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Praise Jerusalem!

By: Augusta Trobaugh
Narrated by: D. Lynne Jenson
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Publisher's summary

Fans of southern novels that explore the complex relationships between white families and their black hired help will find a compelling story about race relations in Praise Jerusalem.

Amelia, an aging Georgia matron forced by money woes to move in with two other women - outlandishly preachy Maybelline and take-no-nonsense Mamie, who is black - begins to confront her childhood memories of the black women who worked for her family.

Their lives, both tragic and yet sublimely proud, haunt Amelia even now, as she searches for a way to make peace with the sorrows she innocently observed.

Praise Jerusalem is a rare mix of poignant drama but also wry humor. Both the elder Amelia and her childhood self are primly rebellious and irrepressible; Amelia's sharp eye for petty human foibles never fails her.

©1997 Augusta Trobaugh, pseud. (P)2013 BelleBooks, Inc.
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Critic reviews

"A perfect balance of richness and delicacy...I found something to amaze and delight me on every page." (Bailey White, National Public Radio commentator and author of Quite a Year for Plums.)
"Trobaugh grounds her rich first novel with salty dialogue and earthy realism." ( Publishers Weekly)

What listeners say about Praise Jerusalem!

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    1 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

Not as good as hoped

Would you try another book from Augusta Trobaugh and/or D. Lynne Jenson?

Probably not

What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

This had been praised to be right up there with "The Help". Although I did enjoy the racial interactions in the story, it did not touch my heart nor keep my attention in any way compared to The Help.

Would you be willing to try another one of D. Lynne Jenson’s performances?

The performance is what turned me off so bad. Most of the voices were done in such a high pitched nail-grating voice that it made it hard for me to listen to. I endured to the end but the whole thing was disappointing to me.

Could you see Praise Jerusalem! being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

No

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Enchanting story / narration brings it to life

Would you listen to Praise Jerusalem! again? Why?

Yes! This is a great story that really paints a vivid picture of life in a small town in the South. The characterizations are complex, and the narration brings the characters to life. Both humorous and touching.

What did you like best about this story?

The contrast of humor and pathos.

Which scene was your favorite?

When Maybelline arrives to move in with Miss Amelia.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No.

Any additional comments?

I really enjoyed the talented narration, the voicings of the characters and the way the narrator set the mood perfectly for each scene.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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That horrible voice!

Augusta Trobaugh is a great writer and I've liked all of her books but this one would probably be one to read instead of listen to.

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  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
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    1 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars

I cannot finish this!!!

What disappointed you about Praise Jerusalem!?

No joy, no redemption, and no longer interested in listening to a screeching banshee! It's unbearable. Depressing and unrealistic!

Would you ever listen to anything by Augusta Trobaugh again?

Never say never, but...

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of D. Lynne Jenson?

Someone with a bit more ability to sing even poorly, and not screech!

You didn’t love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

Kept hoping..

Any additional comments?

Read the book don't listen to it!

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