Forbidden and Hidden Love
Masculinity and Societal Roles
Repressed Desire and Secrecy

• Transcript
  Created by AI - with possible mistakes.

  All right, let's do this. You guys requested it. So we are diving deep into the audiobook of Broke Back Mountain by Anti Proof, that's right, and we're going full on raw and unfiltered, straight from the source listener reviews, straight from audible, unfiltered, no sugarcoating, just the good stuff, the real deal exactly. You know, uh, you guys provided the source material, yep.

  And you know we're here to kind of like extract those golden nuggets of insight out those gems, those aha moments, yes, that make you feel like you've read the whole thing right without actually like reading. The whole thing, like you did the work without actually doing the work. That's it. We're like, you're shortcut to being well informed, busy learners like yourself.

  I like that. Okay, So before we get to the juicy review, Yes, let's set the stage a bit, okay, narrated by Campbell Scott, a classic. You'll hear a lot about that from the listeners in the reviews. Oh yeah.

  It clocks in at one hour and four minutes. Quick listen, really quick, big impact. Though, big impact. Apparently we're seeing a four point three star average rating on audible.

  Wow, and that's based on over fourteen hundred opinions a lot of people. So clearly this story has sparked some strong feelings. It has a lot of feelings are powerful. Based on some of the other books folks mentioned enjoying alongside Broke Back Mountain, Yeah, it seems like this one attracts listeners who appreciate, you know, really powerful stories about love, love, loss, and maybe even a little bit of heartbreak.

  Oh yeah, we're seeing mentions of fellow travelers interesting, call Me by Your Name classic, even The Power of the Dog, Oh yeah, all stories that explore complex relationships. Yes, often in the face of societal pressure. Definitely, speaking of societal pressures. One thing that came up a few times in these reviews, yeah, was how Broke Back Mountain offers a really unique perspective on a gay relationship, for sure, especially considering the time period it's set in.

  Yeah, definitely a different time. So what's fascinating is that some listeners specifically mentioned how this story felt different from other narratives about gay men. Really. Yeah, it wasn't just about coming out or fitting into societal norms.

  It was about love and longing. Yeah, in a world that wasn't quite ready for it. Wow, it's raw, it's real powerful, and it clearly resonated with a lot of folks for sure. Okay, are you ready to hear what actual listeners thought? Hit me? All right, So we went through a ton of these reviews, picked out the most interesting ones, and now we're going to kind of like break them down together.

  I love it, no holds barred, just our honest opinion, genuine reaction. Let's do it. Okay. This first one is from Jay Zimmer.

  They gave the book three stars. They said they tried. To like it, tried to like it. But it didn't quite live up to the hype.

  I see. Now I'm curious about your take on this. Yeah, a lot of books become cultural touchstones, for sure, and sometimes those expectations can be hard to live up to. You build it up in your mind, and then it can be hard to Actually, it's.

  Almost impossible for it to meet everyone's. Expectations, right, exactly, like. Going to see a famous landmark. Yeah, you've built it up in your mind.

  You've seen pictures, you've heard. Stories, and then you get there and it's like, oh, it's smaller than I thought. Yeah, not as grand. Yeah, yeah, the reality might not be as grand as you imagine exactly.

  Now. Jay Zimmer did mention that the author's writing really capture the vastness of the West, which seems to be a recurring theme in Annie Prula's work. The setting is really important. Prulis is a master of settings.

  Oh yeah, she really paints a picture with her words. You can smell the sage brush and feel the wind whipping across the plains there when you read her description. It's incredible. Okay, now this next review, okay, this one's from wan Sea Volandia Wandi Valandia.

  They call Broke Back Mountain a bittersweet love story. I mean, honestly, that feels spot on. Yeah, it really does. Yeah.

  They also talk about how the society at the time, the setting of the story, made it impossible for Ennis and Jack, the main characters, to really have a happy ending. Oh that's heartbreaking. It's not just a love story, right, it's a love story set against a backdrop of societal. Constraints and adds another layer.

  It makes you wonder, how would their story have unfolded in a different time, Yeah, in a different place. That's a great question. Man, that's heavy stuff. It is, And this is exactly the kind of discussion we want to spark with these deep.

  This is Exactly we want to go beyond just the surface. It's not just about summarizing the plot. It's about really understanding the nuances. The deeper meaning, the layers, the why, the so what of it all.

  I love that so what. That's a good one. Now this next review is interesting, Okay, I'm intrigued. Peter the reviewer wonders how Annie Prouloks, a woman, could have such amazing insight into the lives of gay men interesting in the nineteen fifties.

  That is a really good question. It raises a really important question about the role of empathy and imagination in writing. Yeah, can a writer only write convincingly about experiences they've personally lived? Can you truly understand someone else's experience right if you haven't walked in their shoes. That's something that comes up a lot, especially now with so much emphasis on representation in media.

  It's a complex question, it is, But I think what's important is that the story resonates with the people it's meant to represent absolutely, And based on the reviews, it seems like Broke Back Mountain did just that. For many readers, it seems like it totally Okay, this's next one fit me. This is from JR. Brown.

