The Wedding Gift

A Novel

De: Marlen Suyapa Bodden

Narrado por: Jenna Lamia, January LaVoy

When Cornelius Allen gives his daughter Clarissa’s hand in marriage, he presents her with a wedding gift: the young slave she grew up with, Sarah. Sarah is also Allen’s daughter and Clarissa’s sister, a product of his longtime relationship with his house slave, Emmeline. When Clarissa’s husband suspects that their newborn son is illegitimate, Clarissa and Sarah are sent back to her parents, Cornelius and Theodora, in shame, setting in motion a series of events that will destroy this once-powerful family.

Told through alternating viewpoints of Sarah and Theodora Allen, Cornelius’ wife, The Wedding Gift is a stunning novel that shows where the complicated and compelling bonds and relationships between women explored in novels like The Help and The Secret Life of Bees began. Marlen Suyapa Bodden's novel is an intimate portrait that shows where this particular American story and dynamic all started and will leave listeners breathless.

Includes a reading group guide read by the author.

©2013 Marlen Suyapa Bodden (P)2013 Macmillan Audio

Superb narration

If you could sum up The Wedding Gift in three words, what would they be?

Thought-provoking, in-depth, inspiring

Who was your favorite character and why?

Theodora because she had such spiritual and emotional poise in light of her full awareness of her husbands dealings and how she treated Sarah. I would like to think that there were a some wives like her around at that time

Which character – as performed by Jenna Lamia and January LaVoy – was your favorite?

The narration absolutely made this book for me. I believe it would have been a different experience, I might not have even liked it so much, if I had just read it and not hear the characters come alive. I could choose one or the other. I thoroughly enjoyed the typical way of talking of these ladies and those who they represent. A superb job by both narrators!

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

Yes, I finished it very quickly after I caught on to the pattern of the book. I was very interested in hearing the "flip side" of the same events.

Five Star

Any additional comments?

Rich in history, absolutly engrossing unfairness of the old south. I found myself hollering out loud at the different characters, being absorbed so fully into this story. This is a book for everyone. Very well written, and entertaining.

Absolutely STUNNING!!!

I immediately became obsessed with/addicted to this story and finished it in 2 days. I am an avid reader of slave narrative fiction and this is one of my favorites. The way the author tells the story, by alternating the main characters in first person narration, kept the story flowing beautifully. The story itself is mesmerizing and original in its perspective. This is a must read.

Great story.

Wasn't too excited about the narrator at first, but got used to her voice as the story got exciting. I loved it and wanted more.

interesting read

A nice story, but didn't keep my attention a lot. The narrating was awesome.

Loved it!

I loved this book. It was recommended by Sonny
(on the View). I struggle with books about slavery. BUT, this book kept me wanting to listen and know more. I enjoyed the narrators. And especially the ending (WOW). Not to give away the last tid bit. I just wish I could have known a little more into her future with her family.

Leaves the reader wanting...

This is a book that keeps the reader engaged start to finish. The content, at times is difficult to listen to, is a candid recollection into the horrors of chattel slavery and the sacrifices made by slaves to ensure the safety of their families. Would love to have the author to follow up and expand the story!

A Good Listen!

Would you listen to The Wedding Gift again? Why?

Yes, the story line kept my attention and was never boring.

What other book might you compare The Wedding Gift to and why?

Dollbaby. Both books were written about controversial times in our American history.

Which scene was your favorite?

I liked the book's ending. Can't describe it--don't want to be a spoiler--but the listener won't be disappointed!!!!

If you could rename The Wedding Gift, what would you call it?

Two Women Confront Difficult Circumstances

Any additional comments?

Recommend buying this one!

A Great Read

This was wonderful story-telling. Historically accurate. Makes you think a lot about the tragic truth of slavery and the resilience of the human spirit.

Could have gone much deeper

I enjoyed this story but was disappointed at times with the character development most especially for Clarissa and Cornelious. They are central to the story and yet we have little information regarding what motivated them to make the decisions they did. Their side of the story and what they were thinking was totally absent. Because of this, some aspects of the story have no explanation. e.g Cornelious's will. Too bad.