Review: Freeing Teresa: A True Story About My Sister and Me, written by Franke James, performed by a stellar cast

January 9, 2025
Posted by jrfrybmy

The audiobook cover for "Freeing Teresa" is vibrant and eye-catching, featuring a bold orange background. At the center is a silhouette of a person with arms joyfully outstretched, set against a serene scene of a blue sky meeting a shimmering body of water, suggesting themes of liberation and hope. The title "Freeing Teresa" is prominently displayed in large, striking purple letters at the top. Below, the author's name, Franke James, is listed in purple, along with contributors Teresa Heartchild and Billiam James. To the right, the phrase "A True Story about My Sister and Me" is elegantly scripted in black, hinting at a personal and heartfelt narrative. A badge in the lower left corner proudly announces the audiobook as the 2024 winner of the Big Book Awards in the nonfiction category. The cover also notes the audiobook is narrated by Jackie Blackmore, Lauren Porteous, Dailey&Nelson, Bill Mackie, and a full cast, promising a rich auditory experience.

The audiobook Freeing Teresa tells the powerful true story of Teresa Heartchild, a disabled woman whose freedom is threatened when her siblings plan to send her to a nursing home. Her sister, Franke James, an idealistic activist, refuses to accept this injustice and courageously fights to protect Teresa’s autonomy. This story, brought to life by a stellar cast that includes disabled actors, is a moving testament to resilience, family loyalty, and the relentless pursuit of justice.

As someone who is totally blind and an advocate for accessibility and inclusion, I was deeply drawn to the themes of Freeing Teresa. Living in Norway, where people with disabilities enjoy equal rights and opportunities, I work to improve accessibility and promote inclusion every day. Stories like this remind me of the importance of global advocacy and inspire me to keep fighting for a more equitable world.

Lauren Potter, best known for her role in Glee, delivers a heartfelt and authentic performance as Teresa, capturing her vulnerability, courage, and strength. Jackie Blackmore shines as Franke, portraying a sister who is unwavering in her determination to do what’s right, even in the face of family opposition. Dayleigh Nelson as Bill James adds complexity to the family’s struggles, creating a story that feels deeply personal yet universally resonant.

One of the audiobook’s most compelling elements is its full-cast performance, featuring over a dozen talented actors, including some with disabilities. This inclusive approach adds a higher layer of authenticity to the production, ensuring that the voices of disabled individuals are not just heard but celebrated.

The narrative is as heartbreaking as it is uplifting. It’s filled with raw emotion, family drama, and moments that bring tears to your eyes. Yet, amid the struggle and despair, it offers a powerful message of hope and empowerment. Franke’s fight for Teresa’s freedom isn’t just a personal battle – it’s a call to action for justice and equality that resonates far beyond their family.

Freeing Teresa is as moving as it is groundbreaking. It’s a must-listen for anyone who values stories about courage, advocacy, and the power of love and determination. This audiobook is a reminder that every fight for justice, no matter how challenging, is worth it.

Victor Dima is an internationally recognized Audiobooks Industry specialist, consultant, insider and reviewer with almost 10,000 helpful votes on Audible. Listened to more than 1,400 audiobooks, have written reviews for almost 400 and rated close to 800 of them. If you want Victor to review your audiobook or if you need help with choosing the right narrator, you can get in touch at [email protected]