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RIVER OF SMOKE

Narrator Sanjiv Jhaveri keeps up with the myriad historical details of the shipping industry in nineteenth-century India that are a part of this story. While he doesn't convincingly portray female characters, he capably manages the rest of the novel's massive cast. He also excels in his delivery of the rich description that permeates the author's style. At times, his cadence is reminiscent of a more staid volume—nonfiction perhaps. But Ghosh's rambling epic needs the determined and purposeful pace this narrator provides. However, some elements of the production come off as a mishmash, particularly as unimaginative storytelling combines with affected Indian accents and a flat American accent. The large gap between these elements may compromise this title for some listeners.

Pub Date: 2011

Duration: 23 hrs

DD ISBN: 9781423373858

Publisher: Brilliance Audio

Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026

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    'TIL THE WELL RUNS DRY

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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: 2015

    Duration: 13 hrs

    Publisher: Tantor Media

    Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026

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      1356

      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: 2013

      Duration: 12 hrs

      DD ISBN: 9780062209344

      Publisher: Harper Audio

      Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026

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