A Calamity of Souls

By: David Baldacci

Narrated by: David Baldacci, MacLeod Andrews, Sisi Aisha Johnson, Kiiri Sandy, Cary Hite

Length: 14 hrs and 28 mins

Publisher's summary

Set in the tumultuous year of 1968 in southern Virginia, a racially-charged murder case sets a duo of white and Black lawyers against a deeply unfair system as they work to defend their wrongfully-accused Black defendants in this courtroom drama from #1 New York Times bestselling author David Baldacci.

Jack Lee is a white lawyer from Freeman County, Virginia, who has never done anything to push back against racism, until he decides to represent Jerome Washington, a Black man charged with brutally killing an elderly and wealthy white couple. Doubting his decision, Lee fears that his legal skills may not be enough to prevail in a case where the odds are already stacked against both him and his client. And he quickly finds himself out of his depth when he realizes that what is at stake is far greater than the outcome of a murder trial.

Desiree DuBose is a Black lawyer from Chicago who has devoted her life to furthering the causes of justice and equality for everyone. She comes to Freeman County and enters a fractious and unwieldy partnership with Lee in a legal battle against the best prosecutor in the Commonwealth. Yet DuBose is also aware that powerful outside forces are at work to blunt the victories achieved by the Civil Rights era.

Lee and DuBose could not be more dissimilar. On their own, neither one can stop the prosecution’s deliberate march towards a guilty verdict and the electric chair. But together, the pair fight for what once seemed impossible: a chance for a fair trial and true justice.

Over a decade in the writing, A Calamity of Souls breathes richly imagined and detailed life into a bygone era, taking the listener through a world that will seem both foreign and familiar.

©2024 David Baldacci (P)2024 Grand Central Publishing

Critic reviews

"A Calamity of Souls by David Baldacci is the immovable object of history slamming into the irresistible force of truth. An examination of a fractured place and time where the mores of the past were confronted by the implacable ferocious tenacity of justice. A Tour de Force."—S. A. Cosby, bestselling author of ALL THE SINNERS BLEED and RAZORBLADE TEARS

“A Calamity of Souls, the story of a murder in southern Virginia in the mid-1960’s, may be the best novel David Baldacci has ever written, which is saying a great deal. It has a gripping plot and a shocking ending, and even better than that, is also a perfect evocation of a difficult time in America’s history, propelled by deep and moving characters and beautiful writing. It captured me completely from the very first page.”—Scott Turow, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author

"This is David Baldacci at his best. Using the law and the courtroom as the stage for a searing parable on race and the cost and courage to do the right thing."—Michael Connelly, #1 New York Times bestselling author

Thought provoking who done it

As usual we'll written but this time with a different perspective on our nation and culture. David Baldacci did a wonderful job capturing the unrest, unjust and at times uncompromising history of the 1960's. He illustrates how far we've come yet how far we have to go. Enjoyed every paragraph.

Great realistic story

Fantastically written. Intense and so sad to read how an entire nation became and continues to be so oppressed. Also the fact that because of this they have never had a chance to live in equal freedom with equal rights and obligations in any way.
The optimism and fighting spirit to take on this unfair, frustrating battle is well described. This book is highly recommended!

I loved gaining understanding of situations my black friends had to endure that I didn't.

I loved ALL of this book. I think it is an important book to read to gain empathy and understanding.

I listened every moment I had available!

I loved the character development. The cost of freedom is high. But, some folks choose it anyway. I hope to be that brave someday.

Remarkable

What a gripping story. While it veers quite a bit from his usual style of writing, I enjoyed it just as much.

Captured the complexity of the issues

At first it was difficult to listen to. Then it brought me back to the reality of my own youth. I lived the though the 50s and 60s. I found the story well written. Relevant to today. Racism harms everyone. Mostly the targeted population but also the dominant group. It forces everyone to cower to the bully.
This story gave me a lot to think about. Well done! I will keep this book in my listen again and share with others list.

historical facts and style

liked the reading and how engaging it is. disliked the end and how unfair it turned out to be.

Highly Relevant Historical Fiction

As someone growing up near the setting of this story in the 1970’s, this recounting of the historical times touched me deeply. David Baldacci composed a powerful story with implications on humanity, prejudice, redemption, politics, love, and the freedoms Americans are granted but not always entitled to enjoy. We are a great nation and like this story, we evolve over time, slowly, but in the right direction. Great performance by the narrators helped make this a highly recommended book.

Compelling story with rich characterizations!

Kept me intrigued through all the twists and turns of a complicated plot traversing significant social milestones

Maybe Baldacci’s best!

Great story, terrific narration! Don’t think twice, this is for you - listen soon. You will have many driveway moments!