47

By: Walter Mosley

Narrated by: Ossie Davis

Length: 6 hrs and 17 mins

Publisher's summary

In his first book for young adults, best-selling author Walter Mosley deftly weaves historical and speculative fiction into a powerful narrative about the nature of freedom.

47 is a young slave boy living under the watchful eye of a brutal slave master. His life seems doomed until he meets a mysterious run-away slave, Tall John. Then 47 finds himself swept up in a struggle for his own liberation.

Deeply compelling, 47 is a rewarding narrative that will introduce a new generation of listeners to one of the most important writers in America.

©2005 Walter Mosley (P)2005 Random House, Inc. Listening Library, an imprint of the Random House Audio Publishing Group

Poignant, powerful tale, richly narrated

I bought this because the book won the Carl Brandon Society award for speculative fiction created by persons of color. The writing is deft, sensitive, and moving. The narration is skillful, rich and musical. The subject matter is slavery in the pre-Civil War US south and pulls no punches; it is hard to listen to if you are sensitive to descriptions of violence and torture. But the overall tone of the book is hopeful and uplifting.

Interesting twist on Slavery

A lot of how you enjoy a book or movie depends upon your prior level of expectation. When I think a movie is going to be junk and turns out to be a bit better I tend to rate it higher because I'm pleasantly surprised. Vice versa on a book/movie with expectations too high. This was recommended on NPR (National Public Radio) so my expectations were far too high (not having read any other reviews).
Still Mosely tells a basic but vivid story of the cruelty of slavery, how that meanness twists the hearts of men who should kind to each other because of their commond bonds (quite literally). Then a very unexpected visitor arrives to change things. I loved this character's maxim: "Neither master nor nigga' be." This character's overwhelming love for everyone and his naive belief that love and kindness will always be returned with gratitude is the most heartbreaking aspect of this bit of science fiction mixed with slavery. Kudos for an original idea! While the story does have an ending it seems like a possible set up for a series. I hope so.
The narrator has an old scratchy voice but you soon get used to it and is evocative of a man who has seen too much strife and pain but who has not lost his capacity for joy.
If I hadn't expected something much more grand I would have given that fifth star. Mosely is a gifted writer. I enjoyed the book but I foolishly was expecting something like "War and Peace."

A gift

What a wonderful book – it dealt with the pain and hardships African people endured in this country but brought forth a “Spirit” that gave the reader and a people hope – Up lifting – This needs to be a movie. What a gift, thank you Walter Mosley.

Two giants(Mosley/Davis) combine to tell a relevant and compelling story so needed in this time of revisionist history.

The great Walter Mosley and the great Ossie Davis: a match of talents and vision.

EPIC!!!

This was magnificent. Wow. This is Walter Mosley like I’ve never seen him before! READ THIS! You won’t regret it.

Inspiring & Fulfilling

Walter Moseley and Ossie Davis . . . classic!
"Neither master nor nigger be" - Tall John

garbage voice

wtf is this Darth Vader voice. I can't hear anything. don't know if the book is good or not

AWESOME

Awesome, again. I hope there might be a continuation to this story. I feel it's continued potential and wish for more!

The best historical fiction I have ever read

Captivating at every turn. Historically accurate with whimsy all at the same time. I would recommend this book highly.

Good Narration but...

I’m really not sure what I just listened to. Slave story yes but to mix it with supernatural stuff. Nope it just didn’t make since. I love Mr Davis’ voice though