Listening for Lions

by Gloria Whelan

Hardcover, 2005

Status

Available

Call number

HF1919

Genres

Children's Books

All Topics

Fiction

Publication

HarperCollins (2005), 208 pages

Description

Left an orphan after the influenza epidemic in British East Africa in 1918, thirteen-year-old Rachel is tricked into assuming a deceased neighbor's identity to travel to England, where her only dream is to return to Africa and rebuild her parents' mission hospital.

User reviews

LibraryThing member Whisper1

This is a delightful tale of Rachel whose parents are missionaries in East Africa. When at outbreak of influenza occurs, both parents did, leaving Rachel an orphan. Shipped to England, she longs for the return to Africa.

Rachel is spirited and spunky. While there is nothing in depth about this tale,

I enjoyed the simplicity and story line.

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17 more

LibraryThing member kdebros

A nice story, a bit like the Secret Garden. The main character's parents die in an epidemic and she is sent to live with a rich family's grandfather, pretending to be the granddaughter, who died in the same epidemic.

LibraryThing member stoog

Don't worry, Rachel, you will hear the lions again

LibraryThing member xxgonecrazyxx

It is a wonderful book that should be read by everyone.

LibraryThing member Coconut999

Racheal Sheridan and her parents are in Africa. Her parents are Mitionaries in a hoapitl for the natives. her parents were both orphins. When influenza hits their town Racheal's parents both die from it. Their mean neighbors the Pritchards take Racheal in because their daughter Valrie died from

influnza. When the Pritchards find out the=at Valrie's Grandfather is very ill and that Valrie meand everything to him they send Racheal In Valries place. When Racheal is at grandfather's House Mr.Grumbloch just knows that it is not Valrie at the house, it is Racheal he tells grandfather. Grandfather happily takes Racheal in as his child. And Racheal is finaly happy again.

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LibraryThing member cjoymr

Nicely done. A book about the importance of honesty, persistance, and hard work in the face of difficulties. Compelling heroine.

LibraryThing member 9kw01bev

I like this book because I like lions and it is about the old times and the differant sicknesses they use to get and how they healed wounds from the Great war in 1919 and influenza.This book is an ar book and it is 7 points.

LibraryThing member lindamamak

Can Rachel fool the Pritchards father into believing that she is his grandaughter or be caught and sent to the orhanage before she can figure out a way to return to her beloved Africa.

LibraryThing member bookgirlie

This was such a surprising read. I enjoyed the twists and turns and thought it was superbly written.

LibraryThing member Nikkles

This is a book with strong morals. The narrative is told first person past tense, like the main character is telling you a story, which interesting. The story is interesting and gripping. My only complaint is that it is a little light, by that I mean not just short, but missing some introspection

and depth that it could have had. But, all around this is a book with a good story and interesting characters, which makes it a good read.

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LibraryThing member lecowan

This book is about a little girl whose parents are missionaries in Northern Africa that came from England. The parents grew up as orphans. When her parents moved to Africa, her father was a doctor for the local tribes and her mother was a teacher. On Sundays, the father would become the minister

for an outdoor "church" gathering. The parents die to influenza and a greedy couple take the girl in. This couple sends her to England disguised as their dead daughter to meet the wealthy grandfather. The grandfather and the girl become good friends and eventually he helps her to return to Africa so she can once again hear the lions roar at night!

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LibraryThing member mahallett

loved this. sad but full of hope

LibraryThing member eallen8

Wonderful book for young women.

LibraryThing member foggidawn

Rachel Sheridan is the daughter of missionaries. She was born in Africa, and she loves it there. When both of her parents die in the 1919 influenza epidemic, Rachel falls into the clutches of a scheming family who have just lost their own daughter. Rachel will take that daughter's place on a voyage

to England, to visit the dead girl's grandfather and get into his good graces. Rachel is hesitant to take part in the scheme, but her only other option is being sent to the orphanage her own parents grew up in. Rachel resolves to tell the truth anyway, but then she meets the ailing old gentleman, whose health is so frail that she fears the startling news of his granddaughter's death and his son's duplicity in sending Rachel could have disastrous consequences. As she remains with him, Rachel grows fond of the old gentleman, and begins to love him as she would her own grandfather. Will she ever be able to tell him the truth? And will she ever be able to return to her beloved Africa?

I greatly enjoyed listening to this audiobook. It's well written (my favorite so far of the Gloria Whelan books I have read) and well-narrated by Bianca Amato. I would recommend it to fans of historical fiction and children's classics.

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LibraryThing member bookwren

Gloria Whelan never fails to entrance and inform. Rachel is a strong character with much to say to teens today regarding perseverance and following one's dreams. I'm not quite sure why, but I enjoyed Books Two and Three more than Book One. Book One was mostly about her parents' missionary work and

the others were more about Rachel. My favorite parts were Rachel's descriptions of the flora and fauna in both Africa and England, and also her passion for Africa. I understand passion for place as I have it for my home on Lopez Island and for Ireland and Scotland. Listening for Lions is well-worth reading.

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LibraryThing member CupcakeHeartz

Great book. :3

LibraryThing member jubook

Great story about courage, persistence and hope. Yeah for female doctors!

LibraryThing member BookConcierge

Rachel Sheridan’s missionary parents succumb to the Spanish influenza pandemic in early 20th century East Africa. She’s taken in by neighbors with less-than-charitable motives and finds herself far from the only home she’s ever known in chilly, damp England. But Rachel’s honesty, courage

and pluck will see her far, and she vows that she will return to Africa and rebuild the mission hospital her parents founded.

This is a lovely YA / middle-school-grade novel with some important lessons about doing what is right, and honoring your parents and elders. Rachel is a worthy heroine; she’s intelligent, principled, compassionate and a hard worker. I love the way that she interacts with others and considers the possible effects of her words and actions before moving forward. She shows courage when it’s most important, and a fierce determination to honor her promises.

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