The Book of Night Women Audiobook By Marlon James cover art

The Book of Night Women

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The Book of Night Women

By: Marlon James
Narrated by: Robin Miles
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About this listen

The Book of Night Women is a sweeping, startling novel, a true tour de force of both voice and storytelling. It is the story of Lilith, born into slavery on a Jamaican sugar plantation at the end of the 18th century. Even at her birth, the slave women around her recognize a dark power that they - and she - will come to both revere and fear. The Night Women, as they call themselves, have long been plotting a slave revolt, and as Lilith comes of age and reveals the extent of her power, they see her as the key to their plans.

But when she begins to understand her own feelings and desires and identity, Lilith starts to push at the edges of what is imaginable for the life of a slave woman in Jamaica, and risks becoming the conspiracy's weak link. Lilith's story overflows with high drama and heartbreak, and life on the plantation is rife with dangerous secrets, unspoken jealousies, inhuman violence, and very human emotion - between slave and master, between slave and overseer, and among the slaves themselves. Lilith finds herself at the heart of it all. And all of it told in one of the boldest literary voices to grace the page recently - and the secret of that voice is one of the book's most intriguing mysteries.

©2009 Marlon James (P)2009 Penguin
African American Fiction Historical Fiction Literary Fiction Heartfelt Thought-Provoking African American Historical Fiction
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Critic reviews

"Both beautifully written and devastating... Writing in the spirit of Toni Morrison and Alice Walker but in a style all his own, James has conducted an experiment in how to write the unspeakable - even the unthinkable. And the results of that experiment are an undeniable success.” (The New York Times Book Review)

“The narrative voice is so assured and the descriptions so detailed and believable that one can’t help being engaged. This is a book to love.... The Book of Night Women is hard to pick up, even harder to put down...and it deserves to be read." (Chicago Tribune)

"The Book of Night Women is a searing read, full of blood, tears, and the stench of misery. It’s barbaric and ancient, but also familiar in the ways that people, consumed by their differences and divisions, easily overlook all that binds them - the desire for independence, the right to a civilized life, and the need to give and receive love.” (The Boston Globe)

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What listeners say about The Book of Night Women

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Changed my life view.

Furthermore, the narration was intoxicating and sucked me in.

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5 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Vivid Achievement for both the writer and narrator

Marlon James was able to write a tale about slavery in Jamaica that was both tragic and brave at the same time.
Until this book , I did not think much about the slavery that took place in the Caribbean. The characters came to life. I could see them, smell them and hear their voices. The violence in this book was hard to listen to but necessary to vividly show how horrible people of color has been and still is being treated all over the world. This book is a reminder to minorities of their heritage and why people of color should stand tall because their ancestors were strong and already endured the worst kind of pain. Robin Miles the narrator is Brilliant! Her ability to change her voice with each of the characters was amazing. She deserves an award of some sort. Kudos to Robin. :)

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Book of night women

Would you consider the audio edition of The Book of Night Women to be better than the print version?

What an excellent read! We need more Caribbean authors like Marlon James. Twists and turns all through this book. I could not stop listening.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Book of Night Women?

One woman finding her own courage to go against everyone.

Have you listened to any of Robin Miles’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

this is the first and it was excellent. Excellent Jamaican Patois.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

The title.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Excellent in every way!!!

The story is captivating and the narrator brings each character alive. I loved it so much I am re-reading it for the third time. Please tell me where I can get more of this author and this narrator! I have already recommended Audible and this book in particular to several friends!!

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Must Read

What did you love best about The Book of Night Women?

The narrator's talent allows the reader to travel to Jamaica during the times of slavery and introduce you to the wonderful characters portrayed in this fantastic novel.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Homer, because she seems to be the very strength of the entire story.

What about Robin Miles’s performance did you like?

Excellent, meticulous, articulate in all dialects, addictive!!!

If you could take any character from The Book of Night Women out to dinner, who would it be and why?

Homer, because I want to hear about her life before reaching Mt. Perrier, Master Humphrey's estate.

Any additional comments?

Get it and listen!!!
P.S. Robin Miles (narrator) is the greatest!!!! She has plenty of novels that she has narrated, look them up!

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars

Tough on the senses but wonderful read

What a compelling book! While tough to read the very graphic descriptions of physical and mental abuse, this book really transports the reader to the time and place. The plot was pleasingly unpredictable, in accordance with what real life has to offer. A very moving work, with absolutely fabulous narration.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Brilliant- moving-

This book of course was hard to listen to and here. It always is. But the method, the plot, the language, – – all of it was so compelling and so utterly moving. Once again, I am grateful for, astounded by, and in love with theOther strength of women and most of black women. Thank you, Mr. James, for this brilliant piece of work. It is definitely one of my top five favorite books.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

emotional, heartbreaking and intense

I couldn't stop listening to this book. It was extremely fast paced and my heart raced the entire time. it's a very intense book so not for the faint of heart. I consider it one of the best books I've ever had the privilege to listen/read. I can't wait to hear the rest of the authors work.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Excellent story

I was absolutely swept away into the lives of the women in this novel. Beautifully written & narrated!

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

horrific true account of slave uprising

narrator was amazing...events were disturbing but probably truthful as to how slaves were treated. great

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