by Adriana Trigiani ; Read by Blair Brown ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 13, 2015
Blair Brown's acting talents are brought center stage in her performance of this fictionalized account of the relationship between Loretta Young and Clark Gable, which began during the filming of CALL OF THE WILD in 1935. Woven throughout Young's story is that of Alda Ducci, an imagined personal secretary for the actress. Underlying Brown's animated narration is a subtle emotional tension, and the layered performance highlights the laughter and tears, loves and disappointments in Loretta's and Alda's lives. Many famous people appear in the audiobook, and Brown wisely refrains from impersonations, although each character is given a distinct voice, including a believable accent when appropriate. Listeners will be as caught up in Loretta's lively family and star-crossed romances as they are in Alda's more down-to-earth perspective. C.B.L. 2016 Audies Finalist © AudioFile 2015, Portland, Maine
Pub Date: Oct. 13, 2015
Duration: 14 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9780062419903
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
by Lauren Francis-Sharma ; Read by Ron Butler & Bahni Turpin ‧ RELEASE DATE: Jan. 22, 2015
Awards & Accolades
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An astonishingly unique historical novel, which begins in Trinidad in the 1940s, this is an example of the best that an audiobook can offer. The two narrators, Ron Butler and Bahni Turpin, are superb choices who move the listener smoothly between the two main characters. Farook and Marcia Garcia are star-crossed lovers who don’t have fate on their side. Turpin evokes the rhythms of English as spoken in Trinidad, lyrical, and rhythmic. Through her confident narrative style, Marica Garcia comes across as a strong, beleaguered young woman. Her trials evoke empathy in the listener. Butler establishes the contorted choices that face Farook as an Indian man who is prevented by racism from marrying his true love. This sprawling tale spans Trinidad and the United States, from the 1940s-1960s.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2015
Duration: 13 hrs
Publisher: Tantor Media
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
by Bernard Cornwell ; Read by Jack Hawkins ‧ RELEASE DATE: Jan. 8, 2013
In this stand-alone novel set during the Hundred Years' War, Thomas of Hookton, hero of Cornwell's Grail Quest trilogy, returns with his band of mercenaries in pursuit of the sword of Saint Peter—a holy relic said to bestow great power. Naturally, others are also in pursuit and are determined to win the sword at any cost. Jack Hawkins delivers a stunning performance of this dramatic novel of political intrigue and military battle. Throughout, he effortlessly distinguishes characters from all over Western Europe through various accents. Hawkins's thoughtful reading reveals the emotions of the characters, enhancing their portrayals. His performance is full of energy during Cornwell's signature battle scenes, offering the listener a visceral experience of war.
Pub Date: Jan. 8, 2013
Duration: 12 hrs
DD ISBN: 9780062209344
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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