Veronica's Grave

A Daughter's Memoir

By: Barbara Bracht Donsky

Narrated by: Leslie S. Miller

2017 IBPA BENJAMIN FRANKLIN SILVER MEDAL FOR MEMOIR2017 NATIONAL INDIE EXCELLENCE AWARDS FINALIST2017 INDEPENDENT PRESS AWARD DISTINGUISHED FAVORITE FOR MEMOIR 2016 READERS' FAVORITE SILVER MEDAL FOR MEMOIR2016 BEVERLY HILLS BOOK AWARDS SILVER MEDAL FOR MEMOIR

"A triumphant story of a woman coming to terms with the loss of her mother and an inspiring, though haunting, testament to the endurance of the human spirit." -- (Kirkus Reviews)

When young Barbara Bracht's mother suddenly vanishes from her life, no one tells her that her mother has died while giving birth to her younger brother, Eddie. Her father is intent upon erasing any memory of his dead wife, but Barbara continues to believe that her mother is missing until a cousin tells her the truth. As the years of deception unravel, the tough and sassy Barbara struggles to pursue her own dreams and make peace with a crushing family secret.

Offering hope, Veronica's Grave is a captivating story that asks us to consider what parents owe their children, and how far a child will go to keep the memory of her mother alive.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©2016 Barbara Bracht Donsky (P)2016 Barbara Bracht Donsky

interesting book about familysecrets

I liked this book. I even got angry sometimes, when I didn't agree with what some family members said/did. The narrator was good too.

I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher.

Well Done!

Would you listen to Veronica's Grave again? Why?

Absolutely! I started listening yesterday morning and pretty much listened straight through. Stopped only to sleep. The book is so beautifully written, the story so clearly remembered, the narrator so masterful in her understanding and interpretation.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Veronica's Grave?

Searching for, not finding, than discovering Veronica's grave is a scene that certainly deserves the title.

Which character – as performed by Leslie S. Miller – was your favorite?

Barbara, of course. Such a commentary on love in its many forms.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The candor of the Valentine's Day dinner, when Donsky provides a look at the depth of love beyond the romantic.

Any additional comments?

The narrator's abilities to tell the story in a child's voice, to use non-English words, and especially to sing snippets are nothing short of awesome. Audio readers will delight!

Memories of Mom

If you could sum up Veronica's Grave in three words, what would they be?

Life without mom

A touching story about a young girl who loses her mom too early in life and her journey to find her again.

What did you like best about this story?

This is a very touching story of Barbara and her life. The story is well told and you feel for the little girl in the beginning, middle, and end. I rooted her own while she went to TWA and her 'men on the bases'.

Which character – as performed by Leslie S. Miller – was your favorite?

Barbara was the main character and my favorite. This is her story and she shone throughout.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I cried near the end when you find out about the grave and then the epilogue. There were other times where I was laughing out loud like during the date where her father shows up.

Any additional comments?

This audiobook was provided by the author/narrator/publisher free of charge in exchange for an unbiased review.

A charming and deeply personal story

Where does Veronica's Grave rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

One of the best audiobooks I've listened to

Who was your favorite character and why?

Barbara, (Naturally) because we follow her thought process and emotional journey through a uniquely difficult struggle

Which character – as performed by Leslie S. Miller – was your favorite?

Barbara, as the sense of curiosity and playfulness Leslie Miller imbues on her is engaging and immersive.

very well done

I was captivated by the life of Barbara. The narrator was fantastic in speaking different languages where needed and had a beautiful voice for the phrases that were sung.

Absolutely delightful

This is one of those books that had me crying one minute and laughing the next. I made the mistake of beginning it three or four hours before bedtime I had to stay awake and finish it, it is that good. The narration was perfect I loved the way she sounded like a child in the first part of the book and then expertly navigated the foreign languages toward the end of the book. Do yourself a favor and get this book. I was voluntarily provided a review copy by the author publisher or narrator

Veronica's Grave

Veronica's Grave: A Daughter's Memoir
: Barbara Bracht Donsky


As a ten year old girl my mother died. I knew about my mom, thankfully. I was able to empathize with Barbara. Her story of moving on in life was good, but towards the end it felt like a travelogue with built in gemology lessons.


The narration was well done by Leslie S. Miller.



"I was voluntarily provided this review copy audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator."

Delightful

A wonderful story made even better by excellent narration. Would highly recommend. It is compelling and draws you into her world effortlessly.

Going back in time through the eyes of a child

At first I thought this book was a mystery, but it is not. This is the story of life through the eyes of a little girl after her mother "disappeared" from her life. The period details bring the era to life vividly and the characters are wonderfully present- voiced perfectly by the narrator.

Despite it not being a mystery I very much enjoyed this book and the writing. It is not what I would normally listen to but was very interesting and well written. I gave it 5 stars because it is great at what it is: a memoir.

great but heartbreaking!

Couldn't imagine loosing my Mom at any age. My heart ached for her. Great book from a little girls perspective!  Narration was awesome!! I received this audio book at no cost in exchange for a fair and honest review.