Dollbaby Audiobook By Laura Lane McNeal cover art

Dollbaby

A Novel

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Dollbaby

By: Laura Lane McNeal
Narrated by: January LaVoy
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A big-hearted coming-of-age debut set in civil rights-era New Orleans—a novel of Southern eccentricity and secrets

When Ibby Bell’s father dies unexpectedly in the summer of 1964, her mother unceremoniously deposits Ibby with her eccentric grandmother Fannie and throws in her father’s urn for good measure. Fannie’s New Orleans house is like no place Ibby has ever been—and Fannie, who has a tendency to end up in the local asylum—is like no one she has ever met. Fortunately, Fannie’s black cook, Queenie, and her smart-mouthed daughter, Dollbaby, take it upon themselves to initiate Ibby into the ways of the South, both its grand traditions and its darkest secrets.

For Fannie’s own family history is fraught with tragedy, hidden behind the closed rooms in her ornate Uptown mansion. It will take Ibby’s arrival to begin to unlock the mysteries there. And it will take Queenie and Dollbaby’s hard-won wisdom to show Ibby that family can sometimes be found in the least expected places.

For fans of Saving CeeCee Honeycutt and The Help, Dollbaby brings to life the charm and unrest of 1960s New Orleans through the eyes of a young girl learning to understand race for the first time.

By turns uplifting and funny, poignant and full of verve, Dollbaby is a novel readers will take to their hearts. Coming of Age New Orleans Family Life Fiction Historical Fiction Women's Fiction Genre Fiction Heartfelt Tearjerking Scary

Critic reviews

“In this tender coming-of-age novel, McNeal brings to life a place, an era, and an amazing cast of strong, larger-than-life characters. Heartrending, captivating, and ultimately, triumphant.”
—Cassandra King, New York Times bestselling author of Moonrise

“McNeal’s Dollbaby is such an impressive debut—a powerful roux of family drama, long-simmering secrets and resentments, and ultimately, forgiveness and redemption. Deeply evocative, with memorable characters, Dollbaby belongs on the keeper shelf along with The Help and The Secret Life of Bees.”
—Mary Kay Andrews, New York Times bestselling author of Ladies' Night

“Deeply southern and evocative, Laura Lane McNeal’s beautifully written debut, Dollbaby, takes us back to a not-so-long ago time when we were learning to look through different eyes at the fabric of our society, race, youth and family."
—Susan Crandall, author of Whistling Past the Graveyard

"This flavorful and enthralling novel brilliantly captures New Orleans during the civil rights era. It's a deeply personal tale about growing up and searching for family as well as a provocative exploration of race and kinship. I found it both thrilling and poignant."
—Walter Isaacson, New York Times bestselling author of Steve Jobs

“A vivid portrayal of post-war New Orleans, lush and evocative in its descriptions, McNeal’s unique voice shines through surprising and pleasing the reader.” —Library Journal (starred review)

“A touching coming-of-age story that is sincere and poignant.”—Booklist
Compelling Storyline • Rich Character Development • Southern Charm • Unexpected Twists • Historical Authenticity

Highly rated for:

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I actually stopped listening, even though I liked the story! The narrator does some good voices, but the one for the girl sounds like a children’s cartoon voice. And Im afraid her expression when she reads is overdone- again, like it was intended for children. Just couldn’t take it.

Narrator sounds juvenile

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I was especially drawn toward the characters. The narration was wonderful. There were so many unexpected events. I was sad when I had finished it!

Loved!!

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the story was just okay, however, the versatility of the narrators made it a joy to listen to. Bravo to her!

loved the narrator...

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What did you love best about Dollbaby?

The bond between Fannie and Queenie - friendship, loyalty and fierce protection of one another.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Queenie is a strong women who loves unconditionally.

Which character – as performed by January Lavoy – was your favorite?

Queenie

If you could rename Dollbaby, what would you call it?

The name fits perfectly.

Any additional comments?

I enjoyed this story immensely, and after listening while commuting to work, I played it again for my husband and boys while driving to the beach. Everyone loved it - and my boys are hard to entertain with audio books.

Excellent novel with an unexpected twist!

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I loved this book so very much! I did not see that end coming! this is a book to read and reread!

simply amazing

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