This is an excellent read!...
Reviewed on www.audible.com
This is an excellent read! I thoroughly enjoyed every minute. Brought back many memories of my own childhood. Growing up in the sixties in the south into a family that was also the focus of prejudice was not easy and I too was in the first class of sixth graders that was bussed to the other side of town for integration in the school. This changed again a few years later when the local government decided segregation really wasn’t that bad….
Anyway, back to the book. The protagonist is Jack Lee. He’s from Richmond, VA. He grew up with segregation and although not outwardly prejudice he can clearly see the lines between the races. Never understanding why but never crossing either. When a black man is accused of murdering a wealthy white couple he’s approached by the family to defend him. Unsure initially of the man’s innocence it doesn’t take him long to believe in him. He takes on a partner from Chicago. A black female attorney who’s worked with the NAACP. It quickly becomes clear that someone wants them off of the defense when forged documents are given to the judge stating that the defendant doesn’t believe his attorneys are competent. The problem is there’s a signature on the document and the defendant is illiterate and signs his name with an “X”. This is an Excellent legal drama /suspense.
I think Baldacci did a wonderful job writing this story. He made it feel authentic and believable with out over doing racial slurs. As he stated in the forward portion of the book, with out would have taken away from.
The narrators do a great job. I’ve always been a fan of MacLeod Andrews and Cary Hite.
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this novel
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See moreSee lessI see that Shelley of...
Reviewed on www.audible.com
I see that Shelley of Raleigh NC has already written a superb review of the newly released A Calamity of Souls by David Baldacci. Shelley has been my favorite Audible reviewer of novels of the mystery/thriller genre for well over a decade. Please read her review.
With 52 David Baldacci novels in my Audible library it's safe to say I'm a fan. A Calamity of Souls is one of my favorites. I recommend it without reservation.
This novel is set in rural Virginia in 1968. The theme is whether a innocent poor black man who is accused of murdering a wealthy white couple can receive a fair trial in very rural southern Virginia. I grew up in the rural south during the Jim Crow era and I celebrated my 25th birthday during 1968. I was 11 years old inn 1954 when the Supreme Court in the Brown v Board of Education decision said that schools must be desegregated. When my oldest child entered kindergarten in 1974, 20 years after Brown, our local schools were not desegregated.
Sadly, the plot of this novel is entirely credible in the 1968 rural south.
See moreSee lessI preordered this book and...
Reviewed on www.audible.com
I preordered this book and waited patiently for it to be released, I am happy to say it did not disappoint at all!! I have never read or listened to a book by this author but I must say this book has enticed me to read some of his other books. This book is thought provoking and writes the message on the wall that we are all the same, we bleed the same, we are born the same, we will die the same and we need to treat each other the same. We are all human beings and though we may not be of the same color when it all said and done, if we do not do anything different than our ancestors, it will be a life wasted. God has placed us all here to love and to help each other in this life. His love and the way he loves is the principle thing!!!
See moreSee lessI have not been able...
Reviewed on www.walmart.com·Joe
I have not been able to read A Calamity of Souls yet as I have been catching up on previous Baldacci thrillers. I just finished Mercy which is a satisfying and exciting resolution to the mystery of Atlee Pine's missing sister.\n\nA Calamity of Souls is labeled a novel rather than a thriller, so it will be a departure from David Baldacci's usual writing. Given Baldacci's talent, commitent to story, and pure inventiveness I am sure this will be a rather interesting and satisfying experience.\n\nYou can't do better than David Baldacci.
See moreSee lessThis was a really well...
Reviewed on www.audible.com
This was a really well written story. The plot was nicely developed with a twist at the end. It also tells the story of how far some will go for their family, how far some will go for money and how far some will go for power. It is hard for me to read stories that paint such a clear picture of injustice. It is tragic that people did and do still think that it is right. I also liked the growth of each and every character. I appreciated that the author let reality prevail and did not wrap things up in a pretty bow that are ugly.
See moreSee lessI loved this story. Mr....
