Audiobook Review – Indigo by Beverly Jenkins, Narrated by Robin Eller (4/5 stars)
Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Historical Romance
Length: 13 hours and 34 minutes
Publisher: Tantor Audio
Release Date: August 12, 2014
ASIN: B00MJ9WUJO
Stand Alone or Series: Stand Alone book
Source: Borrowed on Audiobook from Library
Rating: 4/5 stars
“As a child, Hester Wyatt escaped slavery, but now the dark-skinned beauty is a member of Michigan’s Underground Railroad, offering other runaways a chance at the freedom she has learned to love.
When one of her fellow conductors brings her an injured man to hide, Hester doesn’t hesitate…even after she is told about the price on his head. The man in question is known as the “Black Daniel”, a vital member of the North’s Underground Railroad network. But Hester finds him so rude and arrogant, she begins to question her vow to hide him.
Galen Vachon is a member of one of the wealthiest free black families in New Orleans. He has turned his back on the lavish living he is accustomed to in order to provide freedom to those who are enslaved in the South. However, as he heals, he cannot turn his back on Hester Wyatt; he is determined to make this gorgeous and intelligent woman his own. Yet there are traitors to be discovered and slave catchers to be evaded before Hester and Galen can find the freedom that only true love can bring.”
Series Info/Source: This is a stand alone book. I borrowed a copy of this on audiobook from my library.
Thoughts: For the most part I really enjoyed this. I loved all the history that is covered here and the relationship between Hester and Galen is respectful and steamy.
This story follows Hester, who was born into slavery and then sold into freedom at a young age. Hester was raised by her aunt who helped run the underground slave railroad; transporting escaped slaves from the south to Michigan and steps into this role when her aunt dies. Things have been going smoothly until a famous conductor named the “Black Daniel” ends up under her care. Sparks fly as Hester and the Black Daniel get to know each other. Hester backs off when she finds out that the Black Daniel is actually a wealthy man named Galen Vachon. When Galen is forced to flee, Hester goes on with her life not expecting him to turn up ever again.
I really loved all the history here. I learned more about the US during the slave era than I had previously known (or maybe I had known it but forgotten it). While this is primarily a romance, Jenkins does focus on the political events happening at the time and delves into the trials and tribulations these black families went through.
The romance between Hester and Galen is well done. It’s a relationship that develops over time and is founded on respect, which I really enjoyed. There are many steamy scenes in here that are decently done, not super creative and sometimes the flowery descriptions made me roll my eyes, but well done.
There is a nice side story about a bounty hunter that comes up from the South that is pestering Hester. This adds a touch of danger to the story. Things never get really dire or dangerous but this does make the story more engaging.
My main issue with this story was with Hester as a character. She was just too naive and good to be real and comes off as way too perfect throughout. She has been through a lot in her life but she acts as if she hasn’t. Her excellent composure under high stress situations is at odds with her supposed naivete and I struggled to understand her character.
I listened to this on audiobook and the audiobook was well narrated. The narrator did sound a bit stiff but I got used to that over time.
My Summary (4/5): Overall I really enjoyed this. There is some excellent history in here and the two main characters have excellent chemistry together. I enjoyed the blend of historical events, romance, and the danger of having to evade the attention of a bounty hunter. The only thing I didn’t enjoy was Hester as the main character, she came off as way too naive and perfect throughout. I will definitely look at picking up more of Jenkins’ books when I am in the mode for a good historical romance.
