Dispossession

By: Tayari Jones

Narrated by: Gabrielle Union

Length: 57 mins

Publisher's Summary

From Tayari Jones, author of the New York Times best-selling An American Marriage, and performed by Gabrielle Union, one of Time’s 100 Most Influential People of 2020, comes an unflinching story about mothers and sons that will leave listeners reeling for days.

Motherhood isn’t easy, especially when you’re a mother of a Black son. Ten years ago, Cheryl jumped at the chance to send her son, Javonte, to an exclusive boarding school in New England - far away from Atlanta and the violence of the city streets. It was the American dream, or was it? Now settled in Vermont, Javonte is married and well-employed, but Cheryl hardly ever sees him, and when she does, her own son seems like someone she only used to know. So, when Javonte announces he’s coming home to Atlanta for MLK weekend, Cheryl calls off work, thinking this could be their chance to reconnect.

But a few days before the visit, Javonte cancels his trip.

After begging for the hours back at the white glove moving company where she works, Cheryl accepts a last-minute gig in her own neighborhood, cheered by the idea of a Black family moving on to bigger and better. But on her way to the job site, Cheryl learns the home’s occupants aren’t moving by choice. Over the next several hours, Cheryl must reckon with her own unresolved past in this searing story about family, race, and the lasting consequences of a choice that can’t be taken back. 

©2021 Tayari Jones (P)2021 Audible Originals, LLC.

Wanted more

I love Tayari Jones and my only negative comment is that I wanted a bit more from this story. So, it’s a short story and maybe that’s the point? Still love her writing.

I Wanted More

As a mother of a teenage Black male, this story drew me in. I could relate to her plight of feeling like sometimes no matter what you do as a mother it's never enough, yet you just keep trying. I wasn't ready for the story to end. I wanted to more about the family dynamics. The narration was spot on. I definitely want to hear more from this author. Her writing is eloquent, relatable and evokes emotion.

Brilliant Storyline.

WOW! What a powerful story that got me back 40 years. The story was so rich and descriptive. It was like I was there myself. Brilliant author. Phenomenal narrator!

Hmmmm....

I do not understand why this short story is so incomplete? It feels like Tayari Jones could not tie it together. As parents we try to do what we think is best for our children. Most times that leaves someone disappointed...us, them...or both. That is the case in this story parents are disappointed and child is angry all are broke hearted. The disconnect comes in the lost in life the mother is suffering through and why???? Her current situation has nothing to do with her past, yet she is stuck and full of regret. I keep feeling like I missed something significant in the story... I did the point and/or plot of it all.

The narrator Gabrielle Union tried to save this story but her acting did not transfer to successful narration. She is reading and that is not what narrators should do. They should become each character and make them different and unique. You should be able to distinguish them from each other.

wonderful and heartfelt

the story is rememberable and the reader is remarkable! I love the soothing sound of her voice. would like follow the reader. ha.

I liked it.

A perspective that I've often wondered about-- Being the one putting people out, when once being the person put out.
Also, the family dynamics was interesting.
Overall, i found it very relateable, plus i love all the references to parts of Atlanta, a place i hold dear in my heart

Moving Tale of A Mother

I enjoyed this moving, poignant story. Narrator Gabrielle Union deftly conveys main character Cheryl’s struggles and regrets.

If you are a parent, this short story will make you think twice about the things you do in the name of what's best for your child and the consequences of your choices.

Thought provoking...

A short story that will produce a long train of thought, expertly narrated. I thoroughly enjoyed.

Meh...

What was the point of a partial story??? I’m glad it was less than an hour long.

Good but...

It's actually a 3.5 stars for me.
I really liked this story, the narration was pretty good too; however, something lacked for me.
Maybe im just not used to short stories but i definitely needed a bit more of this. I wanted the story to continue and get to know a bit more about Jevante and more family details.

Heartbreaking, beautifully told story

I love this author. This short story about mothers and sons is beautifully told.

Even in such a short space of time, you feel like you know the characters so well.

Loved this

Heartbreaking narrative of mothers and sons beautifully read. Made more meaningful in this Covid era as many suffer evictions..