Wild Swan cover art

Wild Swan

A Story of Florence Nightingale

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Wild Swan

By: Patti Callahan
Narrated by: Cynthia Erivo
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About this listen

In this captivating historical novella narrated by Tony Award-winning actress Cynthia Erivo, New York Times best-selling author Patti Callahan Henry celebrates the life of the mother of modern nursing and one of history's greatest heroines: Florence Nightingale.

Wild Swan introduces listeners to the Lady with the Lamp long before she became a legend. In this poignant story, a young woman has just discovered her divine purpose to become a nurse, and struggles to make that dream a reality. While traveling abroad with her close friend, Selina Bracebridge - another strong woman living an unconventional life - a rare opportunity arises for Florence to practice medicine. Intellectually gifted with an advanced education thanks to her father’s progressive political views, can the daughter of a prominent English family defy Victorian societal expectations to fulfill her destiny?

Over the course of a few short years, Florence remains brave and determined in the face of all obstacles, pursuing her passion against her family’s wishes. From her parent’s luxurious countryside estate in England to her travels abroad to the German medical institute where she first began her training and fell in love with her work, we follow Florence during these pivotal early years of her extraordinary life.

©2020 Patti Callahan Henry (P)2020 Audible Originals, LLC.
Fiction Historical Fiction

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All stars
Most relevant  
Really enjoyed hearing about Florence’s early life and the struggle she went through to achieve her dream. Well written and easy to listen to

Enjoyable

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As a nurse, I loved this. To hear what Florence had to battle with to do what she truly believed in. What an inspiration.

Inspiring tale

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A timely story of women’s competence, courage and determination beautifully narrated by Cynthia Erivo - who I could listen to forever.

Pertinent story, beautifully read.

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so enjoyed this audible book, beautifully read by narrator. I didn't want it to end

Excellent

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A really interesting, moving and untold side of Florence Nightingale
Inspirational and beautifully read. Thank you

Stunning

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For a short story this really packs a punch. It is full of character and history, and gives a little insight into the woman that became the legend. And Cynthia’s narration was wonderful.

What a life.

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The story of Florence Nightingale's determination to become a nurse and the difficulties that she had in persuading her family.

Enlightening

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…with a huge message for all with a passion. A very interesting and enlightening “read “.

A little book…

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What a lovely little listen. This was free with Audible. Enjoyed learning about the lady in question and enjoyed a nice,soothing narrator. Keeping in my library so I can listen again to it another time.

Enjoyed this very short story

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I am truly inspired by this wonderful story about an amazing strong woman who choose and dared to walk her own life path and not the one her family or society had planned for her. Also Cynthia Erivo's narration of this story is just beautiful. Loved it.

Wonderful story and beautiful narration

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