When the Stars Fall to Earth

A Novel of Africa

By: Rebecca Tinsley

Narrated by: Holly Villaire

Length: 9 hrs and 49 mins

Publisher's summary

When the Stars Fall to Earth is the story of five young Darfuris trying to make sense of their changing world in a time of war. Their lives come together in a tale of love and loss, self-reliance and courage, fear and violence. They overcome the ultimate challenge: to become proud survivors with a future rather than defeated victims, despite the tragedy enveloping them.

Based on true stories told to human-rights journalist and activist Rebecca Tinsley. Ms. Tinsley has worked in nine African countries. Together with her husband, Henry, she was asked by President and Mrs. Carter to found the Carter Center UK. She is a tireless advocate for human rights around the world. 50% of all proceeds from this audiobook are donated to Network for Africa's projects with survivors of genocide.

©2011 Rebecca Tinsley (P)2013 Hamm & Clov Stage Company

Critic reviews

"Young people in Darfur have had their lives stolen away from them whilst the world has watched. Rebecca's book takes us on their journey and lets us listen to their unbelievable stories, encouraging all of us to act to ensure that the people of Darfur can live in peace and dignity." (Sir Richard Branson)

"[Rebecca Tinsley's] book When the Stars Fall to Earth is a gripping, honest, and ultimately life-changing tale. It is a wake-up call to all who read it, and a reminder that the worst sin we as Americans and Westerners can commit is to turn away, close our eyes and ears, and fail to act in the face of such suffering." (Kathleen Tobin Krueger, wife of Ambassador Robert Krueger)

an amazing book!

Would you listen to When the Stars Fall to Earth again? Why?

Yes

What did you like best about this story?

This is a brilliant book.. It held my attention completely as all wonderful stories do. The characters were not only real, they were totally fleshed out and interesting people. I felt
caught up in a world that captivated me from the first sentence.

If you could rename When the Stars Fall to Earth, what would you call it?

The title is perfect for this book.

Any additional comments?

Get the book! Read it or listen to it....just go for it. Few books take you into such an absorbing world as this excellent book does.

Haunting and troubling

When the Stars Fall to Earth is a haunting novel, that brings to life the appalling human rights tragedy of Darfur. That the terrible events have been largely ignored by the international community adds to the tragedy. A gripping story, sensitively told, following the lives of of the innocent victims who are caught in the cross-fire, it exposes the true horrors that so many have had to endure. I urge you to read it.

What we do not know.

Well written fictional depiction of true events. Characters believable and we can experience their awful fate. History keeps producing evil people that use power to conquer innocents. Not sad but empowering.

Every Genocide Survivor Should Read This Book

I only listened to this novel because there is not much serious nonfiction available on Darfur, but it turned out that the novel was more informative than most nonfiction on the matter, and immensely moving. This is not just a great story but an opportunity to understand a contemporary genocide from the inside out. You will see things from the point of view of besieged villagers, refugee camp survivors, gang raped women who find their voice, rebel soldiers who reclaim their heritage, refugees making their home in the West, and activists advocating for their lives. The subject matter lends to the story far more action than most novels, but also more meaning. And it moved me to tears on multiple occasions. This is simply not to be missed.

~ Theo Horesh, author of The Holocausts We All Deny

ESSENTIAL READING ON DARFUR

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes. This is the best book on the genocide in Darfur that I ever read. It's crafted with the pacing and intricate plot of a novel, but the information is clearly a firsthand account of a journalist.

What did you like best about this story?

The story itself is compeling, but the characters are vivid and real. You cannot read these pages without understanding the complex tragedy of Darfur. You cry with the characters both in the tragedy and in their victories.

Have you listened to any of Holly Villaire’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No, I have never listened to one of her other performances.

If you could take any character from When the Stars Fall to Earth out to dinner, who would it be and why?

My first thought would be Zara who survives and comes to the United States to tell others of what she has lived through, but I think Hawa because she shows the most courage of all of the characters and she starts with no sense of self and grows into a survivor who will be a catalyst for change.

Any additional comments?

It's one of the best books I've ever read--and I'm an avid reader. I read it and have listened to the the audio. Both experiences are worth the time it takes. I will listen to it again and again.

A must read on Darfur

The author's gift is taking what is often presented as a complex situation - the genocide and ongoing atrocities in Darfur - and telling it as a story that a wide audience can relate to, because in the end it is a story about survival, love, family, and community: the ingredients of all human stories. Whether you currently know nothing about Darfur or you're a human rights activist who reads the Sudan Tribune regularly, this novel will help you better understand what has happened in Darfur and the amazing resiliency of Darfuri survivors.

Compelling!

If you could sum up When the Stars Fall to Earth in three words, what would they be?

Global novel, human themes

What other book might you compare When the Stars Fall to Earth to and why?

What is the What, Dave Eggers. The books both deal with contemporary themes of war-riven Africa.

Which scene was your favorite?

Outstanding book!

What made the experience of listening to When the Stars Fall to Earth the most enjoyable?

The story itself is an amazing one that demonstrates the power of hope and the survival of humanity even in the most inhumane of circumstances.

What did you like best about this story?

The telling of the story through the eyes of various characters, and the powerfulness of each of these characters and their experiences both horrible and beautiful.

What about Holly Villaire’s performance did you like?

She really brought the characters and story to life.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

YES! It was absolutely riveting!

Any additional comments?

This is one of the best books I've listened to in a long time. I would recommend it not only because it tells an important story, but because it is well written, narrated, and leaves the listener enthralled.

Beautifully written story on a heart wrenching sub

Where does When the Stars Fall to Earth rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This is by far the best book I have listened to on audiobooks hands down!

Who was your favorite character and why?

Hawa is my favorite character. Her bravery in helping others and learning a new field in such very depressing surroundings is nothing short of noble!

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

I think she brings a life to the story I wouldn't have experienced if I had just read the book.

Who was the most memorable character of When the Stars Fall to Earth and why?

Ahmed was the most memorable character for me. He was such a decent and true boy and had such a God given gift for soccer.

Any additional comments?

I would highly recommend this purchase! It is one of the best books I've "heard" in years!

Narrator falls to earth

Would you be willing to try another one of Holly Villaire’s performances?

No. She was fine in overall narration but when it came to male characters, she was just awful. They all sounded exactly the same, and they all shouted their lines like fishmongers.
I could not finish listening to this book because of this.