When the Stars Fall to Earth

A Novel of Africa

By: Rebecca Tinsley

Narrated by: Holly Villaire

Length: 9 hrs and 49 mins

Publisher's summary

When the Stars Fall to Earth is the story of five young Darfuris trying to make sense of their changing world in a time of war. Their lives come together in a tale of love and loss, self-reliance and courage, fear and violence. They overcome the ultimate challenge: to become proud survivors with a future rather than defeated victims, despite the tragedy enveloping them.

Based on true stories told to human-rights journalist and activist Rebecca Tinsley. Ms. Tinsley has worked in nine African countries. Together with her husband, Henry, she was asked by President and Mrs. Carter to found the Carter Center UK. She is a tireless advocate for human rights around the world. 50% of all proceeds from this audiobook are donated to Network for Africa's projects with survivors of genocide.

©2011 Rebecca Tinsley (P)2013 Hamm & Clov Stage Company

Critic reviews

"Young people in Darfur have had their lives stolen away from them whilst the world has watched. Rebecca's book takes us on their journey and lets us listen to their unbelievable stories, encouraging all of us to act to ensure that the people of Darfur can live in peace and dignity." (Sir Richard Branson)

"[Rebecca Tinsley's] book When the Stars Fall to Earth is a gripping, honest, and ultimately life-changing tale. It is a wake-up call to all who read it, and a reminder that the worst sin we as Americans and Westerners can commit is to turn away, close our eyes and ears, and fail to act in the face of such suffering." (Kathleen Tobin Krueger, wife of Ambassador Robert Krueger)

Important Story - Poorly Written

This book wasn’t for you, but who do you think might enjoy it more?

Too bad the entire book doesn't read like the author's afterword. The story is incredibly important, but the writing is amateurish and unbelievable. The dialogue reads like a public service announcement for "Save Darfur." On the other hand, the afterward is heartfelt, authentic, and beautiful. Much as I did not appreciate the writing, I'm glad I listened because I learned a lot about an important subject. I wish Tinsley had written a memoir of her experiences fighting to end genocide.

Disappointing

I really wanted to read this to learn more about the situation in Darfur. I enjoy supplementing news & non-fiction with fiction stories as they can provide wonderful perspective when the author has spent time in the country as Rebecca Tinsley has.

This was listed under literature, which it certainly isn't. The language used to tell the story seems childlike - not simple in a good way. In fact sometimes there is too much.

I felt unable to relate to any of the characters, or to feel anything for them. All I felt was annoyance with the author for having done such a poor job of telling their story. Her characters deserved better from her.

The issues the book is dealing with are incredibly important & need to be told. But this is not the author for the job. For good examples I'd suggested Katherine Boo (non-fiction), Khaled Hosseini and Anthony Marra.

The sound quality of the recording was fine. The voices chosen for the characters were not great. Some of the voices sounded so unrealistic it made connecting with the character even harder. It distracted even further from the poor writing. From both a story & narrative perspective it felt like listening to a children's book.

Overall this was a particular letdown as I am not aware of any other fiction based around the issues in Darfur. This is it & it doesn't live up to expectations.