With Ossie and Ruby: In This Life Together [Abridged, Audiobook] [Audio CD]

Ossie Davis (Author, Reader), Ruby Dee (Author, Reader)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 1, 2006

Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee met in 1945, when they were both performing in the same play on Broadway; Davis, resuming an acting career that had been interrupted by a World War II tour of duty in Liberia, was cast as the male lead, while Dee was originally hired as understudy to the female lead and soon found herself taking over the part. Three years later, still working together, they took advantage of a rehearsal-free day in their schedule to get married--and have been together through thick and thin ever since.Trading turns with one another, Davis and Dee discuss the high and low points of more than a half century in each other's company. With Ossie & Ruby has enough stories for at least three books, covering the world of stage and film, the history of the civil rights movement, and the endurance of love and marriage. Their telling, in alternating first-person narration, is unflinching in its portrayal of the hardships they endured for being black-skinned and "left-wing" political activists--and equally firm in their continued dedication. This is a first-rate memoir by a man and a woman--each with a thriving career--who have collaborated to form a union even greater than the sum of its parts.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee met in 1945, when they were both performing in the same play on Broadway; Davis, resuming an acting career that had been interrupted by a World War II tour of duty in Liberia, was cast as the male lead, while Dee was originally hired as understudy to the female lead and soon found herself taking over the part. Three years later, still working together, they took advantage of a rehearsal-free day in their schedule to get married--and have been together through thick and thin ever since.

Trading turns with one another, Davis and Dee discuss the high and low points of more than a half century in each other's company. With Ossie & Ruby has enough stories for at least three books, covering the world of stage and film, the history of the civil rights movement, and the endurance of love and marriage. Their telling, in alternating first-person narration, is unflinching in its portrayal of the hardships they endured for being black-skinned and "left-wing" political activists--and equally firm in their continued dedication. This is a first-rate memoir by a man and a woman--each with a thriving career--who have collaborated to form a union even greater than the sum of its parts. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Publishers Weekly

Starred Review. In 1998, renowned actors Davis and Dee celebrated 50 years of marriage by penning an engaging memoir of their life together, musing on the theater, the struggle for civil rights and what they considered their most important roles: being parents. Between the book's publication and Davis's death in 2005, the couple recorded this stellar audio version. It's a marvelous blend of readers' theater and classy, old-married style, with Davis and Dee trading off portions of their narrative and sometimes gently correcting each other's version of events. ("It takes two of us to get this story told," Davis chuckles after his wife amends his account of a particularly funny 1950s incident when the two were being pursued backstage by Joseph McCarthy's men, intent on serving the alleged Communist sympathizers with subpoenas.) The book has humor and pathos, pain and nostalgia, all told with Davis's deep, resonant baritone and Dee's fast-as-lightning wit. Most of all, it's a personal walk through the 20th-century African-American experience, with both reflecting on the many luminaries they have known, including Father Divine, Martin Luther King, Malcolm X, Paul Robeson and Sidney Poitier. Available as a Harper paperback (Feb.)
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Product Details

• Audio CD
• Publisher: Hachette Audio; Abridged edition (February 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1594833354
• ISBN-13: 978-1594833359
• Product Dimensions: 5.2 x 0.8 x 5.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #730,300 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What a wonderful journey!!, June 17, 1999

By 

Theresa M. Savall - See all my reviews

This review is from: With Ossie and Ruby: In This Life Together (Hardcover)

What a great glimpse into the lives of two beautiful people. I have always known these 2 were special but what confirmation!! A tenderly written life story. This sometimes hilarious book was a walk thru history and a true love story. I am changed.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars [e-mail], January 26, 1999

By 

Shantella Yolanda Sherman - See all my reviews

This review is from: With Ossie and Ruby: In This Life Together (Hardcover)

This is by far the best book I have ever read. Ossie Davis says early in the text that his first love is writing. As a professional writer, I am amazed at the depth of his thoughts and eloquence with which he puts them together. Davis and Dee's memoirs are less like reading than enjoying a glorious symphony of essence of life. This is a must read for anyone who loves the English language.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars an inspiring, and revealing tale told by 2 great Americans, January 20, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: With Ossie and Ruby: In This Life Together (Hardcover)

When I was in college I had the very good fortune to attend several "An Evening with Ossie and Ruby" presentations on campus. These were a series of selected readings which Mr Davis and Ms Dee presented with honesty, skill and emotion. I became a fan at the first session. THey are people of talent, integrity, and human compassion.As a rule I do not read biographies but I had to read this book! and I am ever so glad I did.these are two people who broke barriers and reached new heights thus changing and improving both our culture and our arts. Their talent, commitment and perserverance is inspiring and reminds us that there are no small players in this drama called life.