House of Rougeaux

By: Jenny Jaeckel

Narrated by: Bahni Turpin

Following echoes between generations which defy normal time and space, a multilayered narrative celebrates the Rougeaux family triumphs while exposing the injustices of their trials. It begins with Iya, born in Africa in the 1700s, and brought to the Caribbean island of Martinique as a slave, and her two children, Adunbi and Abeje, who grow up on a sugar estate.

The siblings endure because of the kindness of fellow bondsmen and their uncommon abilities. A grandchild becomes emancipated in Quebec City, great-grandchildren find their way in Montreal, a great-great-grandchild runs off to Philadelphia, and another risks everything in New York City.

As each new member of the family takes the spotlight, a fresh piece of the puzzle is illuminated until at last, a homecoming uplifts them all. In skillful prose, award-winning author Jenny Jaeckel masterfully blends genres of coming-of-age, folklore, magical realism, and historical fiction with explorations of gender, race, and sexuality, creating a wondrous and harrowing tale of hope and healing.

“Turpin’s cool, clear voice fluidly takes the listener from place to place, and her accent switches seamlessly…giving each character a distinct and authentic voice. Turpin’s multifaceted performance enhances this rich tapestry of a novel.” (Publishers Weekly)

"Perhaps the greatest achievement of the book is that in spite of the inescapable presence of slavery and prejudice, it isn’t really about either of these. Jenny Jaeckel’s House of Rougeaux is about people - varied and fully realized individuals who make a flawed world their own." (Foreword Reviews, five-star review)

"Turpin's facility with accents and characterizations gives listeners a sense of these shifting time periods and the continuity that comes from generations of treasured family stories.” (AudioFile)

“Turpin’s expressive reading grounds listeners in this richly detailed family saga, a tale replete with historical details, along with touches of mysticism and folklore.” —Joyce Saricks, Booklist

©2018 Jenny Jaeckel (P)2018 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Excellent reading experience

The way the story drew me in from one generation to the next made me want to keep reading/listening for more.

I am looking forward to more from Jenny Jaeckel. What a debut!

Bahni Turpin is one of my favorite narrators and she does exceptionally well on this book.

1785 Until Present Tale of Strength and Endurance

What a touching, painful, yet ultimately triumphant story of two siblings, Abeje and Adunbi growing up on a sugar plantation on the French island of Martinique, having witnessed the brutal murder of their mother. What could have been a tale of hatred and vengeance wasn't . . . it was a story of what was . . . and an attempt to understand it, to get to the root of it . . . a becoming . . . one spanning centuries . . . the pain was not diminished or downplayed . . . the wrong was not swept under a rug . . . however, neither was it used as an excuse for the survivors to be less than what God intended for them to become . . . they were conquerors, survivors, they were WORTHY . . . The narration was spot on with Bahni Turpin . . . I believe that the House of Rougeaux will get much deserved attention in the future. Its among the best in this category.

loved this book.

Loved the story and bahni turpin's narration. Loved hearing what happened to this family through the generations.

A captivating story

A strong story of family, culture, and the adversities that both tear apart and bind people together. Excellent writing and an intriguing read.

Surprisingly addictive!

This book was so well written I could not stop listening . I downloaded it for my morning commute to work but found my self listening while doing dishing, in the office and even weekend garden work.