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  • Wild Swan

  • A Story of Florence Nightingale
  • By: Patti Callahan
  • Narrated by: Cynthia Erivo
  • Length: 1 hr and 54 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (2,829 ratings)

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Wild Swan

By: Patti Callahan
Narrated by: Cynthia Erivo
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Publisher's summary

In this captivating historical novella narrated by Tony Award-winning actress Cynthia Erivo, New York Times best-selling author Patti Callahan Henry celebrates the life of the mother of modern nursing and one of history's greatest heroines: Florence Nightingale. 

Wild Swan introduces listeners to the Lady with the Lamp long before she became a legend. In this poignant story, a young woman has just discovered her divine purpose to become a nurse, and struggles to make that dream a reality. While traveling abroad with her close friend, Selina Bracebridge - another strong woman living an unconventional life - a rare opportunity arises for Florence to practice medicine. Intellectually gifted with an advanced education thanks to her father’s progressive political views, can the daughter of a prominent English family defy Victorian societal expectations to fulfill her destiny? 

Over the course of a few short years, Florence remains brave and determined in the face of all obstacles, pursuing her passion against her family’s wishes. From her parent’s luxurious countryside estate in England to her travels abroad to the German medical institute where she first began her training and fell in love with her work, we follow Florence during these pivotal early years of her extraordinary life.

©2020 Patti Callahan Henry (P)2020 Audible Originals, LLC.

Audible Questionnaire with Cynthia Erivo

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About the Creator

Patti Callahan Henry is the NYT best-selling author of fifteen novels, including Becoming Mrs. Lewis and Surviving Savannah. She is the recipient of The Harper Lee Distinguished Writer of the Year award as well as the Christy Award Book of the Year and The Alabama Library Association Book of the Year. Patti is the co-creator and co-host of the weekly web show and podcast Friends and Fiction. Once a pediatric clinical nurse specialist, Patti is now a full time author and lives in Mountain Brook Alabama.
Photographed by Bud Johnson Photography

What listeners say about Wild Swan

Average customer ratings
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Very Good!

Wild Swan is a really interesting book. I have never really known anything about Florence Nightingale except that she was a nurse but this book brings her to life. The narrator just brings the character to life.

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Great, short story

As a nurse for 40+ years, I really enjoyed listening to this story about Florence Nightengale!

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Inspiring

This was wonderful. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It is easy to listen to. Provides nice insight into the growth of the nursing profession

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Great book!

Wish it were longer! Loved the story!
Narration was simply great and I did not want the book to end!

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Wonderful book!

I LOVED this book. It was so filled with information about Florence I had never read before. As a nurse I highly recommend this book!

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So Inspiring!

Beautiful inspiring story, beautifully written and told - I could easily listen to it again - so rich and descriptive

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wanting more

as I knew Florance Nightinggale wuold over come her many obstacles to become a nurse. This story is a good starting point. Besides carring for sick and wounded people she had many more achievements. The Royal family also recognize her greatness.

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A quick inspired listen

This story was beautifully written and performed and was just the inspiration this tired and frustrated nurse needed to hear to keep going. Thank you for this gem and thank you Florence for using your gifts and sharing your calling

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Beautiful

A beautiful story of determination, following your heart and life’s calling for service. The advancement of women’s right to pursue a career. I really enjoyed this book

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NOT what I thought

How stupid I feel for thinking of Florence Nightingale only as some foxy night shift nurse! She was a LEGEND!! Wildly intelligent and fought through family betrayal and politics just to help the helpless. She’s a STUD!! Also, I would like a pet owl too. 🙏🏼

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