Mary Not Broken

By: Deborah L. King

Narrated by: Lisa Reneé Pitts

Length: 10 hrs and 22 mins

Publisher's summary

In 1930s Mississippi, Mary Johnson hates the oppressive heat, working on her family farm, and having to attend her minister father's church several times a week. But she loves Mason Carter, her musician boyfriend. Both fantasize about living the high life up north in the big city.

When William Bevers, a wealthy old preacher, comes to court her, he promises a life of luxury along with money and status for her family. Mary wants nothing to do with him, but her parents decide for her. Determined to avoid a forced marriage, Mary elopes with Mason to the bright lights of Chicago.

But life up north is not the dream they expected. Multiple tragedies push Mary to the brink, and she soon returns home to the very world she tried so desperately to escape.

Too numb to stave off the pressure from her father, Mary considers accepting William's proposal. But she soon realizes that life as the preacher's wife might not provide the safety and security she craves.

©2023 Deborah L. King (P)2023 Tantor

MARY DOESNT BEND NOR DOES SHE BREAK

First off, the narrator did an AMAZING job. She really helped bring this story and characters to life.

I really enjoyed this one for the most part. So much so that I thought it would at least be 4.5 stars but towards the middle the plotting hit a wall.

If you don’t like religion, specifically Christianity, being a big part of the plot of your books then avoid this one. Religion is used to control and shame others and oneself. Growing up in that atmosphere it was very much believable.

Initially I loved Mary’s character. So brash and rebellious. Eventually all the things that I liked about her became so grating. I’m not sure if it was a writing choice or just bad character development but many times in the book I just kept thinking, “Sis, at some point you’ll have to evolve and grow up.” Then her character takes a drastic turn and her personality does a complete 180 that I thought I missed some plot point that made this change come about.

What truly caused me not to get immersed in the story was the repetitiveness of hitting the same plot points that it made Mary feel so stunted.

What saved the book was the pacing and just the overall melodramatic, over the top plotting. I love a soap opera style story approach.

Excellent Story!

This book was great from beginning to end. Mary sacrificed for her family. But some of the things that she went through were too much. In the end she found her happiness ❤️

Outstanding!

I absolutely love this book!
A fantastic engaging read from beginning to end. Wonderful narrations. This book will not disappoint!

A very rich and beautiful book. Must read!

Very different from most books I read but it left me wanting more! I felt like I was watching a great movie with the perfect plot. The story line was very interesting and different. The characters came to life as the book developed. This is a must read!

Annoying Narrator - Annoying Characterization of Women Characters

Mary Not Broken by Deborah L. King, as an audiobook, presents several challenges that detract from its potential appeal, particularly for listeners familiar with its setting in Jackson, Mississippi. The narration is a significant stumbling block, with the narrator’s voice is often melodramatic and shrill, which can be grating. For a native Mississippian, the accents and tone employed in the narration feel unrecognizable and inauthentic, failing to capture the unique nuances of my home state.

The central character, Mary, is portrayed in a way that makes her difficult to empathize with. Her characterization as overly flawed and naive does not endear her to audiences, and her journey lacks the depth and complexity needed to engage listeners fully. This is compounded by the dialogue and character development throughout the story, which are criticized for lacking sophistication and wit.

Additionally, the portrayal of women in the book is particularly problematic. They seem simple-minded and prone to hysterics, focusing on temporary pleasures or short-sighted gains, rather than pursuing long-term success or happiness. This portrayal can feel reductive and does not do justice to the potential richness of female characters.

Given that the story is set in and around Jackson, Mississippi, there was an expectation for a more authentic and engaging narrative that resonated with the local culture and community. Unfortunately, Mary Not Broken falls short, delivering a narrative that feels mediocre and fails to capture the vibrancy and complexity of its setting.

A great book!

I enjoyed this book. It’s hard reading all of the abuse and deception that occurs in the book but it was a great book. So happy I came across this book. I was glued to it from the beginning .

Excellent read

I could not stop listening...Mary's life had my full attention from the beginning until the end, the story is so realistic.
Deborah L. King you are an excellent writer. Narrator, Lisa Renee' Pitts you did an amazing job bringing all the characters to life. Bravo 👏🏾

loved it

I enjoyed the narrator very much. great story that will invoke sadness at times. outrage. but also laughter. great read. needs a sequel

A solid read

I liked this historical book as it flowed well and kept my interest. I would read other books by this author. The narrator was solid as well.

Such a great book

This is really a great book ! One of my favorites. But lord she let the 2nd husband of hers mess her up lord