Glorious

By: Bernice L. McFadden

Narrated by: Alfre Woodard

Length: 5 hrs and 59 mins

Publisher's summary

Academy Award nominee Alfre Woodard narrates Glorious, by Bernice L. McFadden, a novel set against the backdrops of the Jim Crow South, the Harlem Renaissance, and the civil rights era. This is the story of Easter Venetta Bartlett, a fictional Harlem Renaissance writer whose tumultuous path out of Waycross, Georgia, to success, ruin, and revival offers a candid portrait of the American experience in all its beauty and cruelty. Woodard’s nuanced narration beautifully enhances McFadden’s imaginative blend of fictional and real events and people—such as Marcus Garvey, Langston Hughes, pianist Fats Waller, and shipping heiress Nancy Cunard.

Glorious poses the question that is the title of Langston Hughes’s famous poem: What happens to a dream deferred? It is an audacious exploration into the nature of self-hatred, love, possession, ego, betrayal, and, finally, redemption. Easter is not only a survivor, but also a creator, and a fearless blazer of trails.

Bernice L. McFadden is the author of six critically acclaimed novels, including the classic Sugar and Nowhere Is a Place, which was a Washington Post Best Fiction title for 2006.

©2010 Bernice L. McFadden (P)2010 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

• Audie Award Winner - Best Solo Narration - Female, 2011

"McFadden's lively and loving rendering of New York hews closely to the jazz-inflected city of myth.... McFadden has a wonderful ear for dialogue, and her entertaining prose equally accommodates humor and pathos." (New York Times Book Review)

"McFadden tells Easter's story with zest and affection." (All Things Considered, NPR)

"Easter's hope for love to overthrow hate—and her intense exposure to both—cogently stands for America's potential, and McFadden's novel is a triumphant portrayal of the ongoing quest." (Publishers Weekly)

Engrossing

Where does Glorious rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Glorious certainly rates high on my list of audiobooks.

What did you like best about this story?

I love historical fiction when it is done well, and this was very well done. It was easy to believe that Easter and Rain lived through those times. It was easy to believe that their stories were true. McFadden managed to present the really difficult truth of the cruelty that existed (and still does, I'm sure) with the glorious feeling of a life well lived.

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

Alfre Woodard's voice is like velvet. The voices she created for the characters gave real dimension to the listening experience.

Engrossing story, strong performance

Would you consider the audio edition of Glorious to be better than the print version?

I don't know. I have not read the print version. Sorry.

What other book might you compare Glorious to and why?

It would complement The Warmth of Other Suns.

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

Great and expressive voices and a good ear for character and dialect.

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

Lots---it is in many ways a book of moving moments. But I actually think that could be interpreted as a weakness. I enjoyed it a lot though. It made my long runs great!

Absolutely Glorious

Alfred Woodard did a remarkable job narrating this story.The characters are as colorful as the plots and twists, heartache and joyful moments....I didn't think I would be able to hang after listening to the first few chapters because the events are so grueling but I am so happy that I did because the very last quote from Zora Neale Hurston speaks volumes after this read...

???

I don't even know what I just listened to. I'm disappointed. The story just didn't seem cohesive and the ending was odd. I've only read one other book by McFadden and it was good so I had high hopes. I just don't know what happened here. I'm not sure what the plot was and I have so many questions. I was bored and only finished because I paid for it and I loved Alfre Woodard's narration. Other than that, the story was a fail for me.

Tragically beautiful

After the violent beginnings, the story picked up but slowly compounded the tragedy. Really didn’t like the way it skipped over 45 years... but Alfre Woodard was a brilliant narrator.

ABSOLUTELY BREATHTAKING

I am sitting here looking for the right words. Unbelievably beautiful. Alfre Woodard gave this work SUCH JUSTICE. It left an imprint on me and a thirst for more books by black authors. If you're on the fence, I say don't be. READ THIS ITS AMAZING

Makes Me Appreciate Living In The 21st Century

I read this book first, then I listened to it. Both times I tried to envision what it must have been like for this young black woman, who was well educated for her time, the Jim Crow era, to live a life so unfulfilling. Although it was a well written story, I was hoping for more. I wasn't quite satisfied. Alfre Woodard was an amazing narrator, in which she brought each character to life; she made them real to me. I appreciate the women who lived during these times, who made such sacrifices, which allow me to be the woman I am today.

Taking us back in time

McFadden takes us back in time to the Jim Crow south and the Harlem renaissance. Her protagonist is a memorable character. There is a plot twist that frustrated me and made this a 4 star rather than a 5.

this author.. this book.. amazing

I couldn't wait to get to the next chapter. I laughed I cried I got angry... it was all oh so real to me. my heart moved in ways I thought it had forgotten how to do.

Awesome

the book starred off waaaaaay heavier than I wanted to deal with. but excellent story.