The Raffle Baby Audiobook By Ruth Talbot cover art

The Raffle Baby

An Astounding Lyrical Novel Inspired by a Shocking True Story of the Great Depression

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The Raffle Baby

By: Ruth Talbot
Narrated by: David Mann
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About this listen

“Purchase a ticket for a chance to win a rosy-cheeked little one. Ladies particularly welcome.”

With precise, breathtaking prose and hints of magical realism, Ruth Talbot tells the tale of three orphans as they crisscross the country in the 1930s, riding the rails, chasing the harvests, and stealing when they must. Their destination is always the same: survival.

Teeny, Sonny Boy and Vic have been swallowed up by the desperation and devastation of the Great Depression, but the trio is buoyed by the fantastical tales Teeny weaves around campfires in hobo jungles and migrant camps, including the story of the raffle baby.

As the three navigate the ravages of poverty and prejudices, they form a family bond as strong as the forces against them. But when a solemn pact fails to protect them, their lives are forever changed. And Sonny Boy is left to tell their story, and his own.

Both heartbreaking and uplifting, The Raffle Baby examines the intersection of love, loss and resilience, and the enduring triumph of memory. This is a magical tale not soon forgotten.

©2022 Ruth Talbot (P)2023 Ruth Talbot
Fiction Genre Fiction Historical Fiction Literary Fiction Feel-Good
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I really enjoyed the language and the story. The words were magical and the story was captivating!

How the author brought you into the story!

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When I think about stories of the depression era of the US, it is depressing. My parents were children of that age, not the dust bowl, but of hard times. This story, however, I found favorable and could continue it to the end with no angst, sorrow, or sadness. Of course, my favorite part was the middle, I won’t put in a spoiler, and the ending surprised me. This book is on my recommend list.

It was better than I expected

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This is an amazing story that everyone should read/listen to! This reminds me so much of listening to our grandparents lives as we sit around cross-legged and listen intently to their amazing stories!

RE-live History

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I'm was pulled in from the beginning. I remember hearing about young kids leaving home at an early age to fend for themselves because the parents couldn't take care of them The life they were living was unusual and the mix of these three kids, having to grow up faster, while still keeping childlike a times. Thank You! 👏👏👏

Excellent audio! The book, characters and narrator were superb!

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I love the story and I love the narrator. Historical fiction is a favorite of mine. There were times I had tears in my eyes.

Excellent storytelling

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Great narrator, relaxing but captivating story. How aweful the times were and the suffering profound.

story kept me listening

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I love the details about life during the depression and life on the rails. The characters snag your heart and gave hope from the goodness and generosity of others. Thank you for a wonderful book!

A tale of time

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The title is Raffle Baby, however, the only baby raffle is two minutes in the middle of the book. We know nothing about the baby or what happened following the raffle. Extremely misleading title. I wasn't interested in hearing a hobos adventure.

Hobos work the nation.

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