Phillis Wheatley

About This Audiobook

Phillis Wheatley’s life was nothing short of extraordinary—a seven-year-old enslaved girl stepping off a ship in Boston in 1761, stepping into a world that refused to see her as anything but property. Yet by 1773, she had become the first African American to publish a book of poetry, defying every expectation. Simonetta Carr’s concise yet vivid biography untangles Wheatley’s story with remarkable clarity, cutting through centuries of myth to reveal a young woman whose intellect and faith outshone the chains of slavery. This audiobook doesn’t just recount history; it makes it immediate, inviting listeners into Wheatley’s world through carefully chosen details—her first encounter with snow, the way her enslavers leveraged her talent, and the quiet defiance woven into every stanza of her verse. It’s a portrait of resilience that feels intimate, not academic, perfect for young listeners or anyone craving a quick but profound dive into Black history. The pacing is brisk without feeling rushed, and Erin Bennett’s narration crackles with energy, her voice shifting seamlessly between awe, solemnity, and pride. The production is pristine, with no distracting flourishes—just a clean, engaging listen that respects the listener’s time and attention span.