The House of Eve

By: Sadeqa Johnson

Narrated by: Ariel Blake, Nicole Lewis, Sadeqa Johnson

“Amazing…I was completely surprised by the ending of this beautifully told and written book.” —Reese Witherspoon

“A triumph of historical fiction” (The Washington Post), an instant New York Times bestseller, and a Reese’s Book Club pick, set in 1950s Philadelphia and Washington, DC, that explores what it means to be a woman and a mother, and how much one is willing to sacrifice to achieve her greatest goal.

1950s Philadelphia: fifteen-year-old Ruby Pearsall is on track to becoming the first in her family to attend college. But a taboo love affair threatens to pull her back down into the poverty and desperation that has been passed on to her like a birthright.

Eleanor Quarles arrives in Washington, DC, with ambition and secrets. When she meets the handsome William Pride at Howard University, they fall madly in love. But William hails from one of DC’s elite wealthy Black families, and his parents don’t let just anyone into their fold. Eleanor hopes that a baby will make her finally feel at home in William’s family and grant her the life she’s been searching for. But having a baby—and fitting in—is easier said than done.

With their stories colliding in the most unexpected of ways, Ruby and Eleanor will both make decisions that shape the trajectory of their lives.

Critic reviews

"Ariel Blake and Nicole Lewis provide an excellent dual narration of this fascinating look at two young Black women who confront racial, class, and gender inequities in the 1950s. Blake captivates as 15-year-old Rosa, who is striving for a college scholarship to escape her poor Philadelphia neighborhood and her mother, who chooses her boyfriends over her. Lewis superbly portrays Eleanor, originally from small-town Ohio, who navigates Howard University's competitive environment, as well as a fraught relationship with her mother-in-law, whose condescending views are unsettling. Both narrators excel at conveying the dialogue of the large supporting cast, with Blake's portrayal of Rosa's Aunt Marie's tough yet tender personality a standout. Listeners will be fully engaged as Rosa and Eleanor face their many challenges."

Wow. Just…wow.

This is one of those books that will stick with you for quite some time. Ms. Johnson is an incredible story teller. This was the first book of hers that I’ve listened to and I’m downloading “Yellow Wife” as I type this review. Her author’s note at the end was so touching and real. Texting my book club after this to tell them about the book.

The performances were perfect. I listen to a LOT of books and I have my favorite readers (lookin at you, Julia Whalen) but these two just climbed right up to the top with JW. They read with good cadence, great inflections and it wasn’t over the top theatrical like some readers. Their reading is exactly what you want—to enhance the story and draw you in.

10/10 all around! Okay, now I gotta go start “Yellow Wife”—thank you Sadeqa Johnson!

Brilliant

Loved this book the author’s details and description were impeccable. Relatable storyline and wonderful writing. Also performance of book was also exceptional! Great book, great characters, and looking forward to others by this author!

BEST BOOK!!!

I read so many books, but this one really took me by surprise! I could not quit reading it and the ending - WOW! I cried like a baby! I don't want to ruin it for everyone else, but trust me, this is the BEST book I have read in a long time! LOVED IT!

HU

Love hearing about Howard!! HBCU life. I lived off U street and had many dates in the same area. We need part 2.

Very good read!

Hoping there will be a Part two… Well-written and I loved the rich sub-themes woven throughout the story. Totally enjoyed the narration and strong character development of the women and their significant other’s.