Actress Gemma Dawson's British training and experience shine in this account of how Tolstoy's ANNA KARENINA was written. Blaisdell's account gives perceptive insights on how, as in WAR AND PEACE, Tolstoy's life is mirrored in the novel. Insights on Tolstoy's family life, especially his relationship with his wife, Sonya, along with his interactions with his servants and his colleagues in the publishing community, are all given in detail. Tolstoy's wife acted as his scribe, and she is probably not given as much credit as she should be for her influence on her husband's work. Dawson's English accent gives an academic tone to this production, and her pacing, inflection, and enunciation are all perfect. She makes this work a most rewarding experience.
Pub Date: Jan. 26, 2021
Duration: 15 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781645552901
Publisher: Oasis Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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
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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