Don't Let Me Keep You

By: Kathie Giorgio

Narrated by: Linda Graves

"Don't Let Me Keep You is a lyrical meditation on motherhood seven times over, gestating, unfurling with rhythmic, poignant prose." Maggie Ginsberg, author of Still True

Hildy Halverson, a genius in math and science, is pushed by her parents to step into a male-dominated field and change the world for women. But Hildy, enamored of the scientific force of the human body, and her own body's ability to create and sustain life, decides to go against contemporary expectations. She marries young and raises a houseful of kids.

Hildy wants her children to choose their own life paths. As each child is born, she tells them, "You can be whatever you want to be, and whatever you want to be will be great." Despite her efforts to not influence her children, Hildy does so, often in unexpected ways. Each child is introduced in that first private moment between Hildy and her new baby. This is followed by a chapter revealing that child's life, years later. Woven throughout is an underlying grief over the death of the sixth baby soon after birth. That grief is more pervasive than any of them expect.

In this ambitious novel, the struggles and joys, fatigue, and exhilaration of motherhood, are captured in the full panorama of family life. Hildy lovingly raises her children, then lets them go, finding herself along the way.

©2024 Black Rose Writing (P)2024 Black Rose Writing

not the norm

This book was not the PC that most of todays books are. I really liked that the main character knew what she wanted and lived her life her way. The narrator was wonderful as I knew immediately who was speaking and she was so easy to listen to.. Would recommend to all ages and males as well!

Wonderful book and narration

I really enjoyed listening to this book. I found it very compelling and the narrator, Linda Graves, really brought the book to life for me. There were times when I was so into the book that I didn't want to get out of my car - I wanted to keep driving and listening. I found the story very interesting - someone who chose the path of motherhood when she was expected (and groomed) to be a mathematician by her parents - and at a time when women were expected to be more than "just mothers". The passage where she first held a little baby and marveled at the wonder of it all was very moving and Linda read that section so beautifully. The narrator did a great job of distinguishing each character and I felt she really connected with the rhythm and tone of the author's writing. I highly recommend giving it a listen!

A unique work- elevated by *excellent* narration

A thoughtful rumination on motherhood & loss & the unbearable lightness of being.
This story has a rambling, rumbling quality to it- a rhythmic cadence of discovery that is so BEAUTIFULLY brought to life by the incredible narrator, Linda Graves. Her voice carries you along with her into the heart of the story.
I'll eagerly await more from this talented author and will definitely be seeking out more titles read by the incredible narrator.
Five enthusiastic stars, all around.

Great book, good story line!

I enjoyed the theme of this book. The main character gave up her opportunity of going to college and continue with her gift for Math. She only wanted to be a mother, and she wanted to be a good mother. She thought that motherhood could be mastered as a mathematics equation. She always told her kids that they could be whatever they wanted to be. She loved her kids. The book was excellent narrated by Linda Graves.

A really great listen!

The plot of this book is certainly not the usual plot written today. It is, instead, a delightful departure from the usual "how to make it as a woman in men's fields". Hildy is obviously brilliant and could do whatever she wants with her life. Instead, she chooses motherhood. The development of the characters including the children is part of what makes this book compelling, but the narration brings the entire story to life. The narrator seems to have a talent for giving each character a unique voice which makes it clear who is speaking and eliminates the confusion that can occur. I highly recommend this book to be listened to, not read, since the narration adds so much to the story.

Deep look into a family

I found this book interesting in that the reader was introduced to every member of the family, and we saw how desperately they all wanted to connect, but how little they all knew about each other. The book reminds us that we need to let ourselves be known to those we love. I enjoyed the narration, the reading was fluid and nicely supported the story.