The Whip: Inspired by the story of Charley Parkhurst

De: Karen Kondazian

Narrado por: Robin Weigert

• Best Western, 2013 International Book Awards
• 2013 National Indie Excellence Awards winner, Western fiction category
• Gold Prize in Historical Fiction & Best Western Fiction - 2013 Global Ebook Awards
• Award-Winner in the 'Fiction: Historical' category of The 2012 USA Best Book Awards

The Whip is a multi-award winning novel inspired by the true story of Charlotte "Charley" Parkhurst (1812-1879) who lived most of her extraordinary life as a man in the Old West.

As a young woman in Rhode Island, she fell in love with a runaway slave and had his child. He was lynched, her baby killed. The destruction of her family drove her west to California, dressed as a man, to track the killer.

Charley became a renowned stagecoach driver for Wells Fargo. She killed a famous outlaw, had a secret love affair, and lived with a housekeeper who, unaware of her true sex, fell in love with her.

Charley was the first known woman to vote in America in 1868 (as a man). Her grave lies in Watsonville, California.

"I would have done that," Ms. Kondazian said in a telephone interview. "I would have probably put on men’s clothes, to be free like a man." (New York Times interview of Karen Kondazian - from “Overlooked No More: Charley Parkhurst, Gold Rush Legend With a Hidden Identity”, by Tim Arango, December 5, 2018)

©2012 Karen Kondazian (P)2012 Karen Kondazian

Sad it's over!

This was a book for book group. I probably wouldn't have read it otherwise, but I'm so glad that I did. It reminded me how strong women can be and how determination and mind power can get you through anything. I cried when I finished.

Very Entertaining

I loved this saga of a strong woman. Even more so because it was based on a true story. This is an amazing read.

a work of art

I have read many novels,but in 50 yrs no novels has kept my attention as this one has ! story line was absolutely fantastic, never have I wanted to reach into a story and hurt someone as I have in this, it was so real ! that I actually hurt for the person ! as for the author, please write more stories !

Great Subject for Historical Fiction - Reccomend

What a fantastic and interesting subject. It was a treat to be presented with the story of Charlie Pankhurst. Great performance.

Too too sad for me to finish, so a personal review

Narrator is great, and the story may be great -- I made it about halfway through but the violence is so sad and horrible that I could not finish the book. I can handle some violence, and can take sadness in books, but this one was too much. The writer is good, so if you can handle it, great.

MUST LISTEN

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

This by far, is my favorite. It's not only true, but an exciting story. Robin Weigert is brilliant. The only actress who could have narrated this book, Robin is very, very brilliant. Robin is incredibly convincing with each character and each characters voices. I wish to see this in a movie but only if Robin plays Charlie Parkhurst.

What did you like best about this story?

It was based on a true story. To her ownself she was true. From not allowing the color of a man's skin or his station enter her decision to fall for the man she loved.

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

Robin does each voice brilliantly. Not just good but committed to a level that one usually doesn't get to experience. Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant. The ONLY actress who could have performed these characters so well. Robin hits a level of excellence very much appreciated by this listener.

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

Several. When Tonia acts on her impulse to even the score for Charlie. When Charlie makes her decision to just, change after being kicked by the horse. When Charlie's old friend returns. Also, when Sugar Foot's identity was revealed to her.

Any additional comments?

I appreciated the obituaries at the end. The acknowledgement for this brave woman who was unofficially "the Whip" of the West. Also to know that she was probably the first woman to vote in the United States. I would like to see this and Charlie Parkhurst honored at the Western Museum in Los Angeles. The have honored the buffalo girls but this story is unique and important.

The Whip

What a wonderful story!
Thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it
I would definitely recommend it

Excellent narration

A great story, well written, and excellent narration. I highly recommend. I hope the author and narrator collaborate again.

Great piece of historical fiction.

Very enjoyable, I picked this for our book club and every one just loved the story. Charley Parkhurst is a real character from the old west. She led quite an adventurous life, after a traumatic childhood, as a stage coach driver and rancher - all the time masquerading as a man just to survive. Really interesting story, once you start you can't put the book down.

Disappointing Narration

A good story can be undermined by poor narration and this audio book is proof. It takes a special talent to be able to successfully perform the voice of a woman, of a man, a child and also a foreign accent. It can be done but wasn't here. .