Reviewed on www.audible.com
I loved this story. Mr. Baldacci I applaud your depiction of this story. Most authors tell stories of this time in history without giving any forethought as to the black ppl who will read it. Most books that speak of this era use that platform as permission to use the "N" word bc of its prevalence in that time. Some recognize its sensitivity, but most do not. You are truly a lifted writer and I have been a fan for many years. It has been amazing to read your range in storytelling.
See moreSee lessI so enjoyed this book,...
Reviewed on www.audible.com
I so enjoyed this book, although just one more boot in the butt to help me realize just how Pollyanna I guess I am. How far the kkk really spread, to the Judicial District of the Court, and far beyond. Truly hard to believe how many of my (white race) still have so much hatred towards any color. May we never have people such as trump become President of our nation again. He has made me realize just how many ignorant people still exist. The lack of capitals was intentional!
See moreSee lessThis was a very good...
Reviewed on www.audible.com
This was a very good book, although it was a little preachy and almost textbook in laying out critical happenings in the Civil Rights movement post the murder of Dr Martin Luther King. It bothered me that the N-word was clipped out of the reading. Did this mimic the hardcopy of the book, or was it an editorial decision? Regardless, it diminished the book in that the shocking power of that terrible word was diluted - which was unfortunate for a book set in the fight for a wrongly accused man. The emotional impact of the fight was diminished, in my opinion, by this decision. The narration was good. And the ending was both heartbreaking and somewhat hopeful. I hope there is a sequel in the works - I would love to know how the main characters fare over time.
See moreSee lessAt first it was difficult...
Reviewed on www.audible.com
At first it was difficult to listen to. Then it brought me back to the reality of my own youth. I lived the though the 50s and 60s. I found the story well written. Relevant to today. Racism harms everyone. Mostly the targeted population but also the dominant group. It forces everyone to cower to the bully.
This story gave me a lot to think about. Well done! I will keep this book in my listen again and share with others list.
See moreSee lessA tale of horrible discrimination...
Reviewed on www.audible.com
A tale of horrible discrimination in the South not so many years ago was laid out in a murder trial. Two lawyers, one white male and one black female worked together to defend a black man and his black wife for this crime. The ending is not predictable. The sorrow I felt for the ultimate end to this tale is indescribable.
Another gem written by Mr. Baldacci. A book well worth reading.
See moreSee lessgreat storyline, deeply relevant issues...
Reviewed on www.audible.com
great storyline, deeply relevant issues delivered by well-developed characters. all the twists and turns you expect from baldacci, but I would argue this one has more meat on the bone than his other novels. context is, in many ways, just as relevant today as it was when the story is portayed. this book moved me, and hopefully, it will move you too. well done, mr baldacci!
See moreSee lessFantastically written. Intense and so...
Reviewed on www.audible.com
Fantastically written. Intense and so sad to read how an entire nation became and continues to be so oppressed. Also the fact that because of this they have never had a chance to live in equal freedom with equal rights and obligations in any way.
The optimism and fighting spirit to take on this unfair, frustrating battle is well described. This book is highly recommended!
See moreSee lessI have read many of...
Reviewed on www.audible.com
I have read many of Baldacci’s books, but this novel is the best. Though the setting takes place during the late 1960’s, the vitriol and many of the issues facing the characters in the book are, regretfully, still prevalent today. This story takes one on a thrilling ride that one will find hard to put down. Baldacci hit this one out of the ball park!
See moreSee lessRacism at its best. A...
Reviewed on www.audible.com
Racism at its best. A sad but eye opening book. A story about ignorance, hate, love, compassion, and kindness all wrapped up in a frustrating but sadly true book! Times truly have not changed that much when it comes to racism. Simply because of the color of one’s skin! Had me shaking my head several times! Left me floored! Baldacci at its best!
See moreSee lessA Calamity of Souls is...
Reviewed on www.audible.com
A Calamity of Souls is another excellent book from David Baldacci. I was captivated from the first page. The story drew me in and made it hard for me to put it down. Helped me to better understand the unrest in our country in the 1960’s. I felt like I was in the middle of the story. Thank you for another great read. Well done!
See moreSee lessThis is a hard book...
Reviewed on www.audible.com
This is a hard book to experience but worth the discomfort. Many varied characters that ring true to any of us who lived in the south in the 60s and 70s.
