When the Ground Is Hard

Swaziland's Secret: A Tale of Friendship Through Books

Written byMalla Nunn

Narrated byBahni Turpin

Length8h05m

Release dateJune 4, 2019

GenreTeen & Young Adult, Literature & Fiction, Difficult Situations

Languageenglish

★★★★☆ 4.7 (4 ratings)

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Quick Facts

Author	Malla Nunn
Narrator	Bahni Turpin
Runtime	8h05m
Published	June 4, 2019
Rating	★★★★☆ 4.7 / 5 (4 ratings)
Categories	Teen & Young Adult, Literature & Fiction, Difficult Situations, Family & Relationships, Friendship, Multicultural, Mystery, Thriller & Suspense, Mysteries & Detectives
Format	Audiobook (Digital)
Platform	Audible

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About This Audiobook

Experience the rich tapestry of Swaziland through Malla Nunn’s When the Ground Is Hard, a poignant tale set in a boarding school where Adele Joubert and her classmate, Thulani Mahlangu, forge an unlikely bond. This audiobook, narrated by Bahni Turpin with her emotive voice, breathes life into the narrative of two girls from different castes who find solace in 'Jane Eyre.' Nunn’s writing is both vivid and introspective, capturing the intricate dynamics of their friendship amidst societal constraints. The story unfolds with a mix of personal revelations and historical context, making it a compelling listen for those interested in literature, social issues, and coming-of-age stories.

Tags: Teen AudiobookSwazilandLiteratureFriendshipComing-of-Age

Why Listen to When the Ground Is Hard?

Expert narration by Bahni Turpin brings every character and scene to life across 8h05m of immersive audio.
Bestseller-quality story from Malla Nunn, rated 4.7 stars by 4 listeners.
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Editor's Review ★★★★☆

AudioBook Atlas

Bahni Turpin delivers a performance that is as nuanced as the story itself. Her narration captures the subtle shifts in Adele’s emotional journey with remarkable authenticity. The pacing is deliberate, allowing each moment of tension and revelation to resonate deeply. Nunn's exploration of caste dynamics and individual struggles is both powerful and thought-provoking. One minor critique is the occasional overuse of literary references, which can feel a bit heavy-handed at times. However, this doesn’t detract from the overall impact of When the Ground Is Hard. It’s an audiobook that will leave you reflecting on themes of friendship, resilience, and personal growth.

Download: When the Ground Is Hard

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When the Ground Is Hard by Malla Nunn is an immersive listening experience. Performed by Bahni Turpin with a runtime of 8h05m, you can start with a free trial that you can cancel at any time. The audiobook remains yours forever, even if you end the trial.