The American Daughters

A Novel

By: Maurice Carlos Ruffin

Narrated by: Lynnette R. Freeman

“An enthralling tale of a secret resistance movement run by Black women in pre-Civil War New Orleans.”—Time

“Stirring . . . In telling this important, neglected history with imagination-fueled research, The American Daughters offers an inspiring story of people who show a way forward with their perseverance, bravery and love.”—The New York Times Book Review (Editors’ Choice)

AN ELECTRIC LIT AND KIRKUS REVIEWS BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR

Ady, a curious, sharp-witted girl, and her fierce mother, Sanite, are inseparable. Enslaved to a businessman in the French Quarter of New Orleans, the pair spend their days reminiscing about their family’s rebellious and storied history and dreaming of a loving future. When mother and daughter are separated, Ady is left hopeless and directionless until she stumbles into the Mockingbird Inn and meets Lenore, a free Black woman with whom she becomes fast friends. Lenore invites Ady to join a clandestine society of spies called the Daughters. With the courage instilled in her by Sanite—and with help from these strong women—Ady learns how to put herself first. So begins her journey toward liberation and imagining a new future.

The American Daughters is a novel of hope and triumph that reminds us what is possible when a community bands together to fight for their freedom.

Good read but….

The book content was good, but the narrator made it very difficult to get through the book

Beautiful fictional tale based on lived experiences

To say I loved this story seems like the wrong word choice because it was filled with heartbreaking circumstances. The beauty in this historical fiction was seeing both pain and hope in the harrowing life of 1800s NOLA.

Engaging story that made rethink how I reflect on history

The transition of the heroine throughout the story of her life and antebellum New Orleans was well developed. I was immediately engaged in with her and the book. Without waiver, listen to this book!

Love love love!

Powerful! Could not put it down. Beautiful, descriptive words. Went on the journey with the characters.

Great Characters

The book is not historically accurate but it was a good story. The character development was sound. Contains mature themes, trigger warning for sexual abuse.