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The Water Dancer

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The Water Dancer

By: Ta-Nehisi Coates
Narrated by: Joe Morton
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About this listen

THE NEW YORK TIMES #1 BESTSELLER

OPRAH BOOK CLUB PICK

The unmissable debut novel by the critically acclaimed author of Between the World and Me and We Were Eight Years in Power - a richly imagined journey to freedom

Hiram Walker is a man with a secret, and a war to win. A war for the right to life, to family, to freedom.

Born into bondage on a Virginia plantation, he is also born gifted with a mysterious power that he won't discover until he is almost a man, when he risks everything for a chance to escape. One fateful decision will carry him away from his makeshift plantation family and into the heart of the underground war on slavery...

©2019 Ta-Nehisi Coates (P)2019 Penguin Audio African American Fantasy Fiction Genre Fiction Historical Magical Realism Multicultural Supernatural Thriller & Suspense Paranormal Heartfelt Exciting Tear-jerking War

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Critic reviews

Any writer tackling slavery needs to do something different with it, and The Water Dancer does just that. Coates' rhapsodic prose spins a soaring, scorching, supernatural tale of the imagination that sets this history alight and turns it into an original work of art. (Bernardine Evaristo)
One of the best books I have ever read in my entire life . . . I was enthralled, I was devastated. (Oprah Winfrey)
a remarkable story about inequality, slavery, memory, freedom and dignity. I found it important and universally relevant (Elif Shafak)
All stars
Most relevant  
A whirlwind of tragedy, hope resilience! A slow start but such an epic tale that will really give you insight into some of the unsaid things of human pain.

A whirlwind of history and power

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I was absolutely gripped by the story with its vivid characters and completely unexpected twists. The authors beautiful handling of mythology and historical events is truly remarkable and engaging, topped off with the best narration I have heard to date. Truly wonderful!

Remarkable Story Telling

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Amazing storytelling - very rich in texture.
Powerful descriptive ability of the author deserves any award received.
Unforgettable!

Incredible!

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I was drawn in by the beautiful writing from the minute I started listening. The story wasn't quite what I expected but I fell in love with the characters and truly cared about what happened to them. Coates' writing is masterful!

A true story of bravery

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Hidden within the Subplot are several hidden Gems of commentary on the plight of the enslaved peoples. Written withadifferent perspective The characters are humanised and not just see us “slaves”; and there is the recurring theme of memory. In order to move forward from the trauma of slavery we must first remember our own stories. I really recommend this book to those descendants of enslaved peoples as well as anyone interested in learning our stories from our perspective.

Full of hidden gems...

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Joe Morton brings this story to life with his powerful skills of narration. Ta-Nehisi weaves the magical threads of ancient slave lore, mythology, musicality, tradition and survival into a tale of stoicism, resilience, pride and ultimate redemption. He bears no grudge and there is no hint of revenge (even though there is every reason for both) and it becomes an absolute lesson in dignity and integrity in the face of monsters. These are lessons we all should learn.

A tale of beauty within the tale of evil.

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Most beautiful narration I have ever heard and the most beautifully written book. Couldn’t stop listening and wish it would never end .

5 star audio book

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One of the most amazing books I have read for some time. I was so lost once I had finished this book. I literally lived within the pages for the entirety of my read. Captivating.

Amazing Read

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I cannot find fault with this book. the story was compelling, evocative and so beautifully written and the performance was perfect. the narrator defined each character with real personality. The story itself is heart rending and so compelling. wish I could experience it for the first time again.

a triumphant wonderfully written story

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Morton's sensitive, sonorous performance takes this extraordinary, moving, profound tale and gives it wings.

Poetry brought to life

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