Audiobook Sample
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- Title: There There: A novel
- Author: Tommy Orange
- Narrator: Alma Cuervo, Darrell Dennis, Kyla Garcia, Shaun Taylor-Corbett
- Length: 0.334027778
- Version: Abridged
- Release Date: 05-Jun
- Publisher: Random House (Audio)
- Genre: Romance, Fiction & Literature, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Multicultural & Interracial, Romance, Fiction & Literature, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Multicultural & Interracial, Romance, Fiction & Literature, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Multicultural & Interracial, Romance, Fiction & Literature, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Multicultural & Interracial
- ISBN13: 9.78E+12
Listening to *There There* by Tommy Orange was like standing at the confluence of rivers—each one carrying its own story, its own rhythm, and yet all flowing toward a shared destination. As someone who has spent years chasing the hidden narratives of cultures around the globe, this audiobook struck a deeply personal chord. It reminded me of the evening I spent in Oaxaca, listening to a grandmother weave tales of her ancestors, her voice rich with emotion and pauses that carried as much weight as her words. That same intimacy, that same profound resonance, permeates every moment of Orange’s novel, brought to life in this exceptional audiobook.
Tommy Orange’s *There There* is a symphony of voices—twelve, to be exact—each from Native communities, each carrying their own pain, hope, beauty, and contradictions. The characters are urban Natives, grappling with the complexities of identity in a modern world that often erases or distorts their stories. They converge at the Big Oakland Powwow, a meeting point where histories collide and futures are reshaped. The narrative unfolds like a mosaic, each piece distinct but essential to the whole. It’s a tapestry that reminds me of the layered histories I often encounter in my travels—cultures that carry both scars and strengths, sometimes within the same breath.
The audiobook format elevates this experience in a way that feels almost sacred. Narrators Alma Cuervo, Darrell Dennis, Kyla Garcia, and Shaun Taylor-Corbett bring a level of depth and authenticity to the storytelling that I’ve rarely encountered. Their voices don’t just narrate; they inhabit the characters. Kyla Garcia’s portrayal of Orvil Red Feather, a fourteen-year-old learning to reclaim his heritage through dance, brought me back to my own teenage years, fumbling to understand my family’s cultural legacy. Meanwhile, Shaun Taylor-Corbett’s rendering of Dene Oxendene, who is trying to honor his late uncle through storytelling, reminded me of the time I trekked through the Atacama Desert, listening to *One Hundred Years of Solitude*. Like García Márquez’s work, Orange’s novel carries a timeless, almost mythic quality, and the narrators channel this beautifully.
What sets this audiobook apart is its ability to create an auditory landscape that mirrors the emotional and cultural landscapes of the story. You can almost hear the drumbeats of the Powwow, feel the tension in the air as characters face their personal demons, and sense the undercurrent of hope that threads through even the darkest moments. The narrators’ performances are nuanced, their voices shifting seamlessly from humor to sorrow, from anger to quiet resilience. It’s a masterclass in oral storytelling—one that brought me back to those evenings in Oaxaca, where every pause, every inflection, was deliberate and meaningful.
Thematically, *There There* is both a tribute to and a critique of Native identity in contemporary America. It addresses the diaspora that many urban Natives experience, the struggle to reclaim traditions in a world that has sought to erase them. It’s a narrative of survival, but also of thriving—of finding beauty and strength in the face of unimaginable adversity. This duality is something I’ve encountered time and again in my travels, whether it’s in the favelas of Rio de Janeiro or the highlands of Peru. Orange captures this with unflinching honesty and poetic grace.
If I were to offer any critique, it would be that the fragmented structure of the novel can make it challenging to follow at times, especially with so many voices and perspectives. However, the audiobook format mitigates this to some extent, as the narrators’ distinct performances help delineate each character. Still, I would recommend listening to this audiobook when you can give it your full attention—it’s not a story to consume passively but one to immerse yourself in completely.
In comparison to other works in the genre, *There There* stands out for its raw, contemporary take on Native identity. While Louise Erdrich’s novels often delve into similar themes with a lyrical, almost dreamlike quality, Orange’s work feels urgent, immediate, and unapologetically modern. It’s a book that demands to be heard, not just read—and this audiobook delivers that experience in spades.
Who should listen to this audiobook? Anyone who values human connection, who is curious about the complexities of cultural identity, or who simply loves a story that challenges and transforms them. It’s a must-listen for fans of literary fiction, multicultural narratives, and, of course, those who appreciate the art of oral storytelling.
As I reached the final chapter, I couldn’t help but think of the Big Oakland Powwow as a metaphor for life itself—a gathering of stories, each one unique yet interconnected. And like the characters in the novel, I felt a sense of communion, of being part of something larger than myself. That’s the magic of *There There*—it’s not just a book; it’s an experience, a journey into the heart of what it means to be human.
With heartfelt appreciation for the power of stories,
Marcus Rivera
With heartfelt appreciation for the power of stories, Marcus Rivera
