A Place Called Freedom

By: Ken Follett

Narrated by: Simon Prebble

Length: 14 hrs and 39 mins

Publisher's summary

Larger-than-life characters and an epic plot brimming with the energy of his internationally acclaimed thrillers make Ken Follett's A Place Called Freedom an experience not to be missed. This lush novel, set in 1766 England and America, evokes an era ripe with riot and revolution, from the teeming streets of London to the sprawling grounds of a Virginia plantation. Mack McAsh burns with the desire to escape his life of slavery in Scottish coal mines while Lizzie Hallim is desperate to shed a life of sheltered subjugation to her spineless husband. United in America, their only chance for freedom lies beyond the Western frontier - if they're brave enough to take it. Spanning two continents and bringing together an unforgettable cast of heroes, villains, and rebels, A Place Called Freedom is a magnificent epic of love, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Narrator Simon Prebble's masterful use of voice and pacing captures a vivid cast of characters and the powerful destiny that shapes their lives.

©1995 Ken Follett (P)1997 Recorded Books

Typically good Follett

A little slow to get going as Follett developed characters through their actions as opposed to using narratives.

It's an older novel, 1995, but even an average Follett novel is better than most available out there. Good narration and overall recommended.

Economic Slavery

I'm hard pressed to understand those who have rated this book very low. While it is a novel, it is based on true historic events depicting slavery as not merely based on race but based on economics - the rich owned the poor. We see the fight for dignity by one who refuses to accept that he is owned by another simply because his family was poor and enslaved to work in the mines in Scotland. He learns that while his parents can enslave him to others when he is a child, that for a year after his 18th birthday he has the right to repudiate that enslavement but he must escape to do so. Once obtaining freedom he is convicted of instigating a riot (which he did not do) and is then sent to America to be purchased again for 7 years of servitude. We'll stop here as I don't want to give spoilers.

A wonderful page Turner

I was so disappointed when it ended I loved the characters in the story. a great read or listen. Excellent storytelling.

Enjoy the book

Simon Preble is an outstanding narrator. Ken Follett doesn't disappoint the listening audience. The story takes place before the revolutionary war.

Interesting story

I enjoyed this book, mostly. The narrator was good, but, didn't even try to do a Scots accent. Just read without differentiating who was speaking. Still, pleasant to listen to. The story lacked Follets usual depth. And at one point the group went "east toward the setting sun." This would be a great book for a long drive, it doesn't take much concentration

Everyone should read this

Follett tells a wonderful story that takes us back to the time before the founding of America. It lets us understand why the founders were so passionate about freedom. Today we take for granted that slavery is abhorrent but not so long ago it was the norm for black and white alike.

Some good, some bad mostly meh

Follet is an excellent story teller, but this tale was by the numbers. Every thing I expected to happen, happened. The complete ending was totally predictable. I give this audiobooky 3stars because while the story world was compelling, the story itself did not move me

GREAT BOOK

Just what you expect from Follett: Engaging story, faultless research, excellent characters that come to life and stir the heart. well written and well performed.

Follett never let's us down

I enjoy Follett's strong g female characters. This was a nice story. Give it a listen.

Fantastic enjoyable story!!!

Throughly enjoyed this story and learned some history too! From Scotland England and then America.