The House of Eve
Written by Sadeqa Johnson
Narrated by Sadeqa Johnson, Ariel Blake and Nicole Lewis
4.5/5
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Family
Adoption
Family Relationships
Friendship
Self-Discovery
Forbidden Love
Fish Out of Water
Star-Crossed Lovers
Secret Relationship
Opposites Attract
Rags to Riches
Secret Adoption
Love Triangle
Secret Baby
Overcoming Adversity
Education
Motherhood
Personal Growth
Social Class
Class Differences
About this audiobook
“A triumph of historical fiction” (The Washington Post), an instant New York Times bestseller, and a Reese’s Book Club pick, set in 1950s Philadelphia and Washington, DC, that explores what it means to be a woman and a mother, and how much one is willing to sacrifice to achieve her greatest goal.
1950s Philadelphia: fifteen-year-old Ruby Pearsall is on track to becoming the first in her family to attend college. But a taboo love affair threatens to pull her back down into the poverty and desperation that has been passed on to her like a birthright.
Eleanor Quarles arrives in Washington, DC, with ambition and secrets. When she meets the handsome William Pride at Howard University, they fall madly in love. But William hails from one of DC’s elite wealthy Black families, and his parents don’t let just anyone into their fold. Eleanor hopes that a baby will make her finally feel at home in William’s family and grant her the life she’s been searching for. But having a baby—and fitting in—is easier said than done.
With their stories colliding in the most unexpected of ways, Ruby and Eleanor will both make decisions that shape the trajectory of their lives.
Editor's Note
Powerful…
Two young Black women in 1950s America fight to keep their dreams afloat in the face of unexpected circumstances. In Philadelphia, Ruby Pearsall longs to attend college, while Eleanor Quarles, a Howard University student, is set to be the first graduate in her family. Both of their lives are upended after finding love. Johnson’s (“Yellow Wife”) powerful historical fiction revisits a time when women, particularly those of color, grappled with limited choices and seemingly predetermined futures.
Sadeqa Johnson
Sadeqa Johnson is the New York Times bestselling author of five novels. Her most recent novel, The House of Eve, was an instant New York Times bestseller, Reese’s Book Club selection, NAACP Image Award nominee, and Goodreads Choice award finalist. Her previous novel, Yellow Wife, was the Library of Virginia’s Literary People’s Choice Award winner, Goodreads Choice Award finalist, Hurston/Wright Foundation Legacy finalist, and a BCALA Literary Award honoree. Originally from Philadelphia, Sadeqa currently lives near Richmond, Virginia. For more information, go to Sadeqa.net.
More audiobooks from Sadeqa Johnson
And Then There Was Me: A Novel of Friendship, Secrets and Lies Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Yellow Wife: A Novel Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
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Reviews for The House of Eve
1,136 ratings73 reviews
What our readers think
Readers find this title to be a beautiful and painful story of forced adoption in the 50s. The book follows the journeys of Ruby and Eleanor, two young women who face many challenges. The story is well-told and the characters are interesting and fully developed. Readers appreciate the strong women in the book and find it to be a good read. While some felt that the ending was abrupt, overall, the book is highly recommended for its phenomenal writing and gripping events. It offers an eye-opening view into a world rarely explored and leaves readers wanting more.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Nov 9, 2023
I didn’t read anything about this book before diving in and I’m really glad I didn’t because the story line was a pleasant surprise. I appreciate how the author toggled between Ruby and Eleanor’s POVs. Both of them living much different lives which had me wondering how or if their paths would cross. Little did I know how climatic the eventual intertwine their lives would take. I’m still reeling from the encounter in the epilogue. Definitely suggest this as a must read because at this point I need a season two.1 person found this helpful
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Sep 12, 2025
Very nice story. The narrators were awesome. I liked it a lot. - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Jul 26, 2025
This was such a well written and researched piece of historical fiction. Through the author’s writing style, I can hear echoes of Maya Angelou and Toni Morrison. It was truly a touching story. - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
May 28, 2025
Great read. Well, listen. The story was riveting, heartbreaking, and eye opening. The characters were so different, and the narrators who voiced them fit the characters perfectly. Loved it. - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Apr 30, 2025
Great book now ready to host our book club brunch - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Apr 2, 2025
The House of Eve is a powerful, emotional, and beautifully written novel that had me hooked from the very first page. I honestly didn’t want to stop reading. The dual perspectives of Ruby and Eleanor are captivating—each woman facing her own challenges with ambition, identity, love, and the heavy expectations placed on them as young Black women in the 1950s.
