The House Behind the Cedars


Read by James K. White

(4.7 stars; 51 reviews)

In this, Chesnutt's first novel, he tells the tragic story of love set against a backdrop of racism, miscegenation and “passing” during the period spanning the antebellum and reconstruction eras in American history. And through his use of the vernacular prevalent in the South of that time, Chesnutt lent a compassionate voice to a group that America did not want to hear. More broadly, however, Chesnutt illustrated, in this character play, the vast and perhaps insurmountable debt this country continues to pay for the sins of slavery. (Summary by James K. White) (7 hr 29 min)

Chapters

A Stranger From South Carolina 20:26 Read by James K. White
An Evening Visit 28:10 Read by James K. White
The Old Judge 5:21 Read by James K. White
Down The River 13:31 Read by James K. White
The Tournament 20:02 Read by James K. White
The Queen of Love and Beauty 6:08 Read by James K. White
'Mid New Surroundings 6:25 Read by James K. White
The Courtship 15:30 Read by James K. White
Doubts And Fears 16:40 Read by James K. White
The Dream 12:17 Read by James K. White
A Letter and A Journey 11:53 Read by James K. White
Tryon Goes To Patesville 17:59 Read by James K. White
An Injudicious Payment 11:56 Read by James K. White
A Loyal Friend 11:45 Read by James K. White
Mine Own People 14:11 Read by James K. White
The Bottom Falls Out 11:01 Read by James K. White
Two Letters 7:55 Read by James K. White
Under The Old Regime 35:32 Read by James K. White
God Made Us All 18:37 Read by James K. White
Digging Up Roots 6:35 Read by James K. White
A Gilded Opportunity 15:39 Read by James K. White
Imperative Business 9:14 Read by James K. White
The Guest of Honor 16:56 Read by James K. White
Swing Your Partners 12:40 Read by James K. White
Balance All 7:33 Read by James K. White
The Schoolhouse In The Woods 9:08 Read by James K. White
An Interesting Acquaintance 7:02 Read by James K. White
The Lost Knife 11:30 Read by James K. White
Plato Earns Half A Dollar 13:58 Read by James K. White
An Unusual Honor 12:04 Read by James K. White
In Deep Waters 13:36 Read by James K. White
The Power of Love 7:33 Read by James K. White
A Mule And A Cart 21:09 Read by James K. White

Reviews

The House Behind The Cedars


(5 stars)

This is an excellent look into post Civil War America and it's strong cast system against people based on the amount of melatonin in their skin. I'm ashamed to say that ignorance still abounds. I believe if we take one person at a time and listen to their heart with our heart PRE JUDGING will wilt away like the Cancer that fouls our great company. My sincerest compliments to Mr. Jack White. Your ability to change and remember all of the different characters and feel the frustration and anguish portrayed then and TO OUR NATIONS SHAME is still around today. OUTSTANDING NARRATOR!


(5 stars)

I found myself not only following the love story, but admiring how succinctly Charles Chestnut shows the thinking and mindset of every characacter. Flawed and mistaken thoughts are unveiled without judgment by the writer. One is left with the feeling that wicked systems visit a lot of ignorance and broken hearts on the lives of otherwise decent people. Almost every character is faced with some moral dilemma, sometimes only momentarily. Chestnut weaves his tale through the tangled barbwire of an illogical caste system whose effects linger and poison. Awesome writing.

good book, amazing reading


(4.5 stars)

The book is well written and wonderfully narrated. The story of impossible love is nothing new, but the racial tensions around it allow it to be told under a new light.

Profound *spoiler warning*


(5 stars)

Excellent reading of a tale that speaks to the depth and breadth of the destructive impact of racism, not only on racialize people but also on white.

Great book


(5 stars)

A very riveting tale of love and racism set in an old backdrop. Loved it

Beautiful story


(5 stars)

a beautiful story ready by a First Class reader

Wow is right! Love this reader! Engaging, brings story to life!


(5 stars)

great story


(5 stars)

great story and well read