Four Hundred Souls

An outstanding cast brings these essays and poems vividly to life. Of the many incandescent narrators, JD Jackson ("Upon Arrival"), Kevin R. Free ("Cotton"), January LaVoy ("Sally Hemmings"), and Robin Miles ("Maroons and Marronage") are masterful. But at least two dozen more could be mentioned. Ninety entries, including 10 poems, encapsulate the African-American experience from 1619 to 2019. The authors tell stories both little and well known that together give the listener a symphony of voices that bring the complex, often horrific, history of Black people in the U.S. into relief. Many of the accounts depict incredible sacrifice and heroism, and others supply context. All are enhanced by the remarkable narrators. The intense rhythms of the poetry enrich this fine chorus of voices. A.D.M. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award � AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine

Starred review from May 1, 2021

This is an outstanding collection of essays on being Black in the U.S. from 1619 to 2019. The dozens of contributors, including Donna Brazile, Alicia Garza, Nikole Hannah-Jones, Kiese Laymon, and Wesley Lowery, each reflect on a single five-year period of history. The essays consider the social and political effects of Black history on contemporary U.S. society, as well as the legacy of racism that treats people of color, Black people especially, as second-class citizens. The audiobook does not include the book's supporting material, like endnotes or table of contents, but listeners should be able to easily track down sources if they wish to follow up on historic events. Those looking for a more scholarly treatment of the history of racism in the United States should look to Kendi's Stamped from the Beginning. Most essays are read by their author. VERDICT Essential for library collections.--Cliff Glaviano, formerly with Bowling Green State Univ. Libs., OH

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