(2014, Brilliance Audio)
Read by Bahni Turpin and JD Jackson
This title is a nominee in the 2016 Audie Awards: Fiction Category
From Goodreads: "Cow Tom, born into slavery in Alabama in
1810 and sold to a Creek Indian chief before his tenth birthday, possessed an
extraordinary gift: the ability to master languages. As the new country
developed westward, and Indians, settlers, and blacks came into constant
contact, Cow Tom became a key translator for his Creek master and was hired out
to US military generals. His talent earned him money--but would it also grant
him freedom? And what would become of him and his family in the aftermath of
the Civil War and the Indian Removal westward?
Cow Tom's legacy lives on--especially in
the courageous spirit of his granddaughter Rose. She rises to leadership of the
family as they struggle against political and societal hostility intent on
keeping blacks and Indians oppressed. But through it all, her grandfather's
indelible mark of courage inspires her--in mind, in spirit, and in a family
legacy that never dies."
Citizens
Creek, based on the actual lives of protagonists Cow Tom and his granddaughter
Rose, captures the essence of the curse, “May you live in interesting times.”
We hit the ground running with slavery, forced relocation, disease epidemics,
land grabs, and wars. Throughout, Cow Tom does his best to make circumstances livable
for his loved ones and himself, even as he struggles with external and internal
demons.
Bahni
Turpin and JD Jackson are both strong narrators. Jackson’s voice, in the Cow
Tom section, has more of a history teacher vibe than I’d like, but his timbre
is lovely and he conveys Cow Tom’s dejection, frustration, and determination
with nuanced grace. Turpin brings Rose to life, exhibiting a narrative
omniscience about bad decisions or trouble coming that adds to the tension of
those scenes. 
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