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Black and Blue Audiobook
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(3.00) - 34,616 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
Writing with the depth and insight that have become her signature, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Anna Quindlen explores a passionate marriage that turns into a nightmare. This Oprah's Book Club selection, destined to become as successful a best-seller as One True Thing, secures her reputation as a significant author of fiction. When 19-year-old Fran married Bobby Benedetto, she never dreamed that she would find herself in an abusive relationship. Every time her New York City policeman husband hit her, she would think of convincing reasons to stay. Now, with her 10-year-old son in tow, she is running for her life. Living in Florida under an assumed name, she is bravely shaping a new life and dares to believe that, finally, she has escaped from her painful past. Black and Blue is a wise and powerful novel whose protagonists could be the people next door. Ruth Ann Phimister's narrative talent beautifully underscores a suspenseful and very important exploration of the complexity of personal relationships.
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"Another tear jerker. I remember sobbing at the end of this book. It is the story of a woman abused by her otherwise handsome, popular husband. Even though I read it a while back the book has really stayed with me. I highly recommend this book."
— Paola (5 out of 5 stars)
Quotes
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“Engrossing—compassionate and tense.”
— New York Times -
“Beautifully paced…keeps the reader anxiously turning the pages.”
— New York Times Book Review -
“Absolutely believable—Quindlen writes with power and grace.”
— Boston Globe -
“Her best novel yet.”
— Publishers Weekly
Awards
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New York Times bestseller
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A USA Today bestseller
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An Oprah’s Book Club Selection in 1998
Black and Blue Listener Reviews
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" Beautifully written. A story of a woman on the run from domestic violence. Unpacks how love and fury can be so closely related, and investigates why it's so hard for some women to leave abusive relationships. "
— Lindsay, 2/18/2014 -
" A story of a battered woman who,fearing for her life, escapes from her cop husband with her son through a network of people who create a new identity for her and her son. Apparently this network is more successful than the Witness Protection Agency. I did not find this book engrossing or even interesting at times - too full of nostalgia and conjecture. "
— Arlene, 2/13/2014 -
" Awesome book. Kept me on the edge of my seat. "
— Shawna, 2/1/2014 -
" Definitely a good weekend read. Lots of twists and turns keep you guessing. "
— Karen, 1/25/2014 -
" Her books serve a social purpose. This one tells how difficult it can be for women to escape angry, hostile husbands. "
— Joe, 1/24/2014 -
" I never realized this was an "Oprah's Book Club". I'm not part of "the club". But I liked the book. "
— Carmen, 1/20/2014 -
" I think I recently became a huge Anna Quindlen fan. I had read a few things in the past, but the books I read this week have truly won me over. Most especially "Every Last One". Wow!! This one is another that gives a person pause for thought about "what would I do" in the same situation. A situation that happens every day in every city and in every country. I can't decide between a three star and a four, will leave it at three. Should be 3.5 "
— Zoe, 1/17/2014 -
" So Oprah. Too Oprah. "
— Robyn, 1/6/2014 -
" I saw this in Amazon, and I thought it was a good read having made the Oprah Book Club. I don't know, I thought the plot build-up was good, but the ending just didn't live up to it. "
— Nenette, 1/6/2014 -
" Unflinching portrayal of domestic violence and the lengths a woman will go to in order to protect her son. A real page turner with an unsettling ending. Quindlen is a wonderful writer no matter which subject she tackles. "
— Leigh, 1/6/2014 -
" The first Anna Quindlen novel I tried. Not thrilled with the battered woman plot which is fairly predictable. After getting through all of that, I at least hoped for an uplifting ending. It lacked resolution and left you wondering if all the risks and fear throughout the story were worth it. "
— Clair, 12/7/2013 -
" Interesting ending, didn't expect it but good book overall. "
— Jamye, 11/24/2013 -
" Loved this book. Very thought provoking. "
— Debra, 11/23/2013 -
" decent but not wild about the ending "
— Brooke, 10/21/2013 -
" I don't believe that this book should have had so many pages. It was long for no reason. The book was pretty good, even though it was kind of predictable . I give it a 3/5. "
— Dionna, 10/16/2013 -
" It will really break your heart! "
— Andrea, 10/4/2013 -
" I love almost anything she writes, however this book is extremely predictable. I recommend as a great quick summer read. "
— Meggan, 4/24/2013 -
" Frightening. Heartbreaking. So well written. "
— Leslie, 8/12/2011 -
" If you're like me and veer toward the morose and depressing than you'll like this book. "
— Elle, 11/21/2010 -
" The part of this story I like the most is the ending. "
— Kelli, 10/11/2010 -
" Great read. I love all of Quindlen's books. This was just my latest. Now, I've read all of her books. Black and Blue really helped me understand the plight and thinking of women with abusive husbands. "
— Melissa, 6/6/2010 -
" Why did she stay with him so long after so many beatings? A hard question but she does give insight to spousal abuse. "
— Melinda, 4/27/2010 -
" Anna Quindlen does an amazing job of creating a character that is sympathetic but not a victim. "
— Erica, 4/4/2010 -
" I agree with many of the other reviewers. As you read it, you can see it playing out on Lifetime TV. It's saving grace is the ending is not what you expect. "
— Diane, 3/7/2010 -
" About a woman who escapes, with her son, from an abusive marriage. A lot of swearing. Stream of consciousness writing. Felt like a very "real" discussion of the emotions and thoughts of an abused woman. "
— Heathermommy, 12/29/2009 -
" This book is a page turner but it has the worse ending ever. It may be a realistic ending, but when I read fiction I am not necessarily looking for reality. I'm disappointed. "
— Kathleen, 6/25/2009 -
" Fast read. ok book about a woman who gets "relocated" to FL from abusive marriage. I related to her feelings about leaving her house. Liked the relationships she develops in FL. Would probably not recommend. "
— Alexa, 6/8/2009 -
" My first Anna Quindlen book. Difficult subject, sad, but written with delicacy. "
— Chris, 3/29/2009 -
" Seemed pretty realistic on what a women might go through but end was depressing. "
— Pandora, 10/2/2008 -
" Liked it, touching, heartbreaking "
— Jane, 8/31/2008
About Anna Quindlen
Anna Quindlen is the author of many acclaimed books, including the #1 New York Times bestselling novel Rise and Shine and One True Thing, an Oprah Book Club Selection, among others.
About Ruth Ann Phimister
Ruth Ann Phimister has appeared off Broadway and in numerous regional productions, including Life with Father with Robert Reed. She has also worked in television, film, and commercial voice-over.