The Healing

A Novel

By: Jonathan Odell

Narrated by: Adenrele Ojo

The pre-Civil War South comes brilliantly to life in this masterfully written novel about a mysterious and charismatic healer readers won’t soon forget....

Mississippi plantation mistress Amanda Satterfield loses her daughter to cholera after her husband refuses to treat her for what he considers to be a “slave disease.” Insane with grief, Amanda takes a newborn slave child as her own and names her Granada, much to the outrage of her husband and the amusement of their white neighbors. Troubled by his wife’s disturbing mental state and concerned about a mysterious plague sweeping through his slave population, Master Satterfield purchases Polly Shine, a slave reputed to be a healer. But Polly’s sharp tongue and troubling predictions cause unrest across the plantation. Complicating matters further, Polly recognizes “the gift” in Granada, the mistress’s pet, and a domestic battle of wills ensues.

Seventy-five years later, Granada, now known as Gran Gran, is still living on the plantation and must revive the buried memories of her past in order to heal a young girl abandoned to her care. Together they learn the power of story to heal the body, the spirit and the soul.

Rich in mood and atmosphere, The Healing is the kind of novel readers can’t put down - and can’t wait to recommend once they’ve finished.

©2012 Jonathan Odell (P)2012 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

"Engrossing.... Bound to be compared to Kathryn Stockett’s best-selling The Help, this historical novel... probes complex issues of freedom and slavery." ( Library Journal)

"A terrific novel that will take its place in the distinguished pantheon of Southern fiction. Like The Help, that showstopping work by Kathryn Stockett, The Healing is another Mississippi-born work of art and Odell's Polly Shine is a character for the ages." (Pat Conroy, author of The Prince of Tides and South of Broad)

"Jonathan Odell won me over with his fresh take on an 1860's Mississippi plantation, and the connective power of story to heal body, mind and community. Long after closing the novel's final pages, I'm still marveling about Polly Shine, an inventively subversive slave healer, and a character I won't soon forget." (Lalita Tademy, author of Cane River, an Oprah's Book Club selection, and Red River)

Satisfied my needs on all levels.

Good read. Historical fiction at its best. A story about the period and story about connections. A must read.

Great historical fiction worth the read or listen

I loved every bit of this story. Quite surprised it was written by a non-black but grateful he did his homework. Great work!!!

Amazing novel!!!

I loved the story, this book was very entertaining and the narrator was great!! love the book

Beautiful tale of foolishness and redemption.

Was she a healer or a conjur women? No, she fed their body and their soul and they learned to believe. 'In the beginning God created' ❤ this book.

I am a HEALER too

I was so amazed by this book and now relistening to this book makes me want to get back to my roots if you understand how to work with your senses/vibes and realize that some people are true HEALERS. The characters in this story are truly unforgettable. The narrator was just perfect and made me feel as if I was truly a part of this story. Overall I think this is one of the best southern old history classics that I needed to hear in order for me to understand myself and where my people come from. I have always been told by people since i was a young child that I just know things and when I start telling people whats gonna happen and it finally happens and they see it but they had already heard the story before it happens people are so amazed and they just cling to you. I would have never expected that this author is white but truth be told color doesn't matter when someone is trying to tell a compelling story. I would recommend this book during Black History month. I never realized that back in slave days OPIUM was just like the crack epidemic today. Once you read this book I think it will open doors to how to not ignore feelings with in yourself and help you re examine who you really are and what powers you hold and how to make those powers work for you. It may not be supernatural but simply a way to expand your mind.

Enjoyed Book

what I enjoyed most about the book is Miss Willie at the end telling about her midwifing this was a good book easy listening after I determine the who Grande Grande was

Grateful

I loved this book & at no point did I find it easy to press pause. I listened on my way to work, at work, on my way home, while I prepared dinner & right before going to sleep. The story & its characters draw you in & keep you close until the last word!!! Even the interview & perspective shared by the author truly touched my soul. Every word of this is simply golden. I am so grateful I chose this one.😊

Excellent in Every Way

He will never know how much I enjoyed this writing. The interview with Ms. Willie at the end was amazing. My next listening experience will be from the same author. Well done sir!

wonderful

loved it I was very surprised. this was very good and I liked the end

I fully enjoyed it. Great bonus convo at the end.

I fully enjoyed it. Great bonus convo at the end with the midwife. Will recommend to others.