A Girl Named Disaster

By: Nancy Farmer

Narrated by: Lisette Lecat

Newbery Medal, 1997.

Eleven-year-old Nhamo is running for her life. When the village witch finder decrees that she must marry a cruel stranger to propitiate an evil spirit, her only recourse is to steal a fishing boat and go looking for a father she has never met. Alone on the Musengezi River, Nhamo has meager resources to help her survive loneliness, hunger, wild animals, and even land mines. During the grueling months in her leaking boat and on a deserted island, she has only visions of her dead mother and other spirit ancestors to sustain her. They transform her solitary journey into a luminous spiritual odyssey, one from which she will need to draw strength when she reaches her destination.

Listeners who have enjoyed another of her Newbery Honor books, The Ear, the Eye, and the Arm, know the broad range of imagination and talent this award-winning author brings to her work. Young listeners will gain a healthy respect for the richness of cultural diversity even as they're realizing the universality of the human experience.

©1996 Nancy Farmer (P)1997 Recorded Books, LLC

FINALLY Audible has this fantastic book!

Any additional comments?

I've loved A Girl Named Disaster for a long time, but haven't heard it in a long while because FOREVER it was only available in out of print cassette tapes. I'm so happy Audible has it as I'm a huge fan of Nancy Farmer and her writing. Thank you Audible!

Fascinating

This story took me to different world. The girl suffers starvation and disease, but more importantly grinding loneliness. Throughout everything there is a mood of hope, strength, courage.

Very good story

I love this book it is so interesting I love lisning to it over and over again!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Folklore of Mozambique and Zimbabwe

I enjoyed hearing the African stories and folktales. Anyone that has an interest in Zimbabwe and Mozambique lore would enjoy this book. I especially enjoyed the definitions given at the end of the book; it provided me with a better insight into the folklore.

Extraordinary

Listening to this audiobook is a life changing experience. It is clear that the author has deep connections and the utmost respect for the characters and cultures in her story. This book has solidified Nancy Farmer as one of my favorite authors. And of course, another beautiful narration by Lisette Lecat.

i’ve loved this book since i was a little kid

I first read this book when i was around 10 and I’ve loved it since. It tackles difficult subjects and talks frankly about things like periods, child marriage, cultural and religious differences, and things like starvation.

It’s a great story, and I love this authors other books (Sea Of Trolls was my favorite series in middle school, and this book and that series are some of my favorite books to listen to while falling asleep every night)

I’ve listened to this book 20+ times (I’m autistic and adhd, I love background noise and listening to the same thing over and over).

The voice actor did a great job. I think the only thing I can complain about is that you can sometimes hear her breathe or make mouth sounds, like the audio wasn’t quite edited right (once in a while! it’s not too distracting).

oh, and I’m 29 - it’s definitely not just for kids! There’s a couple sensitive things (like injuries to people and animals, including dogs, and death) so if you’re intending for a younger kid to read this, it’s worthwhile reading it first just to make sure it’s age appropriate. I think it’s fine, but it can be upsetting and may lead to a necessary discussion and you should be prepared for that.

I like that there’s a 20 minute section at the end talking about the history. There’s a lot of short stores told by Nhamo throughout the book, which keeps things interesting and gives unique insights to her thought process.

Unique

I much enjoyed learning somewhat about African culture. The story was entertaining throughout. Africa is truly a mysterious place. The book peaked my interest to learn more.

Good book

G r e a t b o o k l o v e d I t sorry I need to do that for the fifteen word limit

Good at beginning but it is so long

it goes on to long and it puts filler in you can cut half of the book and it would be better

Excellent performance by Lisette Lecat

Ms. Lecat's ability to create different characters with her voice really brings the novel to life, and added to my enjoyment of the novel. Kudos to you, Ms.. Lecat!