Of One Blood; or The Hidden Self (AmazonClassics Edition) Audiobook By Pauline E. Hopkins cover art

Of One Blood; or The Hidden Self (AmazonClassics Edition)

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Of One Blood; or The Hidden Self (AmazonClassics Edition)

By: Pauline E. Hopkins
Narrated by: Noel Arthur
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Pioneering author Pauline E. Hopkins displays a phantasmagorical imagination in the first novel by an African American to be set in Africa.

Entering Harvard by passing as white, medical student Reuel Briggs is considered a genius in the unconventional science of the occult. Though ignorant of his own very relevant lineage, Reuel finds himself on a lucrative archaeological expedition to Ethiopia. There, he hopes to raid the treasures of Meroe. Instead, traversing the ruins of a hidden city and beset by maddening visions and escalating dangers, he is forced to confront his own bloodline. What Reuel unearths is beyond anything he imagined.

Hopkins’s audacious novel succeeds on numerous levels - as escapist adventure, otherworldly romance, paranormal thriller, and ethnological interrogation. Of One Blood boldly excavates an ancient past to explore profound questions of identity and to challenge the racial divisions that continue to haunt us to this day.

Revised edition: Previously published as Of One Blood, this edition of Of One Blood (AmazonClassics Edition) includes editorial revisions.

Public Domain (P)2021 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved. African American Classics Fiction Genre Fiction Literary Fiction Africa
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Pauline E Hopkins’ Of One Blood; or The Hidden Self is a science fantasy tale set at the dawn of the 20th century. A young, biracial medical student experimenting with bringing the dead back to life utilizing magnetic powder becomes part of an expedition to Ethiopia. He is treated as the embodiment of a prophecy for the return of a king to a society living in isolation in Ethiopia and responsible for nearly all scientific and cultural development of western society.

Hopkins blends the supernatural along with early 20th century science for an alternate history tale that posits a hidden, advanced society living in Ethiopia awaiting the return of their king before going public. At the same time, there is a romantic angle that introduces conflict and confusion with the main protagonist.

The narration is good with decent character distinction. Pacing is smooth.

Alternate history science fantasy

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Beautiful voice but not a great reader. The emphasis and rhythm of the prose is off. The “Southern aristocrat” accent is off. Also, mistakes remain in this recording, including the wrong words at times.

Needs Editing

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