  JR. Brown, and they seem to really appreciate the unique perspective of the story. Okay, they say, it's great to read a story about two men in love with each other and not with Liza. Interesting.

  For the first time ever, I can associate with a gay character. Wow, that's powerful. It speaks to the need for diverse storytelling. It does for narratives that reflect the lived experiences of people from all walks of life.

  For sure, we need more stories like that. For j R. Brown, Broke Back Mountain offered that rare opportunity to see themselves reflected in a story. It's like finding a mirror in a world that often tries to tell you you're invisible exactly.

  We've got a few more reviews to dig into, okay, But before we do, I just wanted to mention if any of you listeners out there happen to be looking for a podcast to sponsor, Oh yeah, one that dives deep into fascinating topics like this like this one. Hit us up. We're open for business. We're always open to connecting with like minded folks.

  Absolutely, and speaking of folks, we love connecting with. Yes, you have to give a shout out to our amazing producer. Yes Usman Usaf the one and only. He's the one behind the scenes making all of this magic happen.

  Seriously, he's a rock star. You can find him on LinkedIn at Usman nine nine. Go give him a follow. But for now, let's get back to these Broke Back Mountain reviews.

  Do it. There's still so much do unpack. I'm ready, all right, so many amazing reviews, so many, and we are back back in the saddle, yes literally, for part two of our deep dive on Broke Back Mountain listener reviews. It's remarkable how such a short audiobook right can pack such a punch.

  Like an emotional punch, right in the gut, right in the fields. It's like Annie Parl distilled a whole universe of feeling into just a couple of hours. And speaking of feeling, this next review really hit me in the fields. Okay.

  It's from mass Eel, who gave the audiobook five stars. Five stars. That's high praise. They describe it as a wonderful story, wonderful that pulled on their heartstring.

  Oh. I felt that. They also rave about Campbell Scott's narration, of course, saying it truly brings the book to life. It's interesting how often his narration comes up.

  It sounds like his voice really adds another layer to the story. It does. Do you think his performance is crucial to experiencing this book fully? Honestly? I think so. Yeah.

  You know how sometimes a narrator can make or break an audiobook. Oh? Absolutely. It sounds like he really understood the characters right, the setting. The emotional weight of it all.

  Yeah, it's like he embodied the story. He got it, he got it. What's also striking is how even the more critical reviews, like the one from Jay zimmer Right still acknowledge the power of Pruliff's writing. You can't deny her skill as writer, Like, even if.

  The story didn't completely win them over, Yeah, they still respected the craft skill behind it totally. Okay, this next one, I think you'll find this interesting. Okay, I'm ready. It's from Eeri E Rye and they call Broke Back Mountain as tragic as it is beautiful.

  Ooh. I like that they even go so far as to say it's something everyone should read everyone despite the poignant sadness. That's a bold statement. What do you think about that? Is there a certain beauty and tragedy, you know? I think so? Yeah.

  Tragedy can force us to confront difficult emotions, right, to grapple with the realities of life and loss. It's like those movies that you know are going to make you cry. Oh yeah, but you watch them anyway. You gotta have a good cry sometimes.

  Because there's something powerful about experiencing those emotions so intensely. Yeah, it's cathartic, like a release, a release. And I think that speaks to the skill of a writer like Annie Proul. For sure.

  She's able to create characters that feel so real, so human, that we can't help but empathize with them. You feel their pain, even when they. Make choices that might break our hearts, even. When they make bad decisions.

  It's like we're right there with them on that wyoming ranch. You can practically feel the wind. Feeling the isolation, the longing, the forbidden love. The atmosphere is so thick you could cut it with a knife.

  Okay, ready for another one. This one's short and sweet, but it gets to the heart of the matter. Okay, it's some kishi twenty three, Kishi twenty three. And they simply say, wow, wonderful.

  Miss Prouls wrote a wonderful story. Considering I fell in love with the story from the movie, Campbell Scott's amazing brought the book to life. Thank you. Concise but impactful.

  It's like a sigh of contentment after finishing a truly captivating story. And it's interesting that they mention falling in love with the story from the movie first. Yeah, it seems like Broke Back Mountain transcends its medium. It does, whether you experience it through the written word, the film, the audiobook.

  Yeah, the emotional core remains the same. It's a powerful story no matter how you experience it. Do you think there's something about the written word though, that adds another layer to the story. That's a great question, I think so, go on.

  Reading a book allows you to get inside the character's heads in a way that a movie sometimes can't. That's true. You experience their. Thoughts, their internal struggles.

  In a more intimate way. It's a deeper dive into their psyche. Oh this next review brings up something we touched on earlier, the unique perspective on a gay relationship. This listener, who chose to remain anonymous, writes, so many gay stories have an overwhelming coming out theme.

  The beauty of this story is that these two are men happen to be gay, but more importantly, are human beings with desires and needs that are so universal and primal. Prolanks language and characters ring true with me. That's a really interesting point. It's not about labels or societal expectations.

