The Fortunes of Blues and Blessings

De: Karen Sloan-Brown

Narrado por: Glynn Holmes Sr.

Step into the rich tapestry of American history as one family's destiny intertwines with the blues of heartbreak and the blessings of joy.

The Fortunes of Blues and Blessing unfolds as a sweeping historical saga that illuminates the journey of an extraordinary black family in America. Spanning over a century and five generations, this captivating novel takes root in 1849, tracing the family's roots from Sierra Leone to the rice plantations of Georgia. At the heart of this gripping tale is Hercules, a young African enslaved and renamed upon arrival in Charleston. His bond with Rachel, a fellow captive, forms the foundation of a remarkable legacy.

As their daughter Maia grows up amidst the privilege of the Bailey Plantation, her path intersects with the turbulent backdrop of the Civil War. Fleeing the plantation, Maia returns to Ossabaw Island, where she finds solace and love in Aaron, a skilled tradesman seeking refuge. As the years unfold, the family flourishes and migrates inland, overcoming adversity with resilience and determination. Maia embraces her passion for writing, while Aaron becomes a trailblazer in the construction industry. Their daughter Diana, a talented singer and Fisk Jubilee Singer, grapples with her dreams of fame and the complexities of identity. Meanwhile, Maia's grief for lost children and Aaron's burning desire to empower his people shape their destinies.

Blending the depth of 'Roots' with the captivating journey of 'Forrest Gump,' this enthralling narrative introduces listeners to real-life black individuals who have left an indelible mark on African American history. Immerse yourself in a tale where the extraordinary becomes ordinary, where the struggles and triumphs of one family mirror the collective experience of a resilient community. In the depths of struggle and the heights of triumph, discover the extraordinary journey of a black family across generations and continents.

©2014 Karen Sloan-Brown (P)2024 Karen Sloan-Brown

Enjoyed This Book! Outstanding!

I really enjoyed listening to The Fortunes of Blues and Blessings. This book is a depiction of the lives of three generations of African-American families, working hard to provide a better life for their generation. The author beautifully unfold their lives during the Pre and Post-Civil War Era. I had mix emotions throughout the book. The story made me smile during celebratory events, and sad when one of the characters in the book did not realize how blessed they were. There were some scenes in the book where I was completely shocked at the outcome. The ending was a jaw dropper! This book consisted of love, joy, lust, deaths, scandals, music, blues, and blessings. The author, Karen Sloan-Brown, did a magnificent job. I am looking forward to part two, or her next new book. Also, the narrator, Glynn Holmes, did an outstanding job of bringing the characters to life. Can’t wait to hear more from him.