Rush Home Road

By: Lori Lansens

Narrated by: Ruby Dee

Length: 6 hrs and 27 mins

Publisher's summary

When Addy Shadd was a young girl living in Rusholme, she was taught the history of her town, which was settled by fugitive slaves in the 1800s. It was told to her like a storybook legend - and although Addy is forced to leave her beloved home as a teenager, the place will call to her for the rest of her life. She thinks of it as a commandment: "Rush home, Addy Shadd. Thou shalt rush home." But the stories and memories of Addy's past have been buried deep in her 70-year-old heart - memories that are by turns dark and poignant, erotic and mysterious.

When five-year-old Sharla Cody is abandoned on Addy's trailer-park doorstep, the old woman doesn't know if she is up to the task of mothering the willful, curious child. But she takes the little girl into her home, and Sharla opens a door to Addy's past - to memories of the strawberry fields, the church graveyard, and the tender crust of her Mama Laisa's apple pies. The past returns to Addy Shadd, and as she sits in her trailer she can close her eyes and "see the county farms and city streets and recall each season of death and rebirth." Somehow, Sharla Cody helps Addy make sense of her long and hard life so she can find forgiveness - and finally make the journey home again.

©2002 Lori Lansens (P)2002 Time Warner AudioBooks, a Division of AOL Time Warner Book Group

Critic reviews

"Lansens is a brilliant talent, with a profound, big-hearted comprehension of human flaws and humane possibilities." (The Globe and Mail)

Could not finish it

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

Would not recommend Maybe I was swayed by the 2 depressing books I had just listened to, but I could not hear more than the first couple of chapters. Just did not want to go where it was taking me.

Many mentioned they loved the reading, but I did not feel that same way.

Great Story, loved it.

Would you consider the audio edition of Rush Home Road to be better than the print version?

Yes, as I love being read to. It allows me to continue doing projects while listening to a wonderful story. Better than listening to TV...no commercials!

What did you like best about this story?

The two time periods interwove.

Any additional comments?

Ruby Dee is a great narrator and the story was great from start to finish.

One great story!

This is a great heart felt story. The narration was superb, the characters came to life.

Favorite Fiction!

I read this book once a year, it’s touching and perfect! The narrator really adds flavor and character to the story!

"Rush back my Credit"

The story was okay, but the narration was AWFUL! It seemed.... like a str..ange... breathing pattern..... that made....it as painful....listen (sorry Ruby Dee, just didn't strike my fancy and was distracting as could be!). Plot was about a women who takes care of a girl left on her doorstep - bringing back memories of her earlier years. Could have been an okay plot except she started throwing in communicating spirits and the longest string of bad luck. Save your credit.

filthy language and violent content

This book wasn’t for you, but who do you think might enjoy it more?

I would really like to see a rating system on books like they have on games and movies that will tell you about the content before you buy it. The first chapter contained filthy language and violence (a scene where a child is raped). This book was a waste of my money as I do not want to listen any further. Big bummer!

You didn’t love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

I loved the readers voice! She brought life to the story.

Any additional comments?

I wish I could get my money back :(