Lazaretto

A Novel

By: Diane McKinney-Whetstone

Narrated by: Adenrele Ojo

Diane McKinney-Whetstone’s nationally bestselling novel, Tumbling, immersed us into Philadelphia’s black community during the Civil Rights era, and she returns to the city in this new historical novel about a cast of nineteenth-century characters whose colorful lives intersect at the legendary Lazaretto—America’s first quarantine hospital.

Isolated on an island where two rivers meet, the Lazaretto quarantine hospital is the first stop for immigrants who wish to begin new lives in Philadelphia. The Lazaretto’s black live-in staff forge a strong social community, and when one of them receives permission to get married on the island the mood is one of celebration, particularly since the white staff—save the opium-addicted doctor—are given leave for the weekend. On the eve of the ceremony, a gunshot rings out across the river. A white man has fired at a boat carrying the couple’s friends and family to the island, and the captain is injured. His life lies in the hands of Sylvia, the Lazaretto’s head nurse, who is shocked to realize she knows the patient.

Intertwined with the drama unfolding at the Lazaretto are the fates of orphan brothers. When one brother commits a crime to protect the other, he imperils both of their lives—and the consequences ultimately deliver both of them to the Lazaretto.

In this masterful work of historical fiction, Diane McKinney-Whetstone seamlessly transports us to Philadelphia in the aftermath of the Civil War and Lincoln’s assassination, beautifully evoking powerful stories of love, friendship and humanity amid the vibrant black community that flourished amid the troubled times.

WORTH THE WAIT!!! Fans will love it!!!

Where does Lazaretto rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I listen to lots of audiobooks and this is easier in my top 5! How can a duo of one of my favorite authors and narrators be bad?!?! The prose where so poetically spun and had a way of taking me right into the feeling of the moment. McKinney Whetstone has a way of using similes like no other. I did not want it to end!

Who was your favorite character and why?

Although a lesser character in this story, Buddy was my favorite. I enjoyed his tough exterior that did not contrast but compliment his soft, loving and loyal interior. I enjoyed his confident intuition of people and ability to see and act on truth. His sister a close second for some of the same reasons--she too utilized her intuition and acted from a strong sense of truth. I loved that she was a lady, pure and simple.

What about Adenrele Ojo’s performance did you like?

I have always love Adenrele! Her performance enhanced the story. She embodied the characters in voice and sentiment!

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When Sylvia recounted the story during Carl's procedure. WOW! Confirmed some suspicions and provided context for other things.

Any additional comments?

Author had a firm grasp on the time period with use of language, what Black people were feeling and doing related to what was happening in the US. I can't wait for the next book!

Mediocre

Story was unbalanced. Narrator 's hard consonants were annoying for me.....made it difficult to listen and compromised the story.

a must read for any Philly and south Jersey reader

thought I knew my history til now. lazaretto? no one I know or grew up with in south Jersey knew about this place. this is a must read even if i it might be your last of summer reads.

The Characters come ALIVE!!!

What did you love best about Lazaretto?

The story is very compelling and the characters come to life and I could picture every single one of them.

What other book might you compare Lazaretto to and why?

I loved Tumbling also from this fabulous author with the brilliant talent for making the characters live in our memory long after the books are read.

Which scene was your favorite?

The scenes in the first and last chapters were my favorite.

If you could rename Lazaretto, what would you call it?

A Triumph of Love

Any additional comments?

Spoiler alert!I loved and hated the ending of this novel. I would have loved to have read Linc's reaction reuniting with Bram. However, I enjoyed imagining this miraculous reunion.
I found the narrator's voice very annoying. It took a lot out of the pleasure from this book.

Great Historical Novel

Any additional comments?

Wonderful informative story adds additional understanding to the black American plight early on.