LONG GONE, COME HOME

Birdy, born and raised a Kentucky girl, lives in tough economic times for African Americans, as well as whites. Bahni Turpin captures Birdy's turbulent experiences while growing up in the 1930s-1940s South with two sisters and a stern, resourceful Mama whose husband, a war hero, was hanged after returning home. Turpin mesmerizes listeners with her descriptions of Birdy's life with Jimmy, her sweet-talking, big-dreaming husband who moves the family from Kentucky to Chicago to Cincinnati in an effort to survive. Turpin's portrayals of the many characters in this novel are always authentic, as well as heartbreaking, heartwarming, and, at times, humorous. Turpin's sensitive performance will have listeners rooting for Birdy as she seeks a better life for her children and herself. B.J.P. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine [Published: JULY 2023]