by Tommy Orange
Published 2018
Discover Tommy Orange’s searing debut novel, following a multi-generational cast of characters as they gather for the Big Oakland Powwow. 'A thunderclap' Marlon James 'Astonishing' Margaret Atwood, via Twitter 'Pure soaring beauty' Colm Tóibín Jacquie Red Feather is newly sober and hoping to reconnect with her estranged family. That's why she is there. Dene is there because he has been collecting stories to honour his uncle's death, while Edwin is looking for his true father and Opal came to watch her boy Orvil dance. All of them are connected by bonds they may not yet understand. All of them are here for the celebration that is the Big Oakland Powwow. But Tony Loneman is also there. And Tony has come to the Powow with darker intentions. ** Shortlisted for the 2020 International Dublin Literary Award ** 'An exhilarating, polyphonic debut novel... Dazzling' Daily Telegraph 'Lyrical and playful, shaking and shimmering with energy... Orange creates beauty out of tragedy' Guardian 'Bold and engrossing... Orange has got under his characters' skins, allowing them to speak for themselves' Financial Times
These are AI narrators you can listen to with your own EPUB on ElevenLabs or Fish Audio. How does it work?
Top voices for narrating this book
American · Middle Aged · Female · Narrative Story · Calm
“Vespa's empathetic warmth and calm delivery perfectly capture the reflective and intimate nature required for an omniscient narrator.”
American · Middle Aged · Female · Narrative Story · Calm
“Kira’s steady cadence and articulate expression make her suitable for a narrator who needs to convey depth and sensitivity with a thoughtful presence.”
American · Middle Aged · Female · Narrative Story · Calm
“This voice brings a warm, velvety texture and measured pacing, ideal for guiding listeners through a complex narrative with a serene quality.”
Female · Middle-Aged · Conversational · Character-Voice · Calm · Relaxed · +6 more
“Kate's relaxed and smooth tone offers a serious yet approachable quality that would connect intimately with the audience, reflecting quietly.”
American · Middle Aged · Female · Narrative Story · Serious
“Lauren's smooth delivery, even with its hint of intensity, provides a serious depth appropriate for navigating the story's multi-generational themes.”
For listeners: use the Best Narrator voice above in ElevenReader or Fish Audio. Character casting is for authors producing audiobooks with studio tools.
A woman newly sober, seeking connection. Her voice should convey a sense of vulnerability mixed with a quiet determination and lived experience.
American · Middle Aged · Female · Narrative Story · Wise
“Angela's warm, empathetic voice conveys the lived experience and vulnerability of Jacquie, while hinting at her underlying determination.”
American · Middle Aged · Female · Narrative Story · Casual
“Eden’s intimate and expressive tone is well-suited for portraying Jacquie's gentle demeanor, subtly revealing her internal struggles and longing for connection.”
Female · Middle-Aged · Character-Voice · Storytelling · Warm · Soft · +3 more
“The warm and soft quality of this voice, coupled with its expressive range, can effectively highlight Jacquie's vulnerability and quiet strength.”
American · Middle Aged · Female · Narrative Story · Sad
“Shannon B's sad and slightly exhausted tone could uniquely capture Jacquie’s newly sober state and the emotional weight she carries.”
British · Middle Aged · Female · Narrative Story · Classy
“Clara's clear and soft delivery provides a gentle presence, ideal for reflecting Jacquie's calm and serious nature with a touch of underlying fragility.”
A thoughtful man collecting stories to honor his uncle. His voice should be observant and perhaps a bit measured, carrying the weight of purpose.
Male · Middle-Aged · Educational · Narration · Deep · Serious · +3 more
“Alhaitham’s deep, measured, and serious tone perfectly aligns with Dene’s thoughtful nature and his purposeful quest to collect stories.”
Male · Middle-Aged · Character-Voice · Narration · Deep · Calm · +3 more
“This voice carries a deep, calm, and dramatic presence that can effectively convey the quiet observation and the serious weight of Dene's intentions.”
Also recommended for: Tony Loneman
American · Middle Aged · Male · Narrative Story · Calm
“Spartan’s grounded and reflective vocal quality is ideal for Dene, emphasizing his measured approach and the profound purpose behind his actions.”
Male · Middle-Aged · Narration · Educational · Calm · Professional · +3 more
“Elon's professional and serious tone, combined with a measured pace, is well-suited for Dene's observant and contemplative character, carrying a sense of duty.”
Received Pronunciation · Middle Aged · Male · Narrative Story · Confident
“Keith Muoki's warm baritone and serious demeanor would bring a nuanced depth to Dene, reflecting his thoughtful nature and the emotional gravity of his work.”
A man searching for his true father, conveying a mix of curiosity, longing, and perhaps a touch of awkwardness.
Us Southern · Young · Male · Narrative Story · Calm
“Glen's soft, warm, and gentle tone is a perfect match for Edwin's earnest, curious, and longing character as he searches for his father.”
Also recommended for: Orvil
A character with "darker intentions" at the Powwow. His voice should carry an underlying tension, possibly quiet and menacing.
Female · Male · Young · Middle-Aged · Old · Character-Voice · +11 more
“The Prototype v2's commanding, intense, and raspy presence is ideal for capturing Tony Loneman's dark intentions and menacing aura.”
Male · Young · Narration · Storytelling · Deep · Raspy · +3 more
“New History offers a deep and raspy texture, creating an underlying tension suitable for Tony's mysterious and quietly threatening personality.”
Male · Middle-Aged · Character-Voice · Narration · Deep · Calm · +3 more
“Toji Fushiguro’s dramatic and serious tone, coupled with a deep register, can effectively convey the intense and dark aspects of Tony's character.”
Also recommended for: Dene
A watchful mother attending the Powwow to see her son dance. Her voice should convey warmth and maternal care, with an observant quality.
American · Middle Aged · Female · Narrative Story · Confident
“Pam's calm demeanor perfectly aligns with Opal's watchful yet serene presence, embodying her maternal care with a gentle strength.”
Female · Middle-Aged · Conversational · Narration · Character-Voice · Social-Media · +58 more
“Jade's warm and calm presence strongly suits the maternal and observant aspects of Opal, creating an inviting yet watchful sound.”
Female · Middle-Aged · Social-Media · Conversational · Character-Voice · Low · +58 more
“This voice's gentle, warm delivery is fitting for a caring mother observing her son, bringing intimacy and a soft touch to Opal's character.”
British · Middle Aged · Female · Narrative Story · Pleasant
“Elizabeth's clear and pleasant vocal quality can convey a sense of gentle observation and warmth, suggesting a nurturing but watchful mother.”
British · Middle Aged · Female · Narrative Story · Neutral
“Global Artist’s measured pacing could signify Opal's observant nature, offering a subtly detached yet caring interpretation of her character.”
A young boy who dances at the Powwow. His voice should be youthful, perhaps a bit earnest or energetic, embodying hope and cultural connection.
Us Southern · Young · Male · Narrative Story · Calm
“Given the limited pool of young male voices, Glen's soft-spoken and earnest qualities are the best fit for Orvil's youthful energy and hopeful spirit, despite being reused for Edwin.”
Also recommended for: Edwin