A Spear of Summer Grass Audiobook By Deanna Raybourn cover art

A Spear of Summer Grass

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A Spear of Summer Grass

By: Deanna Raybourn
Narrated by: Nicola Barber
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Paris, 1923

The daughter of a scandalous mother, Delilah Drummond is already notorious, even among Paris society. But her latest scandal is big enough to make even her oft-married mother blanch. Delilah is exiled to Kenya and her favorite stepfather's savanna manor house until gossip subsides.

Fairlight is the crumbling, sun-bleached skeleton of a faded African dream, a world where dissolute expats are bolstered by gin and jazz records, cigarettes and safaris. As mistress of this wasted estate, Delilah falls into the decadent pleasures of society.

Against the frivolity of her peers, Ryder White stands in sharp contrast. As foreign to Delilah as Africa, Ryder becomes her guide to the complex beauty of this unknown world. Giraffes, buffalo, lions and elephants roam the shores of Lake Wanyama amid swirls of red dust. Here, life is lush and teeming - yet fleeting and often cheap.

Amidst the wonders - and dangers - of Africa, Delilah awakes to a land out of all proportion - extremes of heat, darkness, beauty, and joy that cut to her very heart. Only when this sacred place is profaned by bloodshed does Delilah discover what is truly worth fighting for - and what she can no longer live without.

©2013 Deanna Raybourn (P)2013 Audible, Inc. Fiction Historical Fiction Romance Africa Heartfelt
Engaging Story • Vivid Descriptions • Excellent Narrator • Feminist Sensibility • Unpredictable Ending • Enhancing Tones
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She did it again! Another great book! I want more though! I want Gitian back! Her writing is just plain great! My next credit goes to purchasing one of Deana Raybourne's books!

She did it again!

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Fun story, excellent narration. I'd prefer it without the steamy romantic interludes, but otherwise, a nice diversion.

A Trip to Africa

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The realism and amazing writing about Africa was enthralling and amazing. Thrilling and vivid telling of how much the African wilderness was enrapturing.

Description of Africa

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Surprisingly close story to Out of Africa. Writing and narration was very good. Worth the credit!

Out of Africa

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I love stories featuring spoiled brats whom, through a series of humbling and trying experiences, evolve into conscientious, worthy characters. Ultimately, Delilah's smart strength left me smiling, despite the sadness and strife she endured. I recommend reading this one.

I want to visit the Africa portrayed in this story

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The author, Deanna Raybourne, is always a genius and makes unique characters so believable. I felt I lived in Africa while I listened. The narrator, Nicola Barber had me believing every voice and visualizing all she said. The perfect romance/ adventure/ suspense audio experience!

It’s All Perfect

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What did you love best about A Spear of Summer Grass?

This tale of a privileged woman sent to Africa is descriptive in the finest sense. This writer has the gift of descriptive narrative that takes the listener out on the plains of Africa and brings the lush landscape and exotic culture to life in the minds eye of the listener.The narrator has tones of a woman used to her own way which enhances the story. A marvelous read.

Great Verbal Images of Africa & Romance

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I think that Deanna Raybourn is an excellent author, and this is an excellent book. There are many, many characters; it is a reflection of the author’s skill that I never became confused. Each character was uniquely developed. The plot may not unroll at a breakneck pace, but the drama is Delilah’s slow transformation while she is in Africa. I found Delilah’s grandmother, the sugar plantation and the rougarou to be masterfully written and interwoven with the main plot. As for the narration, I usually love Nicola Barber, but as another reviewer said, she sounded a little squeaky here. The author works so hard to craft a character who has a steel core, but the whole thing is upended when Delilah is made to sound like Minnie Mouse. Or, maybe that’s the point - Delilah is stronger than she looks/sounds.

I recommend this book

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Quite entertaining. Enjoyed the escapes of Deliah who is always getting into some kind of mess. At times she can be very self-center but at her core she is willing to put others ahead of herself. I love Deanna Raybourn's books and will continue to read her works. Nicola Barber did a superb job with the narration and the different dialects. If you want a fun, light, adventurous journey through Africa, I highly recommend.

Fun Read

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I really enjoyed this story; it had all the elements that I love about Deanna Raybourn books, from dashing broken heroes to strong obstinate women to the historical detail & humor. However this narrator was completely the wrong choice for this story: it should have been read by someone with a firm, resonant, confident voice. But instead this reader was high pitched, nasal, and sounded much too cutesy-smiley (like a childrens' book narrator)... to be a believable voice for the spitfire Delilah. I could see this book being much more successful read by someone else.

Lovely story but really needs a different narrator

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