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Hottentot Venus: A Novel Audiobook
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(3.70) - 40 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
Barbara Chase-Riboud is an award-winning poet, novelist, scholar, and sculptor. Hottentot Venus, a 2004 BCALA Literary Award winner, focuses on Sarah Blaartman, an African tribewoman who, because of her prominent sexual characteristics, was paraded as a freak before audiences in England and Paris. This mesmerizing novel reflects the racism and cruelty of turn-of-the-century Eurocentric culture, but it also reveals Sarah's remarkable strength of spirit.
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"Well-written and incredibly thought-provoking. Throughout my reading of the book, I couldn't help but think about the exploitation of the scantily dressed women you see dancing in so many of today's music videos. "
— Lori (4 out of 5 stars)
Quotes
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“Kudos to Chase-Riboud for exploring this story of oppression and for humanizing a woman who was virtually regarded as an animal, according to the ideology of the day.”
— Publishers Weekly -
“Praise to Chase-Riboud for her total immersion in the spirit of Sarah Baartman.”
— Booklist
Hottentot Venus Listener Reviews
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" It was all right. Good story, but it wasn't easy to keep up with who was talking or even IF someone was actually talking. I wouldn't recommend it, but feel free to read it if you're interested. *chuckles* "
— Kimberly, 12/13/2013 -
" just couldn't get into subject..didn't finish "
— Marion, 8/16/2013 -
" In 1800s Europe, a young African girl is put on display as the Hottentot Venus. "
— Valerie, 6/9/2013 -
" This book made me sad. I was disturbed by the perceptions of blacks but realize that some people still feel that way today. The main character lived a horrible life and her death was no better. "
— Sophia, 4/18/2013 -
" I got this book as a gift because someone told me I was shaped physically like the women in this text, I was insulted, however after reading this book i gained a new level of appreciation for my shape and I'm honor to be associated with such extraordinary women. "
— Armena, 4/2/2013 -
" Sarah Bartman is a strong, intelligent woman who is put through the unthinkable for absurd and obscure ends. She is an inspiration. "
— Dragonfly0628, 12/30/2012 -
" Amazing story that exposes objectification. "
— Leena, 10/2/2012 -
" Moving historical, biographical fiction novel about race, ethics, and humanity. Although the ending is a little long-winded, it is a compelling character-driven book. "
— Jeff, 9/4/2012 -
" Did not care too much for this story. Thought I would have found it interestind due to South Africa and the natives....no. "
— Arlene, 1/17/2012 -
" Heartbreaking story of Saartjie Baartman, South African Hottentot woman taken to England under false pretense of marriage, but in reality to be gawked at a freakshow. "
— Carol, 5/10/2011 -
" Disturbing true tale of a time in history where it was perfectly acceptable to exploit a person publicly for money. Very well written, sympathetic and eye opening. "
— Eileen, 3/26/2011 -
" Well-written and incredibly thought-provoking. Throughout my reading of the book, I couldn't help but think about the exploitation of the scantily dressed women you see dancing in so many of today's music videos. "
— Lori, 1/18/2011 -
" It was all right. Good story, but it wasn't easy to keep up with who was talking or even IF someone was actually talking. I wouldn't recommend it, but feel free to read it if you're interested. *chuckles* "
— Kimberly, 10/8/2010 -
" Heartbreaking story of Saartjie Baartman, South African Hottentot woman taken to England under false pretense of marriage, but in reality to be gawked at a freakshow. "
— Carol, 7/20/2009 -
" In 1800s Europe, a young African girl is put on display as the Hottentot Venus. "
— Valerie, 7/19/2008 -
" Sarah Bartman is a strong, intelligent woman who is put through the unthinkable for absurd and obscure ends. She is an inspiration. "
— Dragonfly0628, 3/18/2008 -
" Disturbing true tale of a time in history where it was perfectly acceptable to exploit a person publicly for money. Very well written, sympathetic and eye opening. "
— Eileen, 1/9/2008 -
" I got this book as a gift because someone told me I was shaped physically like the women in this text, I was insulted, however after reading this book i gained a new level of appreciation for my shape and I'm honor to be associated with such extraordinary women. "
— Armena, 7/26/2007 -
" Moving historical, biographical fiction novel about race, ethics, and humanity. Although the ending is a little long-winded, it is a compelling character-driven book. "
— Jeff, 7/7/2007
About Barbara Chase-Riboud
Barbara Chase-Riboud won the Janet Heidinger Kafka Prize for best novel by an American woman for Sally Hemings. A widely exhibited and acclaimed sculptor as well as a writer, her novels include Echo of Lions and The President’s Daughter. She divides her time between Paris and the United States.
About Robin Miles
Robin Miles, named a Golden Voice by AudioFile magazine, has twice won the prestigious Audie Award for Best Narration, an Audie Award for directing, and many Earphones Awards. Her film and television acting credits include The Last Days of Disco, Primary Colors, Law & Order: Criminal Intent, Law & Order, New York Undercover, National Geographic’s Tales from the Wild, All My Children, and One Life to Live. She regularly gives seminars to members of SAG and AFTRA actors’ unions, and in 2005 she started Narration Arts Workshop in New York City, offering audiobook recording classes and coaching. She holds a BA degree in theater studies from Yale University, an MFA in acting from the Yale School of Drama, and a certificate from the British American Drama Academy in England.