Ramona

The Heart and Conscience of Early California

By: Helent Hunt Jackson

Narrated by: Boots Martin

Length: 5 hrs and 41 mins

Publisher's summary

Termed the Uncle Tom's Cabin of the southwestern Indians and the first protest novel of California, Ramona is the story of 3 cultures - Indian, Mexican, and Anglo - locked in combat. The upheaval and injustice are humanized through the romance of a beautiful half-Indian orphan who grow up as the ward of Señora Moreno in privileged surroundings, then falls in love with an Indian and joins him in a life of poverty and tragedy. The Ramona Pageant in Hemet, California, based on this romance, has played each year since 1923, reenacting the transition period between Mexican traditions and the new U.S. and state governments.

©1995 by The Audio Partners Publishing Corp. (P)1995 by The Audio Partners Publishing Corp.

Critic reviews

"The impact of [Jackson's] work makes it clear that a single person...can change the lives of millions. The defiant spirit that produced Ramona is the answer to complacency, to defeat, to injustice." (Michael Dorris, from the introduction to the Signet Classics edition of Ramona)

Wonderful Historical Fiction!

It was a story I did not want to put down. The story of the Missions, the Native Americans and the Mexicans of early California has never been written better than this. I have seen the play Ramona twice over the past 15 years at the Ramona Bowl in Southern California. It was not until I listened to this entire book that the story came to life for me. I will be seeing the play once again next weekend and look forward to seeing it through new eyes!!

Suitable for teenagers

Although not well written, Ramona holds a place in the long story of the abuse of Native Americans. Those in California were a particularly peacefully sort. What has become of the area is a travesty of a civilization.

Great book!

I could hardly take a break from listening. Strong characters, great character development and involvement with each other. Loved, loved, loved this book.

not unabridged

I was going back and forth between this audiobook and reading myself, and was confused when I read things I didn't remember hearing, so I finally put it on as I read and realized this audio version is definitely abridged, contrary to what it says. very disappointing.

Manifest Destiny Reaches California

This 19th Century melodrama suggests perspectives of US American expansion west that defy Anglo mythologies.

ramona

I had to read it for my history class it was a great story I ever read.

Not The Full Book

This is not the full version of the book. If you are reading for pleasure, carry on. If you need to read the book for school, read the book. Do not think that this is the same.
For the first time, I am truly disappointed with Audible.

Boring

Not enough substance for characters. The main character, Ramona, should have been developed a lot more.

Different from the physical book

I usually read a book with an audio book playing to easily follow along. I noticed that the audio is very different from my book. Only the first two sentences matched the audio.
I thought maybe I have an older version, but skimming through the text I do not recognize anything that I heard in the audio.
I also tried to go to a different chapter on the audio, but it is not correct. When clicking on chapter 2 it will actually start playing in the middle of a random sentence.
To be fair the narrator did a fine job, but the actual story and editing of the chapters are disappointing.

Does not follow along with the book!

Any additional comments?

I'm writing this because this audio did not follow along correctly with my book! I wanted to be able to read along with it, but the audio version skips around.