Beatriz Williams returns to the fertile ground of early-twentieth- century New York high society. There are two main characters from whose points of view the story is told, Theresa and Sophie, whose sections are narrated by Mia Barron and Adrienne Rusk. In Barron's exceptional narration, she delivers the exact right attitude for Theresa, both brash and somewhat vulnerable. In contrast, Rusk's portrayal of Sophie is, by and large, so dry and emotionless that it significantly slows the book down or discourages listening altogether. Narrator Barbara Goodson also has a small but well-done part as a gossip columnist who serves to move the story forward.
Pub Date: June 28, 2016
Duration: 12 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9780062445186
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Ayla, one of the "others," is adopted by a clan of Neanderthal cave people. She struggles to conform to their ways, but her advanced human traits overwhelm and threaten their primitive culture in this initial installment of an immensely popular series. Although the story might benefit from abridgment, Rowena Cooper easily carries out the formidable task of enlivening the mostly silent and stereotypical characters with consistent, diverse personalities and human dimension. Through skillful phrasing and inflection, she maintains the reader's interest and suspense, especially with Ayla and her plight, throughout this rambling and imaginative story.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 22 hrs
Publisher: BBC Audiobooks America/ Chivers
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
This lyrical, sensual novel of woman's lot in Manchu, China, is as well researched as it is well written. Authentic in tone, it's nonetheless written for Westerners by a Western expert on China. Moreover, Susan Clark performs the demanding text superbly, with only occasional signs of fatigue. For the most part she not only sustains the quaint diction and Asian atmosphere, but also, creates whole worlds with her voice. She acts the book, rather than reads it, and, in so doing, turns a pretty trifle into a stupendous beauty.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 4 hrs, 30 mins
Publisher: Audio Literature
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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