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Brothers and Keepers  By  cover art

Brothers and Keepers

By: John Edgar Wideman
Narrated by: Mirron Willis
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Publisher's summary

“A rare triumph” (The New York Times Book Review), this powerful memoir about the divergent paths taken by two brothers is a classic work from one of the greatest figures in American literature: a reflection on John Edgar Wideman’s family and his brother’s incarceration—a classic that is as relevant now as when originally published in 1984.

A “brave and brilliant” (The Philadelphia Inquirer) portrait of lives arriving at different destinies, the classic John Edgar Wideman memoir Brothers and Keepers is a haunting portrait of two brothers—one an award-winning writer, the other a fugitive wanted for a robbery that resulted in a murder. Wideman recalls the capture of his younger brother, Robby, details the subsequent trials that resulted in a sentence of life in prison, and provides vivid views of the American prison system.

A gripping, unsettling account, Brothers and Keepers weighs the bonds of blood, affection, and guilt that connect Wideman and his brother and measures the distance that lies between them. “If you care at all about brotherhood and dignity...this is a must-read book” (The Denver Post). With a new afterword by his brother Robert Wideman, recently released after more than 50 years in prison.

©1984 John Edgar Wideman (P)2023 Audible, Inc.

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Heartbreaking but beautifully written

Loved this book. Read it without taking breaks. Narration was excellent. The thought of incarceration is supposed to be a deterrent for committing crimes but when instant wealth is within the grasp of certain minded individuals, they make a conscious decision and cross a dangerous line. Forty years is a long time to think about those decisions. Rehabilitation works for those who are not career criminals and to take away programs that give hope is a travesty. I was brought to tears to learn that computers were trashed because of politics. Learning is an everlasting journey. The world is ever changing . The reader is taken on this author’s journey, tragic though it was. So glad he was given a chance to share his story with us.

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Beautifully Told

This book is a front row seat to breathtaking metamorphosis of the author and his brother. Truly moving.

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22 people found this helpful