A Calamity of Souls

De: David Baldacci

Narrado por: David Baldacci, MacLeod Andrews, Sisi Aisha Johnson, Kiiri Sandy, Cary Hite

Duración: 14 h y 28 m

Resumen del Editor

Set in the tumultuous year of 1968 in southern Virginia, a racially-charged murder case sets a duo of white and Black lawyers against a deeply unfair system as they work to defend their wrongfully-accused Black defendants in this courtroom drama from #1 New York Times bestselling author David Baldacci.

Jack Lee is a white lawyer from Freeman County, Virginia, who has never done anything to push back against racism, until he decides to represent Jerome Washington, a Black man charged with brutally killing an elderly and wealthy white couple. Doubting his decision, Lee fears that his legal skills may not be enough to prevail in a case where the odds are already stacked against both him and his client. And he quickly finds himself out of his depth when he realizes that what is at stake is far greater than the outcome of a murder trial.

Desiree DuBose is a Black lawyer from Chicago who has devoted her life to furthering the causes of justice and equality for everyone. She comes to Freeman County and enters a fractious and unwieldy partnership with Lee in a legal battle against the best prosecutor in the Commonwealth. Yet DuBose is also aware that powerful outside forces are at work to blunt the victories achieved by the Civil Rights era.

Lee and DuBose could not be more dissimilar. On their own, neither one can stop the prosecution’s deliberate march towards a guilty verdict and the electric chair. But together, the pair fight for what once seemed impossible: a chance for a fair trial and true justice.

Over a decade in the writing, A Calamity of Souls breathes richly imagined and detailed life into a bygone era, taking the listener through a world that will seem both foreign and familiar.

©2024 David Baldacci (P)2024 Grand Central Publishing

Reseñas de la Crítica

"A Calamity of Souls by David Baldacci is the immovable object of history slamming into the irresistible force of truth. An examination of a fractured place and time where the mores of the past were confronted by the implacable ferocious tenacity of justice. A Tour de Force."—S. A. Cosby, bestselling author of ALL THE SINNERS BLEED and RAZORBLADE TEARS

“A Calamity of Souls, the story of a murder in southern Virginia in the mid-1960’s, may be the best novel David Baldacci has ever written, which is saying a great deal. It has a gripping plot and a shocking ending, and even better than that, is also a perfect evocation of a difficult time in America’s history, propelled by deep and moving characters and beautiful writing. It captured me completely from the very first page.”—Scott Turow, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author

"This is David Baldacci at his best. Using the law and the courtroom as the stage for a searing parable on race and the cost and courage to do the right thing."—Michael Connelly, #1 New York Times bestselling author

Thought provoking who done it

As usual we'll written but this time with a different perspective on our nation and culture. David Baldacci did a wonderful job capturing the unrest, unjust and at times uncompromising history of the 1960's. He illustrates how far we've come yet how far we have to go. Enjoyed every paragraph.

Great realistic story

Fantastically written. Intense and so sad to read how an entire nation became and continues to be so oppressed. Also the fact that because of this they have never had a chance to live in equal freedom with equal rights and obligations in any way.
The optimism and fighting spirit to take on this unfair, frustrating battle is well described. This book is highly recommended!

I loved gaining understanding of situations my black friends had to endure that I didn't.

I loved ALL of this book. I think it is an important book to read to gain empathy and understanding.

Captured the complexity of the issues

At first it was difficult to listen to. Then it brought me back to the reality of my own youth. I lived the though the 50s and 60s. I found the story well written. Relevant to today. Racism harms everyone. Mostly the targeted population but also the dominant group. It forces everyone to cower to the bully.
This story gave me a lot to think about. Well done! I will keep this book in my listen again and share with others list.

I listened every moment I had available!

I loved the character development. The cost of freedom is high. But, some folks choose it anyway. I hope to be that brave someday.

Remarkable

What a gripping story. While it veers quite a bit from his usual style of writing, I enjoyed it just as much.

The best book I have listened to yet!!!

I preordered this book and waited patiently for it to be released, I am happy to say it did not disappoint at all!! I have never read or listened to a book by this author but I must say this book has enticed me to read some of his other books. This book is thought provoking and writes the message on the wall that we are all the same, we bleed the same, we are born the same, we will die the same and we need to treat each other the same. We are all human beings and though we may not be of the same color when it all said and done, if we do not do anything different than our ancestors, it will be a life wasted. God has placed us all here to love and to help each other in this life. His love and the way he loves is the principle thing!!!

Great story!

Racism at its best. A sad but eye opening book. A story about ignorance, hate, love, compassion, and kindness all wrapped up in a frustrating but sadly true book! Times truly have not changed that much when it comes to racism. Simply because of the color of one’s skin! Had me shaking my head several times! Left me floored! Baldacci at its best!

Heartbreaking truths

The author knocked this one out of the park! It is true to actual events of the time. This country has come some distance from those days; but still has a long way to go. The author references the words of Jesus that we all need to care for each other. If we did that the world would be vastly different.

Excellent character development by author.

That the fight for equality was so difficult in those years.
The government has to know that good education of minorities is the best way to ensure equality.