47

By: Walter Mosley

Narrated by: Ossie Davis

47 is the first young adult novel to be written by bestselling author Walter Mosley. A master storyteller, Mosley deftly mixes speculative and historical fiction in this daring novel. Set in a plantation, 47 (a young slave boy) is growing up under the watchful eye of a brutal slave master. His life seems doomed, until he meets the mysterious Tall John who not only introduces him to an unimaginable magical science but teaches 47 the meaning of freedom.©2005 Walter Mosley; (P)2005 Random House, Inc. Listening Library, an imprint of the Random House Audio Publishing Group

Interesting twist on Slavery

A lot of how you enjoy a book or movie depends upon your prior level of expectation. When I think a movie is going to be junk and turns out to be a bit better I tend to rate it higher because I'm pleasantly surprised. Vice versa on a book/movie with expectations too high. This was recommended on NPR (National Public Radio) so my expectations were far too high (not having read any other reviews).
Still Mosely tells a basic but vivid story of the cruelty of slavery, how that meanness twists the hearts of men who should kind to each other because of their commond bonds (quite literally). Then a very unexpected visitor arrives to change things. I loved this character's maxim: "Neither master nor nigga' be." This character's overwhelming love for everyone and his naive belief that love and kindness will always be returned with gratitude is the most heartbreaking aspect of this bit of science fiction mixed with slavery. Kudos for an original idea! While the story does have an ending it seems like a possible set up for a series. I hope so.
The narrator has an old scratchy voice but you soon get used to it and is evocative of a man who has seen too much strife and pain but who has not lost his capacity for joy.
If I hadn't expected something much more grand I would have given that fifth star. Mosely is a gifted writer. I enjoyed the book but I foolishly was expecting something like "War and Peace."

AWESOME

Awesome, again. I hope there might be a continuation to this story. I feel it's continued potential and wish for more!

Not what I though it would be.

I thought this would be about slavery and the struggles the those in that time had to endure however, it is so much more.
It's nothing I care to explain as I don't want to give it away. I highly recommend this audible if you like books about slavery along with adventure!!!
I personally loved it, and I recommend it for all those like me, who believe that everything is possible😄

A gift

What a wonderful book – it dealt with the pain and hardships African people endured in this country but brought forth a “Spirit” that gave the reader and a people hope – Up lifting – This needs to be a movie. What a gift, thank you Walter Mosley.

Two giants(Mosley/Davis) combine to tell a relevant and compelling story so needed in this time of revisionist history.

The great Walter Mosley and the great Ossie Davis: a match of talents and vision.