Sadeqa Johnson does an incredible job weaving history with heart. The societal pressures, the hidden sacrifices, and the tough choices women were forced to make are explored with so much empathy and depth. The tension builds with every chapter, and even when you think you know what’s coming, the emotional impact still hits hard.
The characters are so well-developed, their journeys so raw and real, that I felt completely invested in their lives. The House of Eve is historical fiction at its best—gripping, smart, and deeply moving. A must-read. - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Mar 22, 2025
House of Eve is an excellent work of non fiction that provides a glimpse into a past I didn’t know existed. It made me curious to learn more I was rooting for Ruby and Eleanor. - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Jan 11, 2025
This was best novel I have read so far. The storyline was amazing. Even though a could things was passing me off like Rose William mother but toward the end she took turn for the better. I am so glad that storyline came together at the end because I was so shock at the ending. This is amazing read - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Dec 8, 2024
Excellent read, insightful and I didn’t want to put it down! It was told with such clarity and a great page turner. You will fall in love with Ruby, Shimmy, Eleanor & William.
Thank you Sadeqa for sharing your “ornaments and tree”. Happy reading all! - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Sep 19, 2024
Beautifully written. An irresistible story about black motherhood, lose, and the overwhelming feeling of striving to be more than society has deemed. - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Sep 3, 2024
Amazing Read! Captivating and well written! This story hits very close to home; sadly for some of my family members. Maybe, there will be a short story written for Ruby as there is one for Bubbles. - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Aug 31, 2024
Absolutely loved this book! Hated for it to end, wanted more only because it was well written and put together! - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Jun 7, 2024
Really good book. I couldn’t stop listening. As crazy as our society is today, this highlights that some things have improved at least. - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
May 10, 2024
This was an exceptional read! I love how the author seamlessly navigated between each girl’s narrative, creating a captivating storytelling experience. - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Mar 1, 2024
Read Yellow Wife first! Then fall in love with this amazing story which is still so relatable today. - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Feb 20, 2024
IGreat story, I give this story a 10/10 highly recommend it. - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Feb 15, 2024
Amazing story! Author did a great job in telling the story - Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5
Feb 1, 2024
Thought provoking. well written and excellent narration and great read. - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Jan 8, 2024
This book was phenomenal! It was written well and I enjoyed listening to it. The storyline was really good and easy to follow. I was captivated by chapter 4. - Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5
Dec 22, 2023
At first I could not get into the book but at the end it pulled me in. - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Dec 19, 2023
An eye opening book as to the oppression and cruelty inflicted upon young unwed pregnant females in the 40’s and 50’s.
This has a very happy ending. - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Nov 28, 2023
This book was beautiful. I was touched by the author's way she got personal with her characters and also touched on a subject that's rarely spoken about. Beautiful I wonder if Ruby got to see Grace again. - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Nov 9, 2023
Reese Witherspone’s was absolutely correct in recommending this book. Gives all who read it an appreciation for how difficult it was and in some cases still is for black women to succeed in a prejudice world. An absolute page turner! - Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5
Nov 9, 2023
I liked it!! I thought I knew how it was going to end but it has a good little twist. Loved the 1950’s blackness of the book also. - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Nov 9, 2023
This book was a eye opener & page turner and expresses the power of resilience in the true lives of colored & poor women - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Nov 9, 2023
Beautiful and yet painful story of forced adoption in the 50s. - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Nov 9, 2023
Great book. The plot was put together flawlessly. The characters were warm, inviting, and relatable. I couldn't wait to start listening again. - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Nov 9, 2023
I loved this book.. A little slow in the beginning but not what I expected in the end!! - Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5
Nov 9, 2023
I felt a little let down by the ending, I felt more could/should have been said. - Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5
Nov 9, 2023
I loved this book, fascinating history and characters. Highly recommend no matter what your race.
