Marisa Calin gives a spirited narration of this introspective novel, which imagines the life of eccentric French composer Erik Satie. His story, told by his sister, Louise, includes his early years, his struggles to become accepted in legendary Montmartre, and his eventual success among the avant-garde. Calin delivers the narrative in a crisp British accent, with a gruff timbre and a French accent for the dialogue of Satie. Louise, speaking in the first person, is given a gentler persona. Calin provides varying French intonations for several others who were affected by Erik, including brother Conrad, poet Philippe, and model Suzanne. Occasionally, an echo effect emphasizes introspective passages. Listeners will be treated to intimate details of bohemian life in Paris during the period.
Pub Date: 2019
Duration: 16 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781478912729
Publisher: Hachette 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:
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:
Duration: 4 hrs, 30 mins
Publisher: Audio Literature
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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