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  • Native Tongue

  • Native Tongue, Book 1
  • By: Suzette Haden Elgin
  • Narrated by: Amy Landon
  • Length: 13 hrs and 42 mins
  • 4.3 out of 5 stars (13 ratings)
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Native Tongue

By: Suzette Haden Elgin
Narrated by: Amy Landon
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Summary

Originally published in 1984, this classic dystopian trilogy is a testament to the power of language and women's collective action.

In 2205, the 19th Amendment has long been repealed and women are only valued for their utility. The Earth's economy depends on an insular group of linguists who "breed" women to be perfect interstellar translators until they are sent to the Barren House to await death. But instead, these women are slowly creating a language of their own to make resistance possible. Ignorant to this brewing revolution, Nazareth, a brilliant linguist, and Michaela, a servant, both seek emancipation in their own ways. But their personal rebellions risk exposing the secret language, and threaten the possibility of freedom for all.

©2019 the Feminist Press at City University of New York (P)2019 HighBridge, a division of Recorded Books

What listeners say about Native Tongue

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Great story, narration variable

I read the Native Tongue series many years ago and was delighted to see them on Audible. However I am struggling a little with the narration. Being English I find some US accents a little difficult to listen too. Amy Landon’s voice is quite mellow and easy to listen too, BUT she puts on a slow deep voice for the male characters which I find very jarring, and unnecessary as it detracts from the story. If that is not a problem for you, then I recommend this book. If it is a problem then I recommend you read the print edition.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Fascinating and challenging

Challenging themes. Had to relisten to some parts several times over. Not a book to relax to- active listening required!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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A dystopian classic

A favourite book that I'm glad to see reissued. It hasn't dated despite being written in the 80s. I initially struggled with the American narrator, but soon settled into it.

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