The Pearl Diver

By: Jeff Talarigo

Narrated by: Jennifer Ikeda

This lyrical novel sweeps listeners away to an ignoble period from Japanese history, when lives were shattered by intolerance - and for one group of societal outcasts, survival hinged on the determination of the human spirit.

In 1948, a 19-year-old pearl diver with leprosy is forced to erase her name from family records and move to an island leprosarium. Mere miles from the home she can never return to, she must accept that her life will never be the same.

©2004 Jeff Talarigo (P)2004 Recorded Books LLC

Sad but lovely

I was familiar with the stories of Molokai. This is Japanese, and in many ways different. It doesn't stress that, but people's reactions are stronger. It's clearly a different culture.
For me, it's about how you treat people you are afraid of. Cautionary. Unfortunately, I believe it to be accurate.
The girl herself is brave, kind, strong, and heroic in her ability to do the things she could. I loved her.

Great story- heartbreaking at times

Haunting story of a young pearl diver whose life takes an unexpected turn beyond her control and how that affects the person she becomes and her outlook on life as well as her relationships with others.

One of my very favorite books

I read this book a great many years ago, and decided to pick it back up in recorded form. The performance does this great work justice. A wonderful story that everyone should read!