AMBITION, ARROGANCE And PRIDE: Families & Rivals in 18th Century Salem by Sandra Wagner-Wright – Audio Book, Revolutionary War, Biographical Historical Fiction, Family Saga

Sandra Wagner-Wright’s historical fiction novel, Ambition, Arrogance and Pride tells the story of two powerful families during the founding of America – now brought to life in audio format by award-winning voice actor Christa Lewis.

Wagner-Wright’s fluid prose lends itself to being read aloud, and listeners will be wholly transported by this tale of early Americana. Life in the Salem/Boston area at the birth of our nation takes wings as Lewis breathes energy into this engaging cast of characters.

Ambition, Arrogance and Pride explores a few select families as they merge through marriage to form privateering empires. The focus on the women’s point of view gives us a unique perspective on the lives of the powerful men in these families. From the inception of their dreams and aspirations, we follow their journeys in a time without electricity, running water, or antibiotics, a life rustic yet gentle.

The excellent choice of narrator for this project accentuates the limited role of women in this time and place – as partners to their husbands.

Wagner-Wright imagines a world where these partnerships are egalitarian, with these women having a say in all aspects of life, from buying real estate to running and investing in business ventures.

The daily lives of women running households, giving birth, and preparing for funerals bring us back to a time when infant and childbirth mortality were high and tuberculosis ran rampant, with no effective treatment. We grow to care for the central characters and must grieve with them in the face of these losses.

We explore the United States’ independence story through the eyes of Mary, whose personal ties to the conflict illuminate many of its causes and details. She’s terrified for her family, especially her husband, as the colonies and the sovereign crown of England clash over high taxes and unfair tariffs. After the Boston Tea Party, Mary switches her drink from sweet tea to bitter coffee.

Wagner-Wright and Lewis pair up to give a rendition of Ambition, Arrogance and Pride that gives us a place within the drawing rooms of the Derby and the Crowninshield families.

We face the fears and hardships of their seagoing lives, and learn how uncertain and dangerous the future of the American colonies was.

This historical and somewhat biographical novel based on early American roots provides a glimpse into the lives of people who dared to fall in love, venture into uncharted waters, and create dynasties. We meet merchants who develop trade routes halfway around the world and gamble their life savings on trade with China, India, and beyond. 

This audio version of Ambition, Arrogance and Pride shines as the well-crafted story unfolds through a reading that deeply understands it. Fans of historical fiction, Americana, and Revolutionary narratives alike will be gripped with interest throughout this book. A must-have for Wagner-Wright fans and readers who want a great listen on long walks, commutes, or road trips.

You can read the review of the print version of Ambition, Arrogance and Pride here.