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King Peggy: An American Secretary, Her Royal Destiny, and the Inspiring Story of How She Changed an African Village Audiobook
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(3.04) - 563 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
The charming real-life fairy tale of an American secretary who discovers she has been chosen king of an impoverished fishing village on the west coast of Africa. King Peggy has the sweetness and quirkiness of The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series and the hopeful sense of possibility of Half the Sky. King Peggy chronicles the astonishing journey of an American secretary who suddenly finds herself king to a town of 7,000 souls on Ghana's central coast, half a world away. Upon arriving for her crowning ceremony in beautiful Otuam, she discovers the dire reality: there's no running water, no doctor, and no high school, and many of the village elders are stealing the town's funds. To make matters worse, her uncle (the late king) sits in a morgue awaiting a proper funeral in the royal palace, which is in ruins. The longer she waits to bury him, the more she risks incurring the wrath of her ancestors. Peggy's first two years as king of Otuam unfold in a way that is stranger than fiction. In the end, a deeply traditional African town has been uplifted by the ambitions of its headstrong, decidedly modern female king. And in changing Otuam, Peggy is herself transformed, from an ordinary secretary to the heart and hope of her community.
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"Excellent book that I just happened upon at the library last week. One of the reviews compared it to The No.1 Ladies Detective Agency, which I really enjoyed. I was skeptical of this because that book was fiction and this is nonfiction, but it turned out to be a pretty accurate review! Peggy is such a wonderful person to get to know throughout this book and what she was able to do to a small village in Ghana was amazing. I would highly recommend this book!"
— Lisa (4 out of 5 stars)
King Peggy Listener Reviews
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" I thought this was a terrific biography. King Peggy really made a difference, despite the Council of Elders. Good for her! "
— Darin, 2/14/2014 -
" What a story! Brought back the sights/sounds of Ghana for me. King Peggy's village is not far from Winneba. Can't wait to hear her in person at the Virginia Festival of the Book. A story of destiny, character & sacrifice. "
— Krista, 2/9/2014 -
" By the end of this story of how a secretary at the Ghanaian embassy became king of a small village I was convinced that King Peggy is an admirable woman "
— Susan, 2/7/2014 -
" It was hard for me to read because King Peggy was much more tolerant and patient than I. To come into this position and accomplish so much is amazing and inspiring. That said , I had to skim read. "
— J, 2/4/2014 -
" I listened to this book. The narrator was awesome and really did a great job with different voices for different characters. "
— Susihan, 1/29/2014 -
" A great non-fiction book! "
— Rrshively, 1/28/2014 -
" Remarkable story about a remarkable, strong, compassionate, visionary and determined woman! A real hero for our time! "
— Peggy, 1/27/2014 -
" Great book. So much fun to read. I wish Peggy all the luck in the world. "
— Laura, 1/19/2014 -
" Interesting story. King Peggy is a great example of selflessness, and I hope she is able to acheive all that she has set out to. "
— Stephanie, 1/12/2014 -
" Easy read and thoroughly entertaining...what a woman goes through! "
— Kenya, 1/7/2014 -
" This was a really good book. Talk about strong black women, this is truly one. Her sense of family and people made her the strong woman she is and I can only wish her all the very best in her journey. "
— Vanessa, 12/16/2013 -
" Awesome book. A wonderful juxtaposition of America and Africa. And an excellent illustration of achievements through love-of-right, honesty, faithfulness, backbone, and patience. "
— Christi, 10/8/2013 -
" One of my favorite books ever! Great real characters, wonderful descriptions of the place and culture that is foreign to me. Uplifting, moving, and Real life funny. "
— Heather, 1/29/2013 -
" I enjoyed it and learned somethings along the way. "
— Linda, 1/24/2013 -
" Just finished this book--loved it! While exposing the infuriating corruption that prevents progress in Africa, this book also makes you appreciate the roots of family and forgiveness at the heart of Ghanaian culture. "
— Natalie, 12/2/2012 -
" Interesting memoir. I admire Peggy's tenacity and wish her well. "
— Tara, 9/2/2012 -
" Very good story, Made me admire King Peggy and all her leadership, faith and strength. Lots of true humorous characters and events happening. Loved it! "
— Marnie, 6/4/2012 -
" A surprisingly entertaining and informative story about a black American secretary working for the Ghana embassy in Washington, D.C. who is elected king of her local African village. "
— Grandpa, 5/2/2012
About the Authors
Eleanor Herman is a New York Times bestselling historian. Born in Baltimore, Maryland, she is married and lives in McLean, Virginia.