On the Black Hill Hardcover – January 7, 1983

The late Bruce Chatwin is best known for his travel writings, chief among them, In Patagonia. I read this novel, On the Black Hill, when it was first published, put it aside for an eventual re-read, and subsequently it went out mistakenly with a load sold to a used book store. So I bought this paperback edition and finally did what I'd promised to do--read it again for the pure pleasure. The novel covers the span of the lives of twin brothers born in 1900 in Wales near the border with England. The twins' eighty years are spent on the family farm near the River Wye, traversing their parents' deaths, the first World War, and various local battles and intrigues.Chatwin's prose places the reader alongside the twins, on the farm, in the period--reminiscent in ways of the works of John Fowles. It's not a cliffhanger or nailbiter, nor is it steamy in a seamy sort of way. Instead it is a work of gentle, deeply-felt literature that could be read many times and should be.

Great read-with descriptive narrative, well-drawn characters. Feels almost like a history and travelogue in addition to its compelling story. I felt as though I had visited Black Hill , and its varied and unique characters, in person.

I bought this book on a whim a few months ago because it sounded interesting, and just recently read it. It is an 80 year saga enfolding a lot of sad or disturbing occurrences along with delightful ones, but I have rarely read a story that made me feel so at one with an unfamiliar landscape, the poetry of living, and the internal character of an array of ordinary people. It led me to read other Chatwin books and I am so much the better for it. Very memorable read.

This is probably one of the oddest books I've read in quite some time. There's not really a plot - not a lot happens to the two main characters (twin males who live their entire lives in an area of Wales - in fact, they rarely ever leave their farm) - they have a love/hate/dependency relationship. They can't do without each other, yet they find this to be a burden much of the time. Secondary characters are even odder (and hard to keep up with just exactly who is who). And yet, I kept reading - yes, to the very end. I can't think of anyone that I would recommend it to. The only conclusion that I have drawn from it is that this picture of Wales appears to have very little connection with the modern world - and it's harsh, and dirty, and bleak. Did I like the book? Well, I gave it three stars, but I'm not exactly sure why. It's a mystery to me.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It's definitely not a page turner, but the author so entirely captures the lives of his characters -- their thoughts and feelings, their beliefs, their habits -- that they have all stayed with me as though we are indeed related and I have actually lived alongside them through their long years.

This book was my introduction tho Bruce Chatwin and began a 30 some odd year love affair with his prose and wonderful writings.Of all the books I recommend or purchase as gifts for friends and fellow writers, this is at the top of my list. His prose is unequaled. I have even asked libraries to order it.A must read for all lovers of WORDS and how they fit together in beauty and resonance. He is one of those writers you wish had not died so young.

Come to Wales and meet the local farmers and their families. Twin brothers will grab your heart and mind as they mature. Memories are vivid as the world races forward following world wars. Walk with these thoroughly created characters as they face life's challenges, losses, joys, and changes. I enjoyed this book.

I watched the film on Amazon Prime a few weeks ago - and found it enchanting! And realized I had never read the book. So, having enjoyed a few of Bruce Chatwin's books years ago, decided to give this a try. What drew me to the film, btw, is that I know a few people from Wales (the setting of the book and film) and have dear friends who just last summer stayed a month there (with glowing reports about the land and the people). Amazed at how closely the film followed the book, even to the point that much of the dialog was verbatim. I highly recommend this book if you are familiar with Bruce Chatwin's body of work, or just a fan of good literature and story-telling.