Maude

By: Donna Mabry

Narrated by: Shana Gagnon

In 1906 I was barely over 14 years old, and it was my wedding day. My older sister, Helen, came to my room, took me by the hand, and sat me down on the bed. She said, "You've always been a good girl, Maude, and done what I told you. Now you're going to be a married woman, and he will be the head of the house. When you go home tonight after your party, no matter what he wants to do to you, you have to let him do it. Do you understand?" I didn't understand, but I nodded my head anyway. It sounded strange to me, the way so many things did. I would do what she told me. I didn't have a choice, any more than I'd had a choice in being born.

©2014 Donna Mabry (P)2015 Dreamscape Media, LLC

Touchingly Honest Portrayal

MAUDE is a riveting character study of a woman faced with tough challenges from an early age. Author Donna Mabry did a beautiful job of depicting her grandmother's point of view in a no-nonsense narration without apologies for the choices made. In some ways, Maude is an example of many more untold stories of women who did what they thought was best for their situation, despite their own personal happiness.

I was fascinated with the historical details woven into the storyline, making me feel as if I were standing in the room with the family. The tragic moments shocked and saddened me, but there were sweet scenes that made me smile. And laugh. (I won't spoil it, but I was chuckling out loud at young Maude & James puzzling over a dilemma.)

Narrator Shana Gagnon's low-key performance was brilliantly understated. The almost-monotone voice with the slight southern accent suited Maude's character perfectly. If it had been more animated, I probably would have been annoyed.

I will definitely be reading more of Donna Mabry's work AND seeking more narrations by Shana Gagnon!

Women like this are a thing of the past

What a great, exciting and sad story. I loved the narrator. The calm, almost expressionless voice exuded the steady ongoing life of this woman. She learned what she had to do, learned well and made the decisions that were right for her family. One of the best books I've listened to.

Wow!

Yes, this is quite intense and depressing, but it's an incredible story with superb narration.

great story of a strong christren woman

Great story of a strong Christen woman that endured pain and heart ache during her struggle to provide for family

Excellent!!

This book really comes to life. straightforward and sometimes blunt. no fluff or frills. grabs you and doesn't let go. wonderful read I will not soon forget. narration was well suited to this book. my kind of story.