The Raffle Baby

An Astounding Lyrical Novel Inspired by a Shocking True Story of the Great Depression

By: Ruth Talbot

Narrated by: David Mann

A rich, cinematic listening experience — made for book clubs, history lovers, and anyone who craves a story that both breaks and heals the heart.

Experience The Raffle Baby through an evocative performance by narrator David Mann, whose authentic delivery and memorable character voices bring every heartbeat of this story to life.

Set against the dust-choked backdrop of the Great Depression, three abandoned children cling to one another as their only family. Teeny — fierce and full of imagination. Sonny Boy — quiet, loyal, and watchful. And Vic — a boy whose silence carries its own secrets.

Guided by Sonny Boy’s voice and Teeny’s unforgettable imagination, this audiobook is a testament to resilience, found family, and the power of storytelling itself.

As they ride the rails, chase the harvests, and fight off hunger and prejudice, their nights are sustained by the wondrous tales Teeny spins around campfires — including the haunting legend of the “raffle baby,” a child given away as a prize.

But when a solemn pact fails to protect them, tragedy upends their fragile world. And Sonny Boy is left to carry not only their survival, but their memories — the ones too painful to tell, and the ones too beautiful to forget.

With breathtaking prose, hints of magical realism, and a deeply felt narration, The Raffle Baby becomes an immersive listening experience — a journey of love, loss, resilience, and the kind of chosen family that defies even the darkest times.

Perfect for fans of Where the Crawdads Sing and The Lincoln Highway, this is a story that will stay with listeners long after the final word.

©2022 Ruth Talbot (P)2023 Ruth Talbot

the way the main character told the story as if he was in a conversation with just you.

I felt the time with Tiny at the end was too quick and rushed. unless I missed it...when did they go from meeting again to her dying?

RE-live History

This is an amazing story that everyone should read/listen to! This reminds me so much of listening to our grandparents lives as we sit around cross-legged and listen intently to their amazing stories!

Excellent audio! The book, characters and narrator were superb!

I'm was pulled in from the beginning. I remember hearing about young kids leaving home at an early age to fend for themselves because the parents couldn't take care of them The life they were living was unusual and the mix of these three kids, having to grow up faster, while still keeping childlike a times. Thank You! 👏👏👏

It was better than I expected

When I think about stories of the depression era of the US, it is depressing. My parents were children of that age, not the dust bowl, but of hard times. This story, however, I found favorable and could continue it to the end with no angst, sorrow, or sadness. Of course, my favorite part was the middle, I won’t put in a spoiler, and the ending surprised me. This book is on my recommend list.

This was so beautifully done. I actually felt as if the author was sitting next to me and we were having a conversation.

100% like, 0% dislike. In other words liked!It felt as if I was there.