THE HEALING

Gran Gran Satterfield was born a slave and learned to be a healer and midwife at her master's command. By the 1930s, Gran Gran is alone, her doctoring services rarely in demand. When a newly orphaned girl is left on her doorstep badly in need of healing, the old woman begins to remember her past. Adenrele Ojo's mesmerizing narration is perfectly suited to this complex novel about the interplay among remembering, storytelling, self-identity, and freedom. Through slight shifts of tone and accent, Ojo differentiates Gran Gran's narration from characters' dialogue and infuses her reading with a welcome level of drama. Listeners are treated to a fascinating author's note, which includes a recorded interview with an elderly black midwife who talks about traditional methods of childbirth. C.B.L. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2012, Portland, Maine [Published: MAY 2012]