It's difficult to characterize this "work of fiction based on real events," but whatever the genre, it's a marvelous listen. Labatut's first work to be translated into English (and it's an outstanding rendering by Adrian West) is a series of narratives involving some of the twentieth century's greatest scientists and mathematicians, brought to our ears through the inviting baritone of Adam Barr. These enigmatic stories explore the idea that brilliant minds can straddle the line between heroism and horror; one example is Fritz Haber, whose discoveries led to fertilizers that saved millions from famine and to poison gas that slaughtered soldiers. This is an innovative and exciting work from a young writer, and Barr holds it together with his confident delivery.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2021
Duration: 5 hrs, 45 mins
Publisher: Dreamscape
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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