Listen to Kristopher Dukes' gripping historical novel that unravels the extraordinary story of a desperate Albanian woman who defies all odds to secure her independence and seize control of her own destiny. Prepare to be transported to the cobblestone streets of 1910 Albania, where our protagonist, eighteen-year-old Eleanora, faces the tragic loss of her father.
Abandoning her dreams of pursuing art in Italy, Eleanora finds herself thrust into a harsh reality as she struggles for survival in a remote mountain village, under the watchful eye of her stepmother Meria. With starvation looming, Meria makes a secret trade, selling Eleanora into a marriage with the heartless heir of a formidable clan. But Eleanora refuses to surrender her autonomy.
In an act of defiance, Eleanora takes a solemn vow that she will remain a virgin for the rest of her life, granting her the freedom to live as a man. Now the head of her household, she can earn a living and wield a gun. She also finds herself entangled in the blood feuds that consume the mountain tribes, but she is protected from death as long as she holds true to her vow, a vow she has no intention of forsaking.
However, when a wounded stranger stumbles into her life, Eleanora's resolve is tested. As she nurses him back to health, she risks her own life and falls deeply in love. Will Eleanora's devotion to this stranger lead her down a dangerous path, or will it provide her with the strength to defy all expectations?
Narrated by the talented Barrie Kreinik, this audiobook is an immersive experience that will captivate you for over 9 hours and 9 minutes. With a rating of 3.2 out of 5, allow yourself to be carried away by Dukes' powerful storytelling and Kreinik's spellbinding performance as they bring Eleanora's remarkable journey to life.