If Chicago Could Talk

“Bronzeville: The Black Metropolis"

By: Alvin Hayes

Narrated by: Virtual Voice

In this fascinating tale set in 1919, the Thomas family leaves New Orleans for Chicago as part of the Great Migration, seeking equality denied in the South. They are confident and optimistic. But hope is extinguished when they are met by 6,000 National Guard troops deployed to quell an earlier race riot.

Linda and Ben prepare their nephew Trey to lead the family through the treacherous landscape of a big city plagued by segregation, police violence, and corruption. Is he ready? They devise a risky plan to challenge real estate covenants banning Blacks from buying homes in white neighborhoods. Meanwhile, Trey’s girlfriend, Tallulah, leads the "Don’t Buy Where You Can’t Work" protest, confronting the President of Marshal Fields department stores over their discriminatory hiring practices. The police are called to break up the protest. Tallulah is like her mother Opa, she never backs down and disperses the police.

Opa, reminds Tallulah of their proud Choctaw heritage and tells her they will leave her abusive father, Ray. Despite Tallulah's fear of his threats, Opa reassures her, “No one is going to touch you or your brother.” “What about you?” Tallulah asks. Opa smiles, “I have a plan. That's all you need to know."

John Arceneaux, the Godfather of Bronzeville, battles to protect his territory from Italian and Irish mob bosses during Prohibition but he trusts the wrong people. The police captain, also on his payroll, arrests those who betrayed him.

Tolliver Investigative Services is hired to find two missing women, one white and one Black. The case evolves into a murder mystery after their bodies are found. The police think James, a family friend, may be involved.

Steeped in history and packed with action, "If Chicago Could Talk" is a tale of family resilience, heroes, heroines, villains, and heartache.


“Until The Lion Tells The Story The Hunter Will Always Be The Hero” – African Proverb

Great

So much history and events that many do not know about. This book brought it all to life. Excellent book read.

The AI platform

I could not enjoy the story because the narrator was so bad! AI is not the way to go with Audible. There were long disjointed pauses, mispronouncing of words…just really bad. I will not listen to another book being read by AI.

Thoroughly enjoying

A taste of history entwined in a family tale. Thoroughly enjoyable. I look forward to listening to the other installments. I am not sure of the order or how many there are but I have two down with the rest left to go. Thanks for including g them with membership!

Racial discrimination

History is so important to be revisited and learned from. Inequality is so wrong especially to a nation who claims liberty and justice for all. We’ve come along way but we must do better.

the automated voice

the story was somewhat disjointed. Ittried brought in too many characters and scenarios. The automated voice just Amplified the poor storytelling.