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Wild Swan
- A Story of Florence Nightingale
- Narrated by: Cynthia Erivo
- Series: Audible Original Stories
- Length: 1 hr and 54 mins
- Categories: Literature & Fiction, Historical Fiction
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Audible Questionnaire with Cynthia Erivo
Publisher's Summary
In this captivating historical novella narrated by Tony Award-winning actress Cynthia Erivo, New York Times best-selling author Patti Callahan Henry celebrates the life of the mother of modern nursing and one of history's greatest heroines: Florence Nightingale.
Wild Swan introduces listeners to the Lady with the Lamp long before she became a legend. In this poignant story, a young woman has just discovered her divine purpose to become a nurse, and struggles to make that dream a reality. While traveling abroad with her close friend, Selina Bracebridge - another strong woman living an unconventional life - a rare opportunity arises for Florence to practice medicine. Intellectually gifted with an advanced education thanks to her father’s progressive political views, can the daughter of a prominent English family defy Victorian societal expectations to fulfill her destiny?
Over the course of a few short years, Florence remains brave and determined in the face of all obstacles, pursuing her passion against her family’s wishes. From her parent’s luxurious countryside estate in England to her travels abroad to the German medical institute where she first began her training and fell in love with her work, we follow Florence during these pivotal early years of her extraordinary life.
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About the Creator
Audible Originals
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Historical Fiction
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What listeners say about Wild Swan
Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall
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Performance
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Story
- Annissa Armstrong
- 12-10-20
Florence’s journey to being a nurse
This book was wonderfully written by Patti Callahan!! The first words grab you and you become engrossed in the story of Florence desiring to become a nurse and to help others. Her mother wants her to marry as that is what is expected of her. At age 30, her father realizes how important this is to Florence and he gives his blessing for her to go to Germany for training. Very inspirational story and I was very sad for it to end.
8 people found this helpful
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- Anonymous User
- 12-11-20
tear jerking
it was a beautiful book Not much words that I can say but if I were to say something I would say that this is a book that everyone needs to read to understand when someone has a Passion for something for someone who was led to do something even though the air people that believe that they are doing wrong who is always brought down by others for wanting to do what they want To do
5 people found this helpful
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- Paige
- 12-10-20
Wanting to live a life of meaning?
Will Nightingale, with the heart of a caretaker and the mind of a scholar, sacrifice her wealth and privilege to follow her calling? In a time when nursing was considered a career acceptable for “only prostitutes”, the author allows us an intimate portrait of a young woman who breaks societal barriers in order to do meaningful work. This book reminded me that my story matters in ways I may never know.
5 people found this helpful
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- barbara dingman
- 12-12-20
Fascinating
I learned things about Florence that never occurred to me. As a healthcare worker I appreciate this story.
3 people found this helpful
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- RAP
- 12-10-20
Brilliant and Inspiring!
What an incredibly brilliant Audible Original! Patti Callahan is a masterful story teller that transports you to Florence Nightingales trials and tribulations of wanting more than just being as society expected of her! I was drawn in from the first words, and honestly wanted more when it was over! One of the best originals I have ever listened to!
3 people found this helpful
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- North O'Seattle
- 02-15-21
Cynthia Erivo in any medium is a beautiful thing
Lovely short glimpse into the real life of a legend. Would have preferred that Cynthia sang is rather than acted, but quite fine all the same.
1 person found this helpful
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- Anonymous User
- 01-08-21
Wonderful!
This is one of those soul happy books, makes you appreciate everything we are capable of in life!
1 person found this helpful
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- Amazon Customer
- 12-17-20
“Audie”
This book gave a clear and concise picture of the life and challenges women of that era faced without sounding like that was the purpose for which it was written. Thus, in doing so the author revealed the true nature and servant heart that drove Florence Nightingale to accomplish the meaningful pursuit to obey God’s call.
1 person found this helpful
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- Alexa
- 12-17-20
Florence as a real person
This wonderful telling of the early life of Florence Nightingale put flesh on the bones of one I had only known as a vague legend. Beautifully read as well.
1 person found this helpful
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- Amazon Customer
- 12-16-20
A wonderful read about a woman fulfilling her destiny
Against all odds and constant opposition, Florence achieved her goal which was to help others, and overcome the Victorian era suppression of women. She was perhaps one of the first figureheads of “women’s lib”.
Masterfully narrated. A five star journey in the life of this remarkable woman.
1 person found this helpful