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

Preview

Try for $0.00
Prime logo Prime members: New to Audible?
Get 2 free audiobooks during trial.
Pick 1 audiobook a month from our unmatched collection.
Listen all you want to thousands of included audiobooks, Originals, and podcasts.
Access exclusive sales and deals.
Premium Plus auto-renews for $14.95/mo after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

The Raffle Baby

By: Ruth Talbot
Narrated by: David Mann
Try for $0.00

$14.95/month after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

Buy for $19.95

Buy for $19.95

Confirm purchase
Pay using card ending in
By confirming your purchase, you agree to Audible's Conditions of Use and Amazon's Privacy Notice. Taxes where applicable.
Cancel

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 Historical Fiction Literary Fiction Feel-Good
activate_Holiday_promo_in_buybox_DT_T2

What listeners say about The Raffle Baby

Average customer ratings
Overall
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    11
  • 4 Stars
    1
  • 3 Stars
    1
  • 2 Stars
    0
  • 1 Stars
    0
Performance
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    11
  • 4 Stars
    1
  • 3 Stars
    0
  • 2 Stars
    0
  • 1 Stars
    0
Story
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    9
  • 4 Stars
    1
  • 3 Stars
    1
  • 2 Stars
    1
  • 1 Stars
    0

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.

Sort by:
Filter by:
  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    2 out of 5 stars

Excellent storytelling

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.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

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

How the author brought you into the story!

I really enjoyed the language and the story. The words were magical and the story was captivating!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

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

the way the main character told the story as if he was in a conversation with just you.

I felt the time with Tiny at the end was too quick and rushed. unless I missed it...when did they go from meeting again to her dying?

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

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

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

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! 👏👏👏

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

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

RE-live History

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!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!