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)

International Disgrace: Our Disinterest in Darfur

I chose this listen because the situation in Darfur has dropped off the radar again, and I was curious to learn more. I knew that there is now a North Sudan and a South Sudan, but this story tells so much more - how it came to be and describes the lives of families who have endured the unbelievable horror in which these people live.

Why DON'T we care? Is it because it is a civil war between mostly Arab Muslims in the north of Sudan and Black African Muslims in the south?

I am ashamed and appalled that the international community essentially continues to ignore the devastation in the Sudan.

Be warned, this book is graphic and the truth is not pretty to hear.

Very relevant...

raises important issues about misinformation and politics, regarding genocide in Darfur Sudan Africa... how China buys most of Sudan's oil fueling Khartoum government.

-- Alexander

Must read. must know.

Well written, informative and highly impactful. Thank you for writing this and for helping to share the voices for those who were denied their own. It is amazing how strong the human spirit is.. but these were things that never should have happened. my heart and thoughts to out to people in these positions. A truly horrific thing to have happened; both in the happening and the lack of action. I will definitely do what I can. Thank you for being sure that these stories and experiences don't get lost and for helping to ensure that action is taken.

A Gripping and Heartfelt Story

Would you listen to When the Stars Fall to Earth again? Why?

To hear how the characters grow and change; and to learn more about the genocide in Darfur.

What did you like best about this story?

I liked how the story was told from different perspectives.

What does Holly Villaire bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

A dramatic feel to the story.

If you could rename When the Stars Fall to Earth, what would you call it?

Oh my...wouldn't. I know how much time and energy writers place on a name--Tinsley did a fabulous job.

Any additional comments?

Tinsley's writing is smart and intuitive. I love what she does with a story.

Fantastic book - a must listen!

Where does When the Stars Fall to Earth rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

It is a fantastic book and translates very well as an audio book. It's a compelling story, so sad, but a story with many strong and resilient characters it becomes uplifting

What did you like best about this story?

The story is so tragic, detailing the devastating effect war has on lives of innocent people, yet also manages to describe uplifting individual stories of bravery and the strength and courage that people show during bleak times. A fantastic book, well worth listening to

Have you listened to any of Holly Villaire’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It was very sad, made me well up in some parts, but smile in others - that's the sign of a great book

Any additional comments?

A must listen - relevant and excellent

Brilliant, compelling, and deeply moving!

Where does When the Stars Fall to Earth rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Among the very best!

What did you like best about this story?

The characters are so keenly observed! The scenes come to life in a wondrous way! Enlightening!

When will we learn?

I was in Sudan in 1972 with the United Nation World Health team for the drought and famine, starvation in the area when the Sudanese-Libyan conflict arose. The area is so poor and drought and famine in a recurrent theme. My time spent in the Sudan gave me a good understanding about the stories told in the book, I heard the same stories in 1972. The last thing the area needs in ethnic cleansing. The Arabic war lords of the area are attempting to remove all black Africans Muslims from the Sudan. So far approximately 3 million people have died in the conflict in Sudan this total also includes the area of Sudan called Darfur. The book is fiction but the author had been in Darfur in 2004 and listened to the stories of women in the camps. I think she was correct in choosing fiction as a way to tell their stories verses non-fiction. In the Muslim world women are second class citizen and in time of war rape of women is a tool of war to destroy a people’s basic social fabric. The Arabic war lords are selling captured blacks into slavery those not acceptable for slavery are killed. The book is well written and the strong women characters will grip your attention. The book tells a story that needs to be told and unfortunately the conflict is still ongoing today along with drought and famine. The U.N. camps are overcrowded. The story in this book continues. I enjoyed the author’s comments at the end of the book. Holly Villaire does a fantastic job narrating the story. This is a must read book for people to help understand the human rights problems of the world today.

A must-read for females around the globe.

This novel in print delivers a story that is both visceral and poignant. The characters dramatize the dehumanization spottily reported in other media around the globe. The addition of voice deepens the ethos. As a BBC journalist who witnessed these atrocities, the author and narrator capture the evil spells the Powers cast in their warfare.

Must read, very educational and emotional

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

Yes, enthusiastically. It is a realistic and compelling story from a part of the world the world community has ignored for too long.

What other book might you compare When the Stars Fall to Earth to and why?

Land of a Thousand Hills by Rosamond Carr

What does Holly Villaire bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Excitement and drama

If you could take any character from When the Stars Fall to Earth out to dinner, who would it be and why?

I'd have a big feast for them all.

Any additional comments?

I highly recommend it.

Poignant novel based on true stories of Darfuris

This novel is set against the backdrop of war in Darfur. The narrative is based on actual stories collected by the author from survivors. It's interesting to hear the author, Rebeca Tinsley, read the preface which gives historical background. I have listened to many, many audio books and the Reader, Holly Villaire, does a fine job with this one, taking on different voices for the different characters. This book brings to life what is and has been going on in Africa recently, beyond what you hear on the news. I'm glad they brought it out as an audio book.