The Leopard's Spots
Thomas Dixon, Jr.
Read by Michele Fry
The first in a trilogy of the Reconstruction era - The Leopard's Spots (1902), The Clansman (1905), and The Traitor (1907), parts of this novel were incorporated in the 1915 silent movie classic, "The Birth Of A Nation". Set in North Carolina, the book explores the extreme social and racial tensions of the period as Confederates attempt to fight off "reconstructionist" policy, rebuild the war-torn South's economy, and grapple with the rampant "race question" of the day, whether the black and white races can ever live side by side as equals, i.e., whether a leopard can change its spots? Characters include the villainous Reconstruction leader, Simon Legree (the same vile slave holder from Harriett Beecher Stowe's Uncle Tom's Cabin, only many years later); Charles Gaston, a young southern gentleman who dreams of true love and the governor's mansion; Sallie Worth, sweet obedient daughter of southern aristocracy. A colorful assortment of preachers, carpetbaggers, scallywags, farmers, Ku Klux Klan members, and newly emancipated negroes help round out the cast. (Summary by Michele T. Fry) (13 hr 10 min)
Chapters
Reviews
Summary
Michele Fry
I, an amateur narrator, dared to record this book because living in the Deep South myself, it was a point of view I wanted to understand. Like with most things, there are two sides to be reckoned with. Freeing the slaves was of course the right thing to do. But the manner in which it was done was another hideous crime, reminiscent of our inept withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2020, which cost so many lives and is still doing so. Great cultural change requires thoughtful planning, keen awareness, and care for all concerned. This book tells a story of what happens when these are missing, thus i think is a valuable if painful story that needed telling.
A propaganda tract for white supremacy wrapped in a romantic novel
Peter
To be read as a historical document expounding bigotry and historical myths and, as such, worth reading to grasp the power of words to polarize society. Ms. Fry’s over-the-top performance fits the novel’s pathos perfectly and brings out all the irony of the characters Dixon created to expound his creed of racial superiority. So 5 stars for the impassioned reading and 0 stars for the ideology.
good story. Hands down, The Best Reader
Anewelding
I could listen to Michelle fry read a cereal box and would be interested. I've enjoyed all of JOC's books
unusual title
Michele Fry
What a civil war does to a people is worth remembering. Both sides have their truths to tell. Good and bad people get ruined.
in many ways...
Stephen Lowe
the entire country currently seems to be undergoing a 'reconstruction' similar to post civil war. hypocrisy, collision, voter fraud, violence are neighbors to us all. I did not learn much about carpetbaggers other than economic exploitation but they brought a lot of evil in those small bags.
Romance Among the Racists!
Curtis V
Well read and, begrudgingly, well written story at times even though the big emotional moments often hit weirdly because they read like a screed from your least favorite uncle.
First can be last
TLast
Although listed as the first of a trilogy, it can be read last or not at all. It’s the weakest of the three volumes.
History which should not be repeated
A LibriVox Listener
This text disgusted me on so many levels, but I had to finish it once I started as I assumed (hoped?) there would be some sort of effective resolution, sense, a movement towards greater good...as in the characters would learn a valuable set of lessons and move towards a positive and progressive nation, in the end. I was wrong. This novel never ended with a discussion of "showing what we should not do, and how we can be mindful so we progress peacefully together" etc. as I had hoped. It is unashamedly apologetic and sympathizing (even more so the further it goes) full of trash sentiments, corruption of every avenue, and white supremacy. I do appreciate the reader as she did take the time to record this. For those who would never physically read something like this, a recorded version still serves as a lesson / reminder that many persons did feel this way. My comfort is that at least today the majority would be just as disgusted with this writing as I was. Keep fighting for progress.