Dollbaby

A Novel

De: Laura Lane McNeal

Narrado por: January LaVoy

A big-hearted coming-of-age debut set in civil rights-era New Orleans—a novel of Southern eccentricity and secrets

When Ibby Bell’s father dies unexpectedly in the summer of 1964, her mother unceremoniously deposits Ibby with her eccentric grandmother Fannie and throws in her father’s urn for good measure. Fannie’s New Orleans house is like no place Ibby has ever been—and Fannie, who has a tendency to end up in the local asylum—is like no one she has ever met. Fortunately, Fannie’s black cook, Queenie, and her smart-mouthed daughter, Dollbaby, take it upon themselves to initiate Ibby into the ways of the South, both its grand traditions and its darkest secrets.

For Fannie’s own family history is fraught with tragedy, hidden behind the closed rooms in her ornate Uptown mansion. It will take Ibby’s arrival to begin to unlock the mysteries there. And it will take Queenie and Dollbaby’s hard-won wisdom to show Ibby that family can sometimes be found in the least expected places.

For fans of Saving CeeCee Honeycutt and The Help, Dollbaby brings to life the charm and unrest of 1960s New Orleans through the eyes of a young girl learning to understand race for the first time.

By turns uplifting and funny, poignant and full of verve, Dollbaby is a novel readers will take to their hearts.

Reseñas de la Crítica

“In this tender coming-of-age novel, McNeal brings to life a place, an era, and an amazing cast of strong, larger-than-life characters. Heartrending, captivating, and ultimately, triumphant.”
—Cassandra King, New York Times bestselling author of Moonrise

“McNeal’s Dollbaby is such an impressive debut—a powerful roux of family drama, long-simmering secrets and resentments, and ultimately, forgiveness and redemption. Deeply evocative, with memorable characters, Dollbaby belongs on the keeper shelf along with The Help and The Secret Life of Bees.”
—Mary Kay Andrews, New York Times bestselling author of Ladies' Night

“Deeply southern and evocative, Laura Lane McNeal’s beautifully written debut, Dollbaby, takes us back to a not-so-long ago time when we were learning to look through different eyes at the fabric of our society, race, youth and family."
—Susan Crandall, author of Whistling Past the Graveyard

"This flavorful and enthralling novel brilliantly captures New Orleans during the civil rights era. It's a deeply personal tale about growing up and searching for family as well as a provocative exploration of race and kinship. I found it both thrilling and poignant."
—Walter Isaacson, New York Times bestselling author of Steve Jobs

“A vivid portrayal of post-war New Orleans, lush and evocative in its descriptions, McNeal’s unique voice shines through surprising and pleasing the reader.” —Library Journal (starred review)

“A touching coming-of-age story that is sincere and poignant.”—Booklist

A Big-Hearted Coming-of-Age Novel

Excellent southern coming of age story spanning the 40's through to the early 70's, though the majority of the story takes place in the 60's. A window to the history of civil rights in New Orleans. The story takes a hold of you from the beginning with rich colorful characters and holds you throughout the book. Besides numerous story lines, there are a number of little cultural awakenings and interesting tidbits of life in the past that add to this book. I most enjoyed reading about the meals of regional foods or foods that just are not made any more.

For a first work, this is just such a pleasant read. It could have used additional editing to pull in the dangling plots to make it a more cohesive novel. I also wish there was a clear protagonist throughout. The theme of the entire household being a united front was refreshing. What a satisfying ending!

January LaVoy narration was a perfect choice. She enhanced the work.

I'll be watching for Laura Lane McNeal's future works.

So Very Good

Such a great story. Surprises I didn’t see coming. One of the best narrators I’ve heard.

I’m southern, very close to New Orleans . Spot on!

Loved it. The voices were fine!! Some people! Child to teen to adult transitioned just fine. Loved it.

a must listen!

absolutely loved this story! Great from start to finish! sad to finish it. loved every character.

Secrets

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

I do recommend this novel. The narration was done well and I liked each of the characters.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I think Doll Baby was my favorite character, especially once I found out the family secrets about her. I would have enjoyed even more detail about this kind, strong and devoted woman. All the characters had enjoyable traits that could make me giggle and sympathize with their antics and lives.

Which character – as performed by January Lavoy – was your favorite?

Fannie is a character in the true sense. She is comical and mysterious and January Lavoy's reading gave her enjoyable life.

Any additional comments?

Fans of The Help and The Kitchen would also enjoy this novel. I do recommend giving this one a try.