The Sanctum

By: Pamela King Cable

Narrated by: Sara Morsey

Length: 11 hrs and 29 mins

Publisher's summary

Selah Awards Finalist

On a November day in 1951 Neeley McPherson turned five...and accidentally killed her parents. Thrown into the care of her scheming and alcoholic grandfather, she survives by her quick wit, and the watchful eye of an elderly black man, Gideon. In 1959, as equal rights heats up the South, authorities accuse Gideon of stealing a watch and using a Whites Only restroom. Neeley, now 13, decides to break him out of jail.

When the infamous Catfish Cole, Ku Klux Klan Grand Dragon of the Carolinas, discovers their courageous escape, he pursues Neeley and Gideon into the frozen Blue Ridge Mountains to a wolf sanctuary. But will Neeley's actions lead to tragedy again? Or will she finally find the love of family she lost as a child?

Set during a volatile time in America, The Sanctum bestows sanctuary and invokes the power of second chances.

General Content (G) (I): Contains little or no; sexual dialogue or situations, violence, or strong language. May contain some content of an inspirational/religious nature.

©2016 Pamela King Cable (P)2018 Pamela King Cable

Critic reviews

"This inspirational tale thrills with a tight plot, lyrical scene descriptions, and complex characters. Pamela Cable leaves readers aching for more." (Julie Cantrell, New York Times best-selling author.)

"I would compare The Sanctum to Harper Lee's To Kill A Mockingbird. Set in the deep south during the Civil Rights Era, this book tackles such issues as racial discrimination and abuse." (Kimberly A. Liston-McCabe)

Amazing Story of one child's discovery

Neeley McPherson did not get her birthday wish in 1951 when she turned five. On that fateful day, her parents and she were escaping her grandfather, a brutal, abusive, heavy drinking conniving man. Her parents died in an accident not one mile from their home. Now, Neeley had to go back to her grandfather and survive his mean brutal ways while being raised by Gideon, a black man employed by her grandfather. As Neeley grows older, she dreams of escape. It cannot come quick enough once the Klu Klux Klan makes it known that they are coming for Gideon and not only does her grandfather allow it, but her Pastor Catfish Cole leads the way!

Then Neeley finds the Wolf Sanctuary and her life takes another drastic turn. Is this where she can belong? Is this a missing puzzle in her life? Can Gideon and her both stay safe from her grandfather and the KKK?

This was an amazing story. I have listened to and read books from many viewpoints during this volatile period but never from a child’s point of view. Her innocence drives home the unfairness of societal wrongs. Neeley’s lack of understanding the rules colored folks must follow forces the two to run away. She doesn’t understand everyone’s reaction to her beloved Gideon.

I wish I could say this was a fun listen or that this was an easy listen, but it wasn’t. It was emotionally and mentally draining. The fear that holds Neeley and Gideon is too real; it’s almost tangible and the listener can feel it. They can feel the hate, fear, love, and innocence as well as the mean-spirited callousness of some of the characters. In other instances, one can feel compassion and love. This makes the book awesome!

I was taken aback by the abusiveness and racist piece, but I recognized this was the way things used to be and probably in some small backwoods towns still are to a degree. The author, Pamela King Cable created a story that calls into question societal ways, racism, abuse, faith and more.

I finished this book a week ago and can just now write a review. It is a moving book, one that should shock the listener and make them question society and so much more. Told from a child’s viewpoint makes it all the more poignant.

Sara Morsey performs this audiobook genuinely. While she’s able to become each character, it is Neeley who she truly becomes and shines through everywhere. Her ability to project innocence and defiance as Neeley is amazing and strongly done. As the grandfather, the listener will cringe as she makes him real as well. Each character is done uniquely and believable. This book was realistic, very realistic!

I loved this book, it was not what I expected but that is what makes a book a true treasure! This is one that everyone needs to hear, feel and experience. Wonderful job by both Cable and Morsey! This is a rare audiobook that made my jaw drop several times – while I knew things like this happened, having it told from Neeley’s point of view made it even rarer.

I cannot recommend this audiobook enough! Listen to it AND hear it!

There were no issues with the audio production or quality of this book.

Audiobook was provided for review by the author/narrator/publisher.
Please find this complete review and many others at my review blog.
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