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House of Rougeaux: A Novel Audiobook
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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.
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“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
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“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) -
“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 -
“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
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About Jenny Jaeckel
Jenny Jaeckel’s previous titles include For the Love of Meat: Nine Illustrated Stories, Siberiak: My Cold War Adventure on the River Ob, and the graphic memoir Spot 12: Five Months in the Neonatal ICU, which was the winner of the 2017 Next Generation Indie Book Awards. Originally from California, Jenny Jaeckel lives in Victoria, British Columbia, with her husband and child.
About Bahni Turpin
Bahni Turpin, winner of numerous AudioFile Earphones Awards and several prestigious Audie Awards for her narrations, was named a “Golden Voice” by AudioFile magazine in 2019. Publishers Weekly magazine named her Narrator of the Year for 2016. She is an ensemble member of the Cornerstone Theater Company in Los Angeles. She has guest starred in many television series, including NYPD Blue, Law & Order, Six Feet Under, Cold Case, What about Brian, and The Comeback. Film credits include Brokedown Palace, Crossroads, and Daughters of the Dust. She is also a member of the recording cast of The Help, which won numerous awards.