Well of Souls is a deep-dive into slavery’s inextricable links to the banjo’s history. Gaddy extensively researched primary sources to uncover the origin, spread, and influence of the banjo from the 18th century to the present, including travel accounts, letters & diaries, and depictions of slave music gatherings in paintings. As someone who grew up with banjo music as part of southern Appalachian culture, this book was an eye-opening corrective to the instrument’s cultural origins.

Chante McCormick’s audiobook narration was magnificent, every syllable perfectly clear and spoken without hesitation on foreign-language terms. My only caveat for the audiobook is that, at times, I found it difficult to translate instrument descriptions into mental images. Some readers may prefer the print version for this reason.

I was given a NetGalley widget for this one a year ago and I just got around to reading it and dangit it was so good. I am so thankful for the opportunity to have consumed this wildly relevant fictional tale, which felt not at all fictional, more like historical fiction, due to the times. The cover initially was what drew me in, but I'm so thankful to have stuck with it because the outcome was magical. I always love listening to audiobooks and when they sweep me off my feet, I'm just utterly captivated!

Thanks to NetGalley and HighBridge Audio for the audiobook ARC!

Well of Souls is much more than a historical examination. It's the reclamation of an instrument that has rarely received the proper attribution. The origins of the banjo are quite interesting, and definitely deserve to be better known. Highly recommended.

When good research meets creative writing in a way that sooths the reading senses, we get works such as “Well of Souls. Uncovering the Banjo’s Hidden Story” by Kristina R. Gaddy. With a talent for storytelling, Kristina takes the reader on a cultural journey of uncovering the heritage of the banjo from its first depictions as an “African” singing instrument in journals, all across to the current day. The audiobook is full of stories that can be listened to in a break, during commute, or even on a long journey. No matter if you’re a banjo fan or never heard of this instrument until now, this narrative will leave the reader with a desire to uncover more of this instrument’s cultural significance long after the last page has been turned.

Thanks to NetGalley, HighBridge Audio, and the editorial team for giving me the opportunity to review the ARC in audiobook format and to you, my reader, for taking the time to read this honest personal book review.

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I have to admit that I would normally have never had an interest in the banjo, and yet I THOROUGHLY enjoyed this audiobook. Who knew that this instrument had origins in Africa and was played by African-Americans? I had no idea. I am thoroughly convinced that the average Bluegrass or country music fan today has no idea of its origins either.
The author has so thoroughly researched this instrument-- and spotted this instrument all over the world in writings from explorers, plantation owners and even where it appears-- played by African and African-Americans-- in several visual art forms.
I feel like I got information about the instrument's history, yes, but the book has American history as its backdrop. I am left wondering if more African-Americans will have a homecoming of sorts-- and return to reclaim this early American music, they are responsible for contributing to the American songbook. (The author hints at current movements in this direction and renewed interest.)
I can see this book being one that folk, bluegrass and old time music enthusiasts keep in their personal library. I think it has the potential to have a prominent place on the coffee table and can spark conversation in music circles.