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THE SECRET HISTORY OF VLADIMIR NABOKOV

Narrator Susan Boyce gives weight and expression to what might easily have been a standard author biography, elevated, and burdened, by the proposition that Nabokov's writings reflect the conflicts and social upheavals of his time. Pitzer's review of historical events--revolution, war, concentration camps--may seem overfamiliar to those who know much about them, but Boyce delivers the text with authority and conviction, and her pace never lags. What results is a very good general biography of Nabokov in the context of his times, and a thesis sure to be debated for years to come.

Pub Date: March 13, 2013

Duration: 15 hrs

DD ISBN: 9781620647776

Publisher: AudioGo

Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026

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    THE WORLD IS MY HOME

    James Michener tells the real stories behind the man and his books. The recording is read with skill and consistency although the reader does little to enhance the robust, larger-than-life incidents related in the book. Due to the first-person narrative format, there is no opportunity for the narrator to change his voice. This makes some chapters monotonous as they go on and on in the typical Michener style. The listener may also become confused because the stories are not told chronologically. This is not a great choice for the audio format, but Michener fans may stick with it to the end.

    Pub Date: N/A

    Duration: 22 hrs

    Publisher: Books on Tape

    Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026

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      REVOLUTION FROM WITHIN

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      In a quest for a sense of inner contentment and self-worth, Gloria Steinem brings the reader on a journey of investigation and discovery. Steinem reads the text herself in a straightforward and friendly, but not intimate, presentation which is so easy to listen to it invites repetition--thus ensuring the painless relearning of the lessons of the book. It's difficult to tell from the reading that this audiobook is abridged; each section can stand alone. Nonetheless, the listener wished the book were unabridged. Steinem left me wanting to learn more.

      Pub Date: N/A

      Duration: 3 hrs

      Publisher: Dove Audio

      Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026

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