigates through success, setbacks, and difficult decisions while pursuing his dreams and grappling with moral dilemmas. Despite his skills on the field, Roy's journey is marked by moments of triumph and tragedy, highlighting the complexities of his relationships, ambitions, and the consequences of his actions.

Insights

  • Roy Hobbs is captivated by the mysterious Harriet Bird on the train, leading to a series of interactions that spark his curiosity and interest in her.
  • The baseball game on the train, orchestrated by Sam Simpson, showcases Roy's skills but also highlights the pressure and challenges he faces, ultimately affecting his confidence and performance.
  • Roy's journey in baseball is marked by a mix of success and setbacks, from earning a spot on the team to facing criticism and personal dilemmas that impact his gameplay and relationships.
  • The narrative weaves together themes of ambition, love, betrayal, and redemption, creating a complex web of emotions and conflicts that shape Roy's character and his path in baseball, ultimately culminating in a pivotal decision that tests his integrity and values.

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Recent questions

  • Who is Roy Hobbs?

    A talented baseball player with aspirations for success.

  • Who is Harriet Bird?

    A mysterious woman who captivates Roy's attention.

  • What is the significance of the baseball game on railroad tracks?

    A pivotal moment where Roy faces challenges and pressure.

  • Who is Memo in Roy's life?

    A woman with whom Roy shares a complicated relationship.

  • What is the central conflict in Roy's story?

    A struggle between personal desires and external pressures.

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Summary

00:00

"Train journey leads to baseball challenge"

  • Roy Hobbs feels a sense of freedom as he gazes at the western hills from a train, eagerly awaiting a view of the Mississippi River.
  • Roy checks his bassoon case on the train, interacts with Eddie the porter, and learns they are far from Chicago.
  • Roy navigates through the train cars, eventually reaching the last one where Sam Simpson, a fellow traveler, sleeps.
  • A girl named Harriet Bird boards the train, captivating Roy with her presence and a mysterious air.
  • Harriet interacts with Eddie, refuses help with her hat box, and drops a flower that Roy picks up for her.
  • Roy observes Harriet, intrigued by her appearance and demeanor, and contemplates approaching her.
  • Sam Simpson converses with Max Mercy, a sports writer, about Roy Hobbs, a talented young pitcher.
  • Roy searches for Harriet on the train, while Sam engages in a conversation with Max and the Whammer, a former baseball player.
  • Roy and Sam disembark from the train in a city hosting a carnival, where Roy wins various prizes in a game.
  • A baseball challenge ensues between Roy and the Whammer, with Sam orchestrating the event and Harriet watching closely.

15:45

"Baseball dreams, love, and tragedy intertwine"

  • The scene unfolds with a baseball game on railroad tracks, featuring a drunk catcher, a clown pitcher, and a mysterious woman named Harriet.
  • The batter, Roy, faces pitches from the pitcher, Sam, and struggles to hit the ball, eventually striking out.
  • Roy feels relieved when Sam throws him a dry ball, but the pressure mounts as he faces the veteran pitcher, Roy.
  • Despite his confidence, Roy fails to hit the third pitch, realizing he's out of the game.
  • Sam gets injured during the game, and Roy helps him off the field, feeling a sense of loss.
  • Roy dreams of future success in baseball, aiming to break records and make a mark in the sport.
  • Harriet expresses disappointment that Roy isn't a professional player, but he reveals his aspirations to excel in the game.
  • Roy and Harriet share a moment of intimacy on a train, but Roy's actions lead to a tragic turn of events.
  • Roy joins a baseball team as a left fielder, facing skepticism due to his age, but eventually earns a spot on the team.
  • In the locker room, Roy overhears familiar voices, including that of a retired baseball legend, the Whammer, and a mysterious figure discussing a prank on the team's manager.

32:28

"Roy's Hotel Swap Leads to Trouble"

  • Bump, a character in the story, jokes about being stuck in a swamp and not being released by "pop."
  • A rumor about Bump and Pop's niece possibly getting married is mentioned, but Bump denies it.
  • Bump introduces Roy to Max Mercy, a sports columnist, and refers to the team as the "lousiest team in the world."
  • Pop arranges a hotel room for Roy at the Midtown Hotel, facing the Empire State Building.
  • Roy meets Red and they have steaks together, then walk up Fifth Avenue.
  • Roy agrees to swap hotel rooms with Bump for a night to accommodate a lady friend.
  • Roy accidentally startles a red-headed girl in a neighboring room, causing a commotion.
  • Roy experiences a disturbing dream about his past and struggles with the feeling of motion in bed.
  • Roy's new uniform is tampered with, and he confronts Bump about it, leading to a physical altercation.
  • During a game, Bump's error costs the team, leading to a rainout of the series, and Pop expresses frustration.

