Freeman

By: Leonard Pitts

Narrated by: Sean Crisden

Length: 15 hrs and 46 mins

Publisher's summary

Freeman, the new novel by Leonard Pitts, Jr., takes place in the first few months following the Confederate surrender and the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. Upon learning of Lee's surrender, Sam - a runaway slave who once worked for the Union Army - decides to leave his safe haven in Philadelphia and set out on foot to return to the war-torn South. What compels him on this almost-suicidal course is the desire to find his wife, the mother of his only child, whom he and their son left behind 15 years earlier on the Mississippi farm to which they all "belonged".

At the same time, Sam's wife, Tilda, is being forced to walk at gunpoint with her owner and two of his other slaves from the charred remains of his Mississippi farm into Arkansas, in search of an undefined place that would still respect his entitlements as slave owner and Confederate officer.

The book's third main character, Prudence, is a fearless, headstrong white woman of means who leaves her Boston home for Buford, Mississippi, to start a school for the former bondsmen, and thus honor her father's dying wish.

At its core, Freeman is a love story - sweeping, generous, brutal, compassionate, patient - about the feelings people were determined to honor, despite the enormous constraints of the times. It is this aspect of the novel that should ensure it a strong, vocal, core audience of African-American women, who will help propel its likely critical acclaim to a wider audience. At the same time, this book addresses several themes that are still hotly debated today, some 145 years after the official end of the Civil War.

Like Cold Mountain, Freeman illuminates the times and places it describes from a fresh perspective, with stunning results. It has the potential to become a classic addition to the literature dealing with this period. Few other novels so powerfully capture the pathos and possibility of the era, particularly as it reflects the ordeal of the black slaves grappling with the promise - and the terror - of their new status as free men and women.

©2012 Leonard Pitts, Jr. (P)2012 Tantor

Critic reviews

"In lyrical prose, Pitts unflinchingly and movingly portrays the period's cruelties, and triumphs in capturing the spirit of the times through eminently-identifiable lead characters." ( Publishers Weekly)

A great insight into a tragic time

I really enjoyed this book. We read about the Civil War but who thinks about the years immediately following the end of that war? This book made me think about those years and the radical changes in lifestyle for the slaves as well as their previous owners and, at the same time, it gave me a perspective on many issues of today. (Spoiler alert: some things have not changed) I cared about the characters. I cried at the end. Give it a listen, you will not be disappointed

A most excellent read.

It is difficult to realize how much bigotry and hate really did exist during that era. I only wish we could get past that and get along with one another.

Ending Not Satisfactory

Good story but the ending was unnecessary. It did not add to the story and I would change it if I could. For this reason only I cant recommend.

Powerful!

I have read a lot of books dealing with the subject of slavery, but this one really drives the message home. It is a heart wrenching portrayal of life for black Americans immediately after the Civil War. The author tells this story making the reader truly feel the helplessness and frustration of black citizens in a country dominated by frightened and angry white citizens. It is a powerful book.

Excellent narrating. The story was great.

I loved the story. The narrator was the best I've heard yet. Great narrating makes for great listening. I was never bored. Enjoyed it immensely.

Excellent Story

This was our second Leonard Pitts Jr novel and it does not disappoint!
The reader does an exceptional job with many voices and improved the already great story.
It’s always hard to hear the actual conditions of the black slaves and the exceptional inhuman treatment they had to endure but the author brings all the characters to life so we can know all characters as the great people they are.

Destruction and rebuilding

Would you listen to Freeman again? Why?

Definitely. Another reviewer stated that many people assumed that the troubles of the slaves were mostly over when the Civil War ended. But this does not indicate the continued sorrow of thwarted reunions and lack of education and work opportunities and the hate that pervaded the society toward, not only the negros themselves, but those who assisted them in any way.

it is gritty and hard to read, but well worth the time.

What does Sean Crisden bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

His voice is well-modulated, and he does slight characterizations, well-done, of both northern and southern, black and white. Fantastic narration!

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

There were many that made me sorrowful, those that made me cringe with the inhumanity of them...

Any additional comments?

Great book!

A must read or listen!!

I almost have no words to describe this moving story. All I can say is that it will be a story that stays in your heart and on your mind forever. Be prepared to cry and smile. It is beautifully narrated and would be the best way to enjoy the story to capture the emotion.

Thought provoking story.

I admire Leonard Pitts' writing and enjoy the perspective of his editorials, "Freeman" tells of a time in our country that is painful and ugly, and of people whose lives were full of pain and terrible challenges. The narrator skillfully addresses the multiple individuals with skill, often addresses the horror of their beliefs via the inflection of their speech.

LOVE NEVER FAILS! !

Loved it! truely a deep storyline and journey of love and commitment. A must read