• A Girl Named Disaster

  • By: Nancy Farmer
  • Narrated by: Lisette Lecat
  • Length: 12 hrs and 7 mins
  • 4.3 out of 5 stars (90 ratings)

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A Girl Named Disaster  By  cover art

A Girl Named Disaster

By: Nancy Farmer
Narrated by: Lisette Lecat
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Publisher's summary

Newbery Medal, 1997.

Eleven-year-old Nhamo is running for her life. When the village witch finder decrees that she must marry a cruel stranger to propitiate an evil spirit, her only recourse is to steal a fishing boat and go looking for a father she has never met. Alone on the Musengezi River, Nhamo has meager resources to help her survive loneliness, hunger, wild animals, and even land mines. During the grueling months in her leaking boat and on a deserted island, she has only visions of her dead mother and other spirit ancestors to sustain her. They transform her solitary journey into a luminous spiritual odyssey, one from which she will need to draw strength when she reaches her destination.

Listeners who have enjoyed another of her Newbery Honor books, The Ear, the Eye, and the Arm, know the broad range of imagination and talent this award-winning author brings to her work. Young listeners will gain a healthy respect for the richness of cultural diversity even as they're realizing the universality of the human experience.

©1996 Nancy Farmer (P)1997 Recorded Books, LLC

What listeners say about A Girl Named Disaster

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  • LR
  • 11-24-15

FINALLY Audible has this fantastic book!

Any additional comments?

I've loved A Girl Named Disaster for a long time, but haven't heard it in a long while because FOREVER it was only available in out of print cassette tapes. I'm so happy Audible has it as I'm a huge fan of Nancy Farmer and her writing. Thank you Audible!

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2 people found this helpful

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Folklore of Mozambique and Zimbabwe

I enjoyed hearing the African stories and folktales. Anyone that has an interest in Zimbabwe and Mozambique lore would enjoy this book. I especially enjoyed the definitions given at the end of the book; it provided me with a better insight into the folklore.

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Extraordinary

Listening to this audiobook is a life changing experience. It is clear that the author has deep connections and the utmost respect for the characters and cultures in her story. This book has solidified Nancy Farmer as one of my favorite authors. And of course, another beautiful narration by Lisette Lecat.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Fascinating

This story took me to different world. The girl suffers starvation and disease, but more importantly grinding loneliness. Throughout everything there is a mood of hope, strength, courage.

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1 person found this helpful

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  • 05-15-17

Very good story

I love this book it is so interesting I love lisning to it over and over again!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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    4 out of 5 stars
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Unique

I much enjoyed learning somewhat about African culture. The story was entertaining throughout. Africa is truly a mysterious place. The book peaked my interest to learn more.

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Good book

G r e a t b o o k l o v e d I t sorry I need to do that for the fifteen word limit

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Good at beginning but it is so long

it goes on to long and it puts filler in you can cut half of the book and it would be better

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Excellent performance by Lisette Lecat

Ms. Lecat's ability to create different characters with her voice really brings the novel to life, and added to my enjoyment of the novel. Kudos to you, Ms.. Lecat!

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Good one time listen

Good story about bravery and trusting that people are generally good and want to help. Interesting portrayal of African culture back in that time period.

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