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The Crooked Branch

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The Crooked Branch

Written by: Jeanine Cummins
Narrated by: Aoife McMahon, Patricia Rodriguez
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About this listen

From Jeanine Cummins, the national best-selling author of American Dirt and A Rip in Heaven, comes The Crooked Branch - the deeply moving story of two mothers from two very different times.

After the birth of her daughter, Emma, the usually resilient Majella finds herself feeling isolated and exhausted. Then, at her childhood home in Queens, Majella discovers the diary of her maternal ancestor Ginny - and is shocked to read a story of murder in her family history.

With the famine upon her, Ginny Doyle fled from Ireland to America, but not all of her family made it. What happened during those harrowing years, and why does Ginny call herself a killer? Is Majella genetically fated to be a bad mother, despite the fierce tenderness she feels for her baby?

Determined to uncover the truth of her heritage and her own identity, Majella sets out to explore Ginny's past - and discovers surprising truths about her family and ultimately, herself.

A Macmillan Audio production from Henry Holt and Company

©2013 Jeanine Cummins (P)2020 Macmillan Audio Fiction Genre Fiction Historical Fiction Literary Fiction Women's Fiction World Literature
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I couldn’t it this book down. The narrator was excellent. The story was so compelling and Cummins captured so well the challenges of nee mothers especially those who have children a little later. I could not get enough of Ginny Doyle and her brood. Makes me want to learn more about the Irish famine. I thought American Dirt was good -,The Crooked Branch was even better. I can’t wait to read Cummins next book.

Captivating to the very end

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Great book, two awesome stories about being a mother, the good and the bad parts, very relatable.

For every mother

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I loved this book. What an incredible writer. My only criticism is the irritating, whiney voice of Magella.

Just One Criticism...

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Very interesting story with the characters very well described.
However, the voice that reads the part of the story happening in New York (now) is very annoying with the sometimes unnecessary whining (as many other reviewers have pointed out) that that part of the story lost part of its message. Still, I would recommend this book as well as all the currently published books from this author (specially The Outside Boy and American Dirt).

Interesting story

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I very much enjoy Ms Cummins’ books and this is no exception!
I found the whiny voice of Patricia Rodriguez distracting, but I still recommend it. I’ve listened to other books with Aoife McMagon and am always happy with her performance.

Love Jeanine’s books

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I would love to listen to the whole novel - particularly for the historical Irish element - but 4 chapters in and I know I can not listen to the whining which goes on and on by the modern day protagonist. I honestly don’t hold our much hope “she” will change after listening for two hours. Simply not for me 😕

Audible will not refund my credit as I have returned a few other titles. Audible, I do not want my money back I simply would like to have my credit back for a book I can enjoy!

This is my first review. I hope someone finds it helpful ☺️

Modern day protagonist whines and whines!!

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