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Makeda Audiobook
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(3.05) - 98 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
Political activist and best-selling author Randall Robinson is a pillar of scholarship and insight within the African-American literary community. His acclaimed novel Makeda stars Gray March, a young man who, beginning in the 1950s, embarks on a journey of spiritual and historical enlightenment through stories he hears from his blind grandmother. "Eloquent and erudite, Robinson's oft-times mystical coming-of-age saga teems with rich and evocative historical insights."-Booklist
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"This book was a pretty good mix of fiction and fact. The author seemed to "time hop" a bit too much, and I found myself trying to figure out which century or year he was in. I also felt that he could have been a bit more detailed in some parts of the book. Other than that, it's a nice book."
— Shauntrice (4 out of 5 stars)
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“Hypnotic…One of the finest novels this year…[Robinson] is a gifted storyteller.”
— Essence -
“Makeda is beyond ambitious and imaginative…well written and powerful, with an ending that is equal parts tragic and romantic in nature…a breathtaking revelation, weighted with romance and lovely passionate prose.”
— New York Journal of Books -
“Robinson is not only exploring what it means to be black. His theme of knowing the past before planning the future applies to all cultures, all people. Pick up this odyssey of family drama, history and love, and be prepared to consider your own beginnings.”
— Shelf Awareness -
“Eloquent and erudite, Robinson’s oft-times mystical coming-of-age saga teems with rich and evocative historical insights.”
— Booklist
Makeda Listener Reviews
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" The grandmother's story was interesting, but the rest of the book wasn't captivating. I fell asleep on the audiobook several times lol. "
— Tamara, 1/14/2014 -
" Wonderful story of a Grandmother that dreams of her African previous lives and her grandson, who wants so much to prove she is certain of her past lives. I enjoyed the story, some parts a little too wordy. "
— Rita, 12/1/2013 -
" Great story but the writing was pretentious. The author felt the need to use difficult vocabulary. I loved the central character Makeda and her many lives. "
— Anna, 8/26/2013 -
" One of the most interesting books I've read in a long time. I thought this book contained so many moments of gorgeous clarity and insight. This is the kind of book that I long to read. "
— Dana, 7/16/2013 -
" Though it was slow going, I got truly caught up in this book and the message as I got more into it. personally, it deserves the five and then more stars it got by me. "
— Nandi, 5/7/2013 -
" Fascinating. Interesting. Thought-provoking. "
— Linda, 4/11/2013 -
" Really liked the primary relationship, protag and grandmother, but not into his writing style. "
— Pamster, 2/13/2013 -
" Beautifully written. A good reminder of our "forgetfulness" in the face of progress and ambition. "
— Darlyne, 12/29/2012 -
" A good premise for a novel, but way too wordy and detailed. The author comes across as an intellectual English major on steroids!! Got better at the end, but not enough to justify a higher rating. "
— Kathy, 11/17/2012 -
" I didn't finish this in time for our book club meeting and discovered that most of us hadn't! :-). We asked the one girl who did to tell us about how it ended, and I wasn't impressed. Other things to read. Like this month's book! :-) "
— Melissa, 10/5/2012 -
" Mr. Robinson's first attempt at fiction. The ideas behind the story are great, but he needs to work on character development and voice. Really wanted more backstory on Makeda and the parents. I will read Mr Robinson's next attempt at fiction. He is an excellent nonfiction writer. "
— Antigo, 8/10/2012 -
" I liked the subject, I liked the two main characters, but I didn't care for Mr. Robinsons writing style. "
— Kathy, 7/15/2012
About Randall Robinson
Randall Robinson is the author of Makeda, An Unbroken Agony, and the national bestsellers The Debt, The Reckoning, Quitting America, and Defending the Spirit, as well as the novel The Emancipation of Wakefield Clay. He is a professor of law at Penn State Law School and is the creator, coproducer, and host of the public television human rights series World on Trial. Robinson lives with his wife Hazel in St. Kitts, West Indies.
About Kevin R. Free
Kevin R. Free is an audiobook narrator and the winner of numerous AudioFile Earphones Awards and several AudioFile best narrations of the year selections. Known for his work with young-adult novels, he has read titles by Rick Riordan, Walter Dean Myers, and Joe Haldeman. In 2011 he was named a Best Voice in Young Adult and Fantasy from AudioFile magazine for his narration of Myers’ The Cruisers: Checkmate.