  It's about the fundamental human need for connection, for love. And I think that's what makes Broke Back Mountains so enduring. It resonates with something deep within us. It speaks to something universal, something that transcends time and place.

  It's a story that will always be relevant. Absolutely. It's about that longing for something you can't have. That ache in your soul that no.

  One else seems to understand. It's so seen it man, This book really gets to you, doesn't it. It does. It's powerful stuff.

  Okay, you're ready for another one. I'm ready to bring it on. This one's a bit longer, but I think it's worth it. Okay, let's hear it.

  It's from a listener named Jen, and they write, I have listened to this book dozens of times, and I always find something new. Prulix is able to convey so much in so few words, leaving you feeling the isolation and yearning of these two men. Scott's reading captures this perfectly. I have seen the movie and read the book, but the audiobook is a treasure.

  Highly recommend Wow, dozens of times. That's dedication. I love that they mentioned listening to it multiple times and still finding something new. Me too.

  It speaks to the depth of the story. It does, the layers of meaning that unfold with each listen. Like peeling back the layers of an onion. And I think that's something that's true of all great literature.

  Yeah. It invites you to return to it again and again, to rediscover it, to discover new depths and nuances. It's a gift that keeps on giving. It's like a conversation with a wise friend.

  I like, each time you talk, you learn something new. You gain a new perspective. You see things from a different perspective. Exactly.

  It's a testament to the enduring power of great storytelling. Okay, one last review. Before we wrap things up, all right, bring it home. This one is from an anonymous listener.

  Anonymous, and they write a wonderful story, well told. This short novel was inspiring and tragic. Much of it was poetry. Some very good books have very sad endings.

  Peace. Wow, what a way to end it. I love that they describe it as both inspiring and tragic. Yeah.

  It speaks to the complexity of human experience for sure, the way joy and sorrow can be so intertwined. Two sides of the same coin. And that final word piece, Yeah, it's like a sigh of acceptance, sense of closure, a recognition that even in the face of heartbreak. Yeah, there can be a sense of resolution.

  Of coming to terms with the bittersweet nature of life. Beautifully said, it's a powerful story that stays with you. Is powerful stuff. Wow, those reviews really took us on a journey, didn't they They did.

  It's amazing how a story like Broke Back Mountain can evoke such a wide range of emotions. Yeah, from heartbreak to hope, from longing to a sense of peace. It's a testament to the power of storytelling, wouldn't you say? Annie Prule created characters and a world that feels so real, so raw, that it's impossible not to be moved by their story. And it's not just the writing, right, it's the narration too, Campbell Scott.

  Campbell Scott's performance really seems to have elevated the audiobook to another level. He brought something special to it. It makes you wonder would the impact be the same without his voice bringing those characters to life. That's a great question, like would it hit the same hmm, It's hard to say.

  It's like asking if a song would have the same impact without the right singer. I see your point. The voice, the delivery, it all matters. It all contributes to the emotional landscape the story, for sure.

  So we've heard from a lot of listeners. We have, but now I want to hear from. You, Yes, you, the listener. What stands out to you from these reviews? What resonated with you? Do you feel drawn to the story, intrigued by the characters, or maybe even a little hesitant to dive into such a heavy topic.

  We want to hear your thoughts. Let us know we're always up for a good book discussion, especially. When it comes to a story as powerful as Broke Back Mountain for sure. And Hey, if you're listening and happen to be looking for a podcast, a sponsor, one that dives deep into fascinating topics like this, like this one, you know where to find us.

  It's up. We're always open to connecting with like minded folks, absolutely, But for now, let's shift gears a bit, okay and think about the bigger picture. The big picture. Broke Back Mountain has become a modern classic.

  It has a story that continues to resonate with audiences even decades after it was first published. It's timeless. What do you think that is? Hmm, that's a good question. What is it about stories of love and loss? Yeah, particularly those set against a bat of societal pressures? Right? That speaks to us so deeply.

  It's like they tap into something universal, something primal. Maybe it's because these stories remind us of our own struggles, our. Own desires for connection and acceptance. Or maybe it's because they offer a glimpse into a different world, a different time, and allow us to empathize with experiences that might be foreign to our own.

  That's a good point. It's like a window into another life. Whatever the reason, it's clear that Broke Back Mountain has left an indelible mark on the literary landscape. It has.

  It's a story that stays with you. It makes you think, that challenges you to confront your own biases. And beliefs, to question your assumptions, and that. I think is the hallmark of truly great art.

  Couldn't have said it better myself. It's a story that lingers in the mind, in the heart. Long after the last word is spoken. And speaking of last words, we've reached the end of our deep dive into Brokeback Mountain.

  I

  t's been a journey. We hope you found it insightful, engaging, and maybe even a little bit heart wrenching. We covered a lot of ground. We'd be remiss if we didn't give another shout out to our incredible producer, the amazing Usman usaf Usman.

  He's the mastermind behind the scenes. The one making it all happen. Making all of this magic happen. He's the best.