'Til the Well Runs Dry

By: Lauren Francis-Sharma

Narrated by: Ron Butler, Bahni Turpin

Lauren Francis-Sharma's 'Til the Well Runs Dry opens in a seaside village in the north of Trinidad where young Marcia Garcia, a gifted and smart-mouthed 16-year-old seamstress, lives alone, raising two small boys and guarding a family secret. When she meets Farouk Karam, an ambitious young policeman, the risks and rewards in Marcia's life amplify forever.

On an island rich with laughter, Calypso, Carnival, cricket, beaches and salty air, sweet fruits and spicy stews, the novel follows Marcia and Farouk from their amusing and passionate courtship through personal and historical events that threaten Marcia's secret, entangle the couple and their children in a scandal, and endanger the future for all of them.

'Til the Well Runs Dry tells the twinned stories of a spirited woman's love for one man and her bottomless devotion to her children. For listeners who cherish the previously untold stories of women's lives, here is a story of grit and imperfection and love that has not been told before.

©2014 Lauren Francis-Sharma (P)2015 Tantor

Critic reviews

"Remarkably accomplished first-time novelist Francis-Sharma makes it clear on page one that Marcia is strong, courageous, and resourceful." (Booklist)

"The two narrators, Ron Butler and Bahni Turpin, are superb choices who move the listener smoothly between the two main characters." (AudioFile)

Don't miss this one

I fell in love with this book right away. It made me smile, think and laugh out loud. I even identified with some of the thoughts some of the characters had. I learned some things too. I did not know the history of Trinidad. The narrators could not be better. I have a feeling there may be a sequel.

Well written story

But too overwhelming for my preference. The story and narration deserve 5 stars but it was just too sad to enjoy.

An emotional rollercoaster ride

I absolutely could not stop listening to this book! Well written and incredible narrators

Intriguing story

I enjoyed this book for many reasons. The strength of these women was inspiring. Learning more about their culture made me appreciate their struggle. The readers made this book even more enjoyable. Nothing ruins a great audio book like a poor reader! Well done.

Words cannot express...

This book was SO good, so well performed and so well written and so ALIVE!

Trinidad Family

I guess I'm not used to this kind of fiction. There didn't seem to be a cohesive plot, just hour after hour of bad things happening to a family in Trinidad. I'm not even sure the changes were internal, as I did not feel the main characters evolved much.

quite authentic and an excellent read.

I grew up in Trinidad, and have visited all of the places described in this book. This book accurately captures the culture and life during the time. There are so many ties to real events that I question how much of it is fiction. perhaps it's more of an autobiography. Either way, it is an excellent read.

Amazing

Loved it! This is sad beautiful story with excellent narration. I could not stop listening it was totally gripping and I will listen to this again.

What a Story! Great readers!!!

I loved every chapter. Hard to stop listening completely mesmerized by it. I will miss Maria Garcia! What a woman!!! The readers of the book where excellent wonderful voices that made me enjoy listening.

Excellent

Grabbed my attention in the beginning & held it throughout.
Narration was great! Loved all the different voices & accents.
Poignant story of love, hardship, family, perseverance, & fortitude .
Very well written. If you like stories about different cultures & ways of life this is a good one. Highly recommend.