The narrators were absolutely fabulous-- among the best I've heard. I detest poor imitations of the various southern accents and dialects but each of these was dead on.
See moreSee lessreally liked the development of...
Reviewed on www.audible.com
really liked the development of the characters. by the time the story was in high gear, felt like I knew the cast of characters pretty well. The story had incredible intensity as well as believability and was a mystery to the end for sure... I agree with one of the reviews that claims this may be author's best novel.
See moreSee lessThis book grabs you from...
Reviewed on www.walmart.com·anonymous
This book grabs you from the beginning. Set in the south when things were so divided. Love court room proceedings ,makes me feel like I'm there. The characters are so brilliant and so believable. Makes you feel for them, you want justice for the accused. I just loved this book, the twists and turns just exciting.
See moreSee lessYoung black couple unjustly accused...
Reviewed on www.audible.com
Young black couple unjustly accused of murder of wealthy, while couple. Young white lawyer partnered with experienced, dynamic Black woman lawyer for the defense. No question as to where the author stands on racial and justice issues. Yet, despite almost preachy viewpoint, this is an exiting and compelling tale.
See moreSee lessThe author knocked this one...
Reviewed on www.audible.com
The author knocked this one out of the park! It is true to actual events of the time. This country has come some distance from those days; but still has a long way to go. The author references the words of Jesus that we all need to care for each other. If we did that the world would be vastly different.
See moreSee lessAs usual we'll written but...
Reviewed on www.audible.com
As usual we'll written but this time with a different perspective on our nation and culture. David Baldacci did a wonderful job capturing the unrest, unjust and at times uncompromising history of the 1960's. He illustrates how far we've come yet how far we have to go. Enjoyed every paragraph.
See moreSee lessLiked that the author was...
Reviewed on www.audible.com
Liked that the author was bold enough to create situations that seemed implausible even to me , but in fact illustrate the truth of the terror we have experienced historically . Aside from his boldness about that, the writing was compelling. Couldn’t wait to find out what happened next.
See moreSee lessMove over HARPER there’s a...
Reviewed on www.audible.com
Move over HARPER there’s a new Lee in town. Well done!
I felt as though the characters were so real. The ending was not what I expected. It was better. I want to turn around and listen to it again to pick up the things I missed. I have been a fan for years, but this is simply his best.
See moreSee lessI had a little trouble...
Reviewed on www.audible.com
I had a little trouble getting started with this book. By midpoint I had trouble putting it down. Seldom does a work of fiction stir the emotions and thought that this book has in me. I like many authors, but with this book Mr. Baldacci has proven he can write outside his normal venue.
See moreSee lessA Calamity of Souls may...
Reviewed on www.audible.com
A Calamity of Souls may tell a riveting tale of a human drama and legal case set in the late 1960s, but the issues and social context addressed present a subtle parallel to those we face today. The book is superb and meaningful. The audio performance is excellent. This is a must read.
See moreSee lessDavid Baldacci has always been...
Reviewed on www.walmart.com·anonymous
David Baldacci has always been my second favorite authors for thrillers behind a close second to John Grisham. He is a master storyteller and this novel doesn't disappoint and is one of his best. He really kept my attention and just could not put the book down!
See moreSee lessThis book touches on so...
Reviewed on www.audible.com
This book touches on so many difficult subjects, race, people with disabilities and the rights of women. Difficult to hear how cruel our world could be at times, but on the other side, how many good people there are. Excellent story and narrator.
See moreSee lessI have listened to dozens...
Reviewed on www.audible.com
I have listened to dozens of David Baldacci’s books and this by far is his best work. The story was riveting, unpredictable and the narration was some of the best so far. Not to many books have moved me the way this one did - just incredible.
See moreSee lessThis is David Baldacci’s magnum...
Reviewed on www.audible.com
This is David Baldacci’s magnum opus in my opinion. So far anyway. I really enjoyed it. The narration cast was stellar. Heartlifting and heartbreaking at the same time. You’ll get to love the characters, and won’t want to put it down.
See moreSee lessThis book is not normally...
Reviewed on www.audible.com
This book is not normally the type of book that Baldacci writes but it was exceptional. Great story, well thought out characters, thought provoking and gripping enough to keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end!!!!
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