47:21

"Roy's Baseball Success and Personal Turmoil"

  • Roy, a talented baseball player, impresses with his skills, replacing an injured player and showcasing exceptional abilities.
  • Despite his success on the field, Roy's personal life is complicated by his feelings for a woman named Memo, who is grieving the loss of her partner.
  • Roy's performance on the field garners praise and admiration, setting records for hits and fielding, leading his team to victories.
  • Roy's success is marred by a sudden slump in his performance, leaving him and others puzzled about the cause.
  • Seeking advice, Roy consults his manager, Pop, who suggests changes in his approach, including possibly switching bats.
  • Roy's team, the Knights, faces challenges and criticism, with some attributing their failures to Roy's supposed jinx.
  • The fans turn against the team, blaming Roy for their misfortunes, while a troublesome figure named Otto Zip adds to the chaos.
  • Pop, frustrated by the team's struggles, confronts Roy about his bat choice, urging him to consider alternatives.
  • Roy faces increasing pressure and criticism, with his personal and professional life becoming intertwined in a complex web of challenges.
  • The narrative builds tension and uncertainty around Roy's future in baseball, hinting at deeper conflicts and struggles within the team and his personal relationships.

01:04:12

"Roy's Home Run Saves Pete's Life"

  • Roy sat on the bench watching Memo with two undertakers, Gus and Mercy, nearby.
  • A man named Mike Barney approached Roy, pleading for a favor to help his injured son Pete.
  • Mike asked Roy to hit a home run for Pete, who was in critical condition.
  • Roy initially refused, feeling incapable due to his poor form.
  • Despite Pop's reluctance, Roy eventually agreed to play and hit a home run.
  • The lady in the red dress, Iris, stood up during the game, catching Roy's attention.
  • Roy's home run saved Pete's life, with the crowd acknowledging his heroism.
  • Roy met Iris after the game, and they shared a deep conversation about his past struggles.
  • Iris revealed she stood up for Roy to help him regain his confidence.
  • Roy and Iris ended up at a deserted beach, where they shared intimate moments and confessions.

01:20:39

"Roy's Baseball Journey: Triumphs and Struggles"

  • The Knights won a doubleheader in Ebbets Field, achieving 17 straight wins on their comeback climb.
  • The Pirates were leading the league, with the Phillies close behind and the Dodgers in the mix.
  • Roy visited Memo but found Gus there, playing cards and smoking cigars.
  • Gus offered Roy a chance to make money quickly, which Roy refused vehemently.
  • The Pirates faced the Knights, with Roy hitting multiple home runs to secure a victory.
  • Roy experienced physical weakness and a headache after the game but rallied to lead the Knights to more wins.
  • Roy received a note from Memo, inviting him to a party to celebrate their success.
  • At the party, Roy felt uneasy and observed tension among the guests.
  • Roy struggled with his appetite and feelings of emptiness, leading him to leave the party.
  • Roy snuck out to play baseball, despite medical advice against it, experiencing a severe physical reaction and returning to the hospital.

01:36:17

"Roy's Dilemma: Baseball, Love, and Betrayal"

  • The protagonist, Roy, has a limited time to capitalize on endorsements and personal appearances before spring training.
  • Memo, a woman in Roy's life, expresses her despair over her uncle's mistreatment and her fear of poverty.
  • Roy proposes to Memo, offering to marry her and invest in a business with his earnings.
  • Gus, a shady character, offers Roy money to influence a game, which Roy initially refuses.
  • Judge Banner approaches Roy with a proposal to influence the game for a substantial sum of money.
  • Roy negotiates with the Judge, eventually agreeing to a deal involving a raise for the next season and a fixed game.
  • Roy struggles with his conscience and physical weakness during the game, torn between his promise to the Judge and his desire to win.
  • Despite his internal conflict, Roy manages to get on base but is tagged out in a double play, disappointing the crowd.
  • Roy faces increasing pressure from the crowd and his own guilt as he steps up to bat again, conflicted about his promise to the Judge.
  • In a moment of intense pressure, Roy accidentally hits a foul ball that injures a woman in the crowd, leading to a dramatic pause in the game.

01:52:01

Intense baseball game reveals shocking pregnancy.

  • Iris woke up with injuries on her face, including a black eye and bruising.
  • Roy carried Iris to the clubhouse and laid her on the trainer's table.
  • Iris revealed to Roy that she was pregnant, shocking him.
  • Roy faced a challenging baseball game, with intense pressure to win.
  • Despite a foul ball, Roy's team scored a run, but he was called back due to the ball being foul.
  • Roy's team struggled, but he tried to motivate his pitcher, Fowler, to improve.
  • Vogelman, the opposing pitcher, faced Roy with intense pressure, leading to a tense game.
  • Roy's team managed to hold off the opponents, but Roy faced a critical moment in the game.
  • Roy, facing intense scrutiny and pressure, ultimately faced a difficult decision and emotional turmoil.
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