Listen to a sample
House of Rougeaux
- Author
- Jenny Jaeckel
- Narrator
- Bahni Turpin
- Publish Date
- 24 April 2018
- Run Time
- 9 hours 29 minutes
- Format
- Audiobook
What to expect
Following echoes between generations which defy normal time and space, a multilayered narrative celebrates the Rougeaux family triumphs while exposing the injustices of their trials. It begins with Iya, born in Africa in the 1700s, and brought to the Caribbean island of Martinique as a slave, and her two children, Adunbi and Abeje, who grow up on a sugar estate. The siblings endure because of the kindness of fellow bondsmen and their uncommon abilities. A grandchild becomes emancipated in Quebec City, great-grandchildren find their way in Montreal, a great-great-grandchild runs off to Philadelphia, and another risks everything in New York City. As each new member of the family takes the spotlight, a fresh piece of the puzzle is illuminated until at last, a homecoming uplifts them all. In skillful prose, award-winning author Jenny Jaeckel masterfully blends genres of coming-of-age, folklore, magical realism, and historical fiction with explorations of gender, race, and sexuality, creating a wondrous and harrowing tale of hope and healing.
Critics Review
-
“With its intimate portraits of generations of family members, this layered novel proves a splendid showcase for Turpin’s many talents. Accents—Caribbean, French, and more—flow easily. However, her greatest strength is her ability to reveal characters through her nuanced portrayals…Turpin’s expressive reading grounds listeners in this richly detailed family saga."
Booklist (audio review)
-
“Narrator Bahni Turpin conveys place and time quickly while establishing the characters of Abeje and Adunbi…Turpin conveys the protectiveness of their mother, the brutality of her death, and, afterwards, the tenderness of their protection of each other. Turpin also gives a strong sense of the culture of mysticism, viewed largely through Abeje’s development as a healer…Turpin’s facility with accents and characterizations gives listeners a sense of these shifting time periods and the continuity that comes from generations of treasured family stories.”
AudioFile
-
“The language of each narrator feels authentic, whether slave or business owner, illiterate or educated. A wonderful read.”
Historical Novels Review
-
“Graceful prose and clear purpose make this an excellent addition to historical novels about the French Caribbean.”
Literary Hub
See more reviews See fewer reviews
-
“An intergenerational novel that uses different characters to travel through decades of turmoil and triumphs.”
Bitch Media
-
“Turpin’s cool, clear voice fluidly takes the listener from place to place, and her accent switches seamlessly from Caribbean to French to English to American Southern, giving each character a distinct and authentic voice. Turpin’s multifaceted performance enhances this rich tapestry of a novel.”
Publishers Weekly (starred review)
-
“Fine brushstrokes bring the writing to life, capturing the scent of wood smoke and sun-dried grass, or a box of rose candies that symbolizes choice…The book achieves a resonance that lingers long after its plot points are forgotten. Perhaps the greatest achievement of the book is that in spite of the inescapable presence of slavery and prejudice, it isn’t really about either of these. Jenny Jaeckel’s House of Rougeaux is about people—varied and fully realized individuals who make a flawed world of their own.”
Foreword Reviews
User Reviews
No reviews yet.
Details
- Author
- Jenny Jaeckel
- Narrator
- Bahni Turpin
- Duration
- 9 hours 29 minutes
- Release Date
- 24 April 2018
- ISBN
- 9781941203279
- Format
- Audiobook
- Genre
- Historical fiction, Historical fiction, Fiction: general and literary
Synopsis
Following echoes between generations which defy normal time and space, a multilayered narrative celebrates the Rougeaux family triumphs while exposing the injustices of their trials. It begins with Iya, born in Africa in the 1700s, and brought to the Caribbean island of Martinique as a slave, and her two children, Adunbi and Abeje, who grow up on a sugar estate. The siblings endure because of the kindness of fellow bondsmen and their uncommon abilities. A grandchild becomes emancipated in Quebec City, great-grandchildren find their way in Montreal, a great-great-grandchild runs off to Philadelphia, and another risks everything in New York City. As each new member of the family takes the spotlight, a fresh piece of the puzzle is illuminated until at last, a homecoming uplifts them all. In skillful prose, award-winning author Jenny Jaeckel masterfully blends genres of coming-of-age, folklore, magical realism, and historical fiction with explorations of gender, race, and sexuality, creating a wondrous and harrowing tale of hope and healing.
About xigxag
xigxag is an independent, UK-based audiobook platform and the UK's only B Corp certified audiobook company. We offer nearly 150,000 audiobooks, all with professional human narration. No AI-generated voices. xigxag is rated an Ethical Consumer Best Buy for audiobooks and a top-rated ethical bookshop.
There is no subscription. You buy the audiobooks you want, you own them permanently, and prices start at $13.95. The more you listen over the year, the less you pay per book, and there is always a selection in Listen for Less from $7.95. You can also send audiobooks as gifts using our audiobook gift cards or in-app gifting.
Every audiobook on xigxag has honest reviews covering both the book and the narration, and our community features make it easy to share what you are listening to, discover what others recommend, and find your next listen.
Download or stream on iOS, Android, or in your browser. Browse the full catalogue at xigxag.co.uk.