Damian Lynch's deep, rich voice transports listeners to colonial East Africa in the early twentieth century. Though the narration stays fairly neutral, Lynch adds color while introducing listeners to the life of volunteer soldier Hamza, who cleverly negotiates with the German officers he reports to. Lynch smoothly navigates the mix of languages that surround Hamza. Lynch's portrayal is different for the compassionate Ilyas, who has been pressed into and then escapes from German service. Lynch also embraces the emotional pain of Afiya, the sister of Ilyas, who shrinks from abuse but later blossoms in the face of her brother's caring and Hamza's love. The satisfying ending bringing everything full circle is a tribute to the power of love.
Pub Date: Aug. 23, 2022
Duration: 10 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9780593626511
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
In this fascinating coming-of-age portrait, Thomas Black Bull's journey from the child, Bear's Brother, to the fearsome rodeo rider, Killer Tom Black, is painted with compassion and insight. Forced to learn the White Man's ways, Tom reaches adulthood consumed by rage. Read with great vigor by Norman Dietz, the recording bursts with the energy of rodeo circuit and transports the listener to the southwest. The accurate portrayal of Tom's Ute ancestry and way of life, the sorrow and frustration of losing his heritage, and his angry retaliation at the world make this an excellent listening choice for adults and teenagers. It would also be a wonderful addition to high school units on the Native American experience.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 10 hrs
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
George S. Irving adopts Patrick McManus's characters with gusto. Sit back and listen to yarn after yarn. Irving relishes each story, whether it's fishing stories, such as "Claw of the Sea-Puss" or "To Filet or Not to Filet," or the escapades with McManus's wary but vulnerable neighbors. Irving has the jocular chuckle down pat, and the low comedy satire comes off without a hitch. Listeners can imagine Irving tipping back a chair at the country store swapping lies with cronies and entertaining any comers with these hilarious tales. His repertoire of more than eight collections of McManus stories encourages this kind of ownership!
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 3 hrs
Publisher: DH Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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