The House of Eve

Written by Sadeqa Johnson

Narrated by Sadeqa Johnson, Ariel Blake and Nicole Lewis

“Amazing…I was completely surprised by the ending of this beautifully told and written book.” —Reese Witherspoon

“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.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
• Release date: Feb 7, 2023
• ISBN: 9781797153353

Sadeqa Johnson

Sadeqa Johnson is the New York Times bestselling author of five novels. Her accolades include being the 2022 Hurston/Wright Foundation Legacy finalist, a BCALA Literary Honoree, and the Library of Virginia’s Literary People’s Choice Award winner. She is a Kimbilio Fellow and teaches in the MFA program at Drexel University. Originally from Philadelphia, she currently lives near Richmond, Virginia with her husband and three teens.  

Reviews for The House of Eve

[Audrey Moreland · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

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.

[Janay D · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Read Yellow Wife first! Then fall in love with this amazing story which is still so relatable today.

[Vita Tillman · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

IGreat story, I give this story a 10/10 highly recommend it.

[tyeshaclark31 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Amazing story! Author did a great job in telling the story

[Melisa Smithwick · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Thought provoking. well written and excellent narration and great read.

[Georgia Wilcox · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I mean I finished it. The author covered a broad set of issues but I felt the coverage was too superficial. In working towards deeper nuance the author should also strive for more three-syllable words.

[Katie Nowinski · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

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.

[Breanna Hoffart · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

At first I could not get into the book but at the end it pulled me in.

[Dana Bearden · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

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.

[Trinesha Lowe · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

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.

[Kathleen Thornley · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

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!

[Monica Kirby · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

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.

[Sylvia nah · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book was a eye opener & page turner and expresses the power of resilience in the true lives of colored & poor women

[Natalia · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Beautiful and yet painful story of forced adoption in the 50s.

[Bianca Calloway · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Great book. The plot was put together flawlessly. The characters were warm, inviting, and relatable. I couldn't wait to start listening again.

[Muffixandria Muffixandria · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I loved this book.. A little slow in the beginning but not what I expected in the end!!

[d-fbuser-651352618 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I felt a little let down by the ending, I felt more could/should have been said.

[Tyler George · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I loved this book, fascinating history and characters. Highly recommend no matter what your race.

[Tamara · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

20/10 AMAZING!!!!!!! ALL 5 STARS,,,, WHAT A BEAUTIFUL STORY! CHEFS KISS TO THE AUTHOR

[April Davis · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Where do I even start? This book was by far in my Top 5 that I have read in 2023 so far. I would most definitely read it again in the future. It has a gripping, beautiful and sad story that will stick with you after you’ve finished the last page. The way Johnson writes it feels like the people are real in this world and you’re hoping for the story to keep going. To have an update somehow.

[Amanda K. Meiler · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Great plot and realistic details. My friend said she read in one day, I was three. It’s soooo good.

[Cindy Rittenberry · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book was as good as The Yellow Wife! I can’t wait till I can find the other two she has written. I feel like her characters are part of my family. Awesome!!!!

[Lori Lassien · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I really enjoyed this book and hating for it to be over :(

[Daniela Napolitano · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

4.5 ⭐️
Inicialmente eran 4, pero el epílogo lo mejoró MUCHO

[Demetrius Graham · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I really enjoyed following Ruby’s and Eleanor’s journey. They both where young and went through so much. In the end they both chose what was best for them. This was a good book and I enjoyed the narration.

[Tiffany McNeely · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is a coming of age story but the young women had to come up the rough side of the mountain!

[tamara · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The writing was phenomenal and all events were gripping however the end fell short for me. It seemed to be too abrupt when compared with the rest of the story. Overall, definitely worth the read.

[elisa cocoli · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Touching, emotional, descriptive. Highly recommend should be turned into a movie.

[Sharon Traylor · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Great book. This is a must read I wanted it longer

[Tamara Lyons · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

When I say, I love this author and her writing style. This book was absolutely amazing and I already read the yellow wife in my book club so reading this after was perfect I love the way she connects things. I can’t wait for part three or the next book she left us hanging.