Red River
by Lalita Tademy
Published by Hatchette Audio
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Reviewed by Diane Kasperski
(5-CD unabridged set--also available as a book)
Readers: Tim Cain, Gammy Singet
Lalita Tademy did an amazing history of her own family. It catches the reader in its grip and doesn't let go till the end. The story begins with Polly Tademy who is one hundred years old, speaking of the massacre that took place in Colfax, Louisiana in 1873. History books say it was a riot but she knows differently. Polly tells us, "This is a story not to go down easy," but that it needs to be told.
The first Tademy arriving in America was a free man. He came from Egypt and worked a year on a cargo ship to earn passage. Once arriving in this country he was captured and forced into slavery. The story of their proud heritage was passed down from father to son through generations. When things got unbearable, and it looked like there was no way to succeed, the tradition was to go outside and shout the name TADEMY. It stood for courage, perseverance and freedom.
Sam Tademy's dream was to have the first school for black children in Colfax. Following the destruction of that day in 1873 everything had to be rebuilt. It was a hard battle spanning a whole generation. Obstacles ranged from rebuilding their farms to the Ku Klux Klan burning down the very first school that was built. These obstacles were met and surpassed.
Red River is an incredible story of what can be accomplished during the worst of times with faith and a strong will to succeed.
Tim Cain and Gammy Singer did a wonderful job of narrating. They made the story come alive and did an excellent job of portraying the personalities of the different family members and friends.
Armchair Interviews says: a 5-star story and a 5-star reading.