Jefferson's Sons

By: Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

Narrated by: Adenrele Ojo

Length: 10 hrs and 24 mins

Publisher's Summary

Beverly, Harriet, Madison, and Eston are Thomas Jefferson's children by one of his slaves, Sally Hemings, and while they do get special treatment - better work, better shoes, even violin lessons - they are still slaves, and are never to mention who their father is. The lighter-skinned children have been promised a chance to escape into white society, but what does this mean for the children who look more like their mother? As each child grows up, their questions about slavery and freedom become tougher, calling into question the real meaning of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."

Told in three parts from the points of view of three of Jefferson's slaves - Beverly, Madison, and a third boy close to the Hemings family - these engaging and poignant voices shed light on what life was like as one of Jefferson's invisible offspring.

©2011 Kimberly Bradley (P)2011 Listening Library

Fantastic Book!

What did you love best about Jefferson's Sons?

This is a story as true as the author could have possibly written. It took me back to a time and place so different from all I have ever known. I learned a lot from this book. A great story. My kids ages 13 and 6 really enjoyed this book as well.

Adenrele Ojo did a great job narrating this book.

Which character – as performed by Adenrele Ojo – was your favorite?

Mama

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes.

A Great Read

I thought this was a great book. this book gives one an insight on what had occurred as well as the longing for a father. which killed my heart how much his kids really loved him no matter what..

Good but...

This was a good book, but for younger people it was harder to read, at least for me. It was a good story line and i in courage you to read it!!

A good read

I thought this book was a good read/listen. The orator did a great job. The story unfolded nicely. I would recommend this book to someone interested in historic fiction.

A complex story beautifully explained.

We listened to Jefferson's Sons as a family. Our son is 10 years old. We loved it! Great for long trips or family time. As a librarian, I recommend that anyone under 12 years old listen to it with an adult.

It is a "must" read!

A must read!

A must read for the young and old with excellent narration. It was trully captivating.

Excellent read

This was my first Audible book and I felt like I was cheating on reading. However, hearing the words cause this story to resonate more with my spirit. Thinking of what slaves went through and more particular the complex dynamic and emotions felt by the master’s children with slave children really peaked my interest. Definitely recommend this story.

Jefferson's sons

Best book to the year. I well always love the book. Red ti so men's time

Beautifully Written & Narrated Historical Fiction

I love adult historical fiction, but every once in awhile life is so heavy, it's nice to hear historical fiction written for children which carries a gentler version of that same history. I feel I discovered gold when I discovered Kimberly Brubaker Bradley's books. I wish I had known about her books during the years I read to my own children. I learned so much from Jefferson's Sons and I was impressed by the amount of research that went into this book. The characters were beautifully developed and the story was fascinating.

wonderfully written and performed

This was a wonderfully written account of Thomas Jefferson's children by Sally Hemming. The narrator was engaging. While not history in the academic sense that would require sources for quotes and conversation it provides readers a plausible--often likely--account of Jefferson's sons and daughters. Definitely recommended.