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The Fortunes of Blues and Blessings

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The Fortunes of Blues and Blessings

By: Karen Sloan-Brown
Narrated by: Glynn Holmes Sr.
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About this listen

Step into the rich tapestry of American history as one family's destiny intertwines with the blues of heartbreak and the blessings of joy.

The Fortunes of Blues and Blessing unfolds as a sweeping historical saga that illuminates the journey of an extraordinary black family in America. Spanning over a century and five generations, this captivating novel takes root in 1849, tracing the family's roots from Sierra Leone to the rice plantations of Georgia. At the heart of this gripping tale is Hercules, a young African enslaved and renamed upon arrival in Charleston. His bond with Rachel, a fellow captive, forms the foundation of a remarkable legacy.

As their daughter Maia grows up amidst the privilege of the Bailey Plantation, her path intersects with the turbulent backdrop of the Civil War. Fleeing the plantation, Maia returns to Ossabaw Island, where she finds solace and love in Aaron, a skilled tradesman seeking refuge. As the years unfold, the family flourishes and migrates inland, overcoming adversity with resilience and determination. Maia embraces her passion for writing, while Aaron becomes a trailblazer in the construction industry. Their daughter Diana, a talented singer and Fisk Jubilee Singer, grapples with her dreams of fame and the complexities of identity. Meanwhile, Maia's grief for lost children and Aaron's burning desire to empower his people shape their destinies.

Blending the depth of 'Roots' with the captivating journey of 'Forrest Gump,' this enthralling narrative introduces listeners to real-life black individuals who have left an indelible mark on African American history. Immerse yourself in a tale where the extraordinary becomes ordinary, where the struggles and triumphs of one family mirror the collective experience of a resilient community. In the depths of struggle and the heights of triumph, discover the extraordinary journey of a black family across generations and continents.

©2014 Karen Sloan-Brown (P)2024 Karen Sloan-Brown
African American Family Life Genre Fiction Historical Fiction Inspiring Heartfelt Scary Tear-jerking Thought-Provoking American History Resilience War Dream

What listeners say about The Fortunes of Blues and Blessings

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A Captivating and Heartfelt Story

From the first moments of The Fortunes of Blues and Blessings, Karen Sloan-Brown immerses you in a gripping tale of history, family, and identity. The book spans five generations, tracing the lives of a remarkable black family in America, with themes of love, loss, perseverance, and triumph. The historical backdrop is vivid and compelling, from the brutal realities of slavery to the heartening triumphs of freedom and self-determination. Glynn Holmes Sr. narrates with skill and compassion, making this audiobook an unforgettable experience. A beautifully written and performed piece that will stay with you long after the final chapter.

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A Beautiful and Powerful Family Saga

The Fortunes of Blues and Blessings is a sweeping, poignant historical journey that spans multiple generations, filled with the richness of African American culture and history. Karen Sloan-Brown beautifully weaves together the legacy of Hercules, Maia, and their descendants, telling a story of resilience, love, and identity in the face of adversity. From the horrors of slavery to the triumphs of the Civil War and beyond, this book paints a vivid picture of American history through the lens of one extraordinary family. Glynn Holmes Sr.'s narration is masterful, bringing every character to life with warmth and depth. Highly recommended for anyone interested in the complexities of history, family, and identity.

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An Unforgettable Family Epic

Karen Sloan-Brown has crafted a masterpiece in The Fortunes of Blues and Blessings. The story of this extraordinary black family unfolds across generations, starting with Hercules and his wife Rachel during the days of slavery and continuing through their descendants’ struggles, triumphs, and passions. This saga touches on issues of race, identity, family, and history in a way that is both profound and moving. Glynn Holmes Sr.'s narration is pitch-perfect, adding an extra layer of emotion and gravity to this already powerful narrative. An absolute must-read (or must-listen) for anyone interested in African American history and legacy.

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A Gripping Historical Saga of Perseverance

The Fortunes of Blues and Blessings is an unforgettable historical saga that traces the lives of an African American family from the horrors of slavery to the triumphs of freedom. The story begins with Hercules and Rachel, two enslaved individuals who endure hardship but find strength in their love and resolve. As the family’s journey unfolds, listeners are transported through key moments in history, from the Civil War to the rise of new opportunities. Glynn Holmes Sr.’s powerful narration enhances the emotional depth of this inspiring tale, making it an unforgettable listening experience. A deeply moving story of resilience, love, and history.

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An Emotional Journey Through History

Listening to this audiobook felt like stepping back in time. The rich historical context and the intimate portrayal of one family’s journey created a deeply emotional experience. Karen Sloan-Brown paints each scene with incredible detail, and Glynn Holmes Sr. adds depth with his soothing yet powerful voice. This story will stay with me for a long time.

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A Soul-Stirring Look at Black History

The Fortunes of Blues and Blessings takes listeners on an unforgettable ride through history, love, and the triumphs of a black family over generations. Karen Sloan-Brown’s storytelling is emotionally rich and deeply impactful, and Glynn Holmes Sr.'s narration brings the entire journey to life. From the horrors of slavery to the hopes of a new generation, this audiobook paints a vivid picture of how history and personal legacy intertwine. It’s a touching, educational, and deeply moving story that I highly recommend to anyone interested in understanding the African American experience.

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A Rich, Complex Tale of Family and Legacy

The Fortunes of Blues and Blessings offers a rich, multi-faceted look into the lives of one black family across five generations. Karen Sloan-Brown’s masterful storytelling delves deep into their hearts and struggles, touching on topics such as slavery, love, identity, and the dreams of future generations. Glynn Holmes Sr.'s narration is exceptional, providing the perfect voice for this historical journey. This is a beautiful audiobook that gives a voice to real experiences, weaving personal stories with historical events that will leave you both inspired and reflective.

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A Gripping, Multi-Generational Tale

Karen Sloan-Brown’s The Fortunes of Blues and Blessings is a beautifully woven narrative of history, love, and struggle. Following a black family across five generations, it explores the triumphs and heartbreaks of each era, from the plantations to the civil rights movement. Sloan-Brown’s writing brings out the depth of each character's journey, while Glynn Holmes Sr.’s powerful narration elevates the emotional resonance of the story. This audiobook is not just a family saga; it’s a celebration of resilience and the power of legacy. A captivating and eye-opening listen!

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A Powerful Saga of Love, Loss, and Resilience

The Fortunes of Blues and Blessings is a remarkable journey through history that paints a vivid portrait of an African American family’s struggle for survival and success. From the moment Hercules and Rachel’s love story begins in 1849, the story unfolds with passion and resilience. The story takes listeners through pivotal moments in American history, including slavery, the Civil War, and the fight for freedom, all while focusing on the strength of a family that never gives up. Glynn Holmes Sr. delivers an incredible narration, full of depth and authenticity, making this audiobook an immersive and moving experience. A truly compelling tale that will stay with you long after it’s over.

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A Powerful Tapestry of American History and Family

The Fortunes of Blues and Blessings is a beautifully written, multi-generational saga that immerses the listener in the historical and emotional journey of an African American family. From Hercules’ journey from Sierra Leone to the rice plantations of Georgia, to the Civil War and beyond, the story is a rich exploration of love, loss, and resilience. Glynn Holmes Sr. delivers an impeccable narration, giving each character depth and authenticity. This audiobook is not just a story—it’s an exploration of the strength, perseverance, and legacy of a family that mirrors the broader experience of African Americans in history. Highly recommended for fans of historical fiction and family sagas.

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