The Man Who Planted Trees

Written by Jean Giono

Narrated by Malk Williams

Discover this beloved masterpiece of nature writing that is a hymn to creation and the power of the individual to do their bit to change the world for the better.

In 1910, while hiking through the wild lavender in a wind-swept, desolate valley in Provence, a man comes across a shepherd called Elzéard Bouffier. Staying with him, he watches Elzéard sorting and then planting hundreds of acorns as he walks through the wilderness.

Ten years later, after surviving the First World War, he visits the shepherd again and sees the young forest he has created spreading slowly over the valley. Elzéard’s solitary, silent work continues and the narrator returns year after year to see the miracle he is gradually creating: a verdant, green landscape that is a testament to one man’s creative instinct.

A beautiful story of hope, survival and selflessness, The Man Who Planted Trees resonates as strongly today as when it was first published.

Translated by Peter Doyle.

• Language: English
• Publisher: SNR Audio
• Release date: Mar 4, 2021
• ISBN: 9781914230158

Jean Giono

Jean Giono was born in Manosque, a small Provencal town in southeastern France. He wrote more than fifty novels, poetry collections, and plays, and in addition translated the works of Smollett and Melville into French. His titles include The Horseman on the Roof, To the Slaughterhouse, Song of the World, and The Man Who Planted Trees. He died in 1970.

Reviews for The Man Who Planted Trees

[Andrea Brock · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Beautiful story of how one man can help build a community.

[Deon Cecile · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I listened to this book while taking a quick morning stroll and it was the perfect choice. Not only is it a quick read/listen, but it reminds us that one person can make an impact and change an entire situation. It also reminds us that we can do things that can change the world without seeking recognition and fame from others, as long as we are happy in the pursuit of making that change.

[Katelyn Hildebrant · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A beautiful book about the responsibility of taking care of nature, and the true dedication of one great man .

[Shruti · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A wonderfully delightful story of one man's resilience, hard work and compassion toward nature and rewilding of an entire forest in a region in Provence.