Jacob Have I Loved

By: Katherine Paterson

Narrated by: Moira Kelly

"Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated." With her grandmother's taunt, Louise knew that she, like the biblical Esau, was the despised elder twin. Caroline, her selfish younger sister, was the one everyone loved.

Growing up on a tiny Chesapeake Bay island in the early 1940s, angry Louise reveals how Caroline robbed her of everything: her hopes for schooling, her friends, her mother, even her name. While everyone pampered Caroline, Wheeze (her sister's name for her) began to learn the ways of the watermen and the secrets of the island, especially of old Captain Wallace, who had mysteriously returned after 50 years.

The war unexpectedly gave this independent girl a chance to fulfill her childish dream to work as a watermen alongside her father. But the dream did not satisfy the woman she was becoming. Alone and unsure, Louise began to fight her way to a place where Caroline could not reach.

Renowned author Katherine Paterson here chooses a little-known area off the Maryland shore as her setting for a fresh telling of the ancient story of an elder twin's lost birthright.

©1980 Katherine Paterson (P)1992 HarperCollins Publishers

Critic reviews

• Newbery Medal, 1981

"A novel of special brilliance." ( New York Times Book Review)
"Simply irresistible." ( Publishers Weekly)

Stunningly Beautiful Prose

I read this book years ago, always planning to return to it. Audible was the perfect resource. Paterson's stunning prose so wonderfully brought to life through narration.

I remember this book from my school days.

I remember this book from my school days. I enjoyed reading it a gain. Moira Kelly did a beautiful job reading it. I highly recommend this audiobook.

Good

It was a nice read. Nothing amazing but enjoyable and makes you ponder a bit.

Slow to Capture Me

The storyline was a bit slow in keeping my attention, but staying with it, the plot thickened and kept my interest. By the near end of the work, I was invested, only for it to quickly wrap up as it did.
I grasped the title’s symbolism and meaning well enough, however would have appreciated a more dramatic style in getting it done. I like time pieces, so WWII era is always good with plenty to choose from wartime rationing to awaiting the troops to come home to the uncertainty of global conflict.
I am glad I read it although did not connect with it as I did the author’s other work, “Bridge to Terabithia”.

One of my favorite young adult books ever!

I love this story of feeling overlooked and forgotten by God, then realizing he has a plan for you all along.

Incredible Book, Stunning Performance

Katherine Patterson is one of the greatest writers I have ever had the pleasure of reading she tackles big issues with an unflinching, yet compassionate heart, and writes with such poetry and mastery that she sucks the reader in.

And Moira Kelly nailed the reading performance.

would recommend to anyone and everyone.

Beautiful!

Loved it so much!!! Especially the narrator, the chapter changes were a little awkward though?

Loved it! Probably best for 8th grade or above.

Beautifully woven story. No loved the biblical allegory- a very interesting perspective. Themes of coming of age, family, love, and personal responsibility for our lives.

A little slow, but good.

Good narration. Thoughtful storyline but was a little slow paced. This being the abridged version you could tell it was missing certain parts of the story or even felt a bit rushed at times, but I think overall it was well done. I liked most getting into the head of a teenager again and seeing how they think. Can be so interesting.

Lovely and inspiring story of strength and self realization

Beautifully written, vivid characters, humorous family relationships, and wonderful details within a small crabbing island.