Jeanette Illidge portrays the husband and wife featured in this dual biography equally well. She makes smooth transitions between the Scottish accent of Robert Louis Stevenson and the American accent of his stabilizing wife and muse, Fanny Van de Grift. The rapid shifts in accents become even more remarkable after the two meet in 1876. Accents can change within one sentence, and Illidge clearly differentiates narrative from quotations. Her careful delivery of details aids listeners in imagining the colorful scenes--whether they're French gardens or Samoan islands. Illidge's continual tracking of the principals' emotions and actions defines their resilient, albeit tumultuous, love despite Stevenson's chronic lung disease. Their unconventional relationship is continually contrasted with the era's restrictive norms.
Pub Date: Aug. 13, 2024
Duration: 16 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9780593908822
Publisher: Penguin 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
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Follow
Popular in this Genre
We can’t wait for you to join Kirkus!
It’s free and takes less than 10 seconds!
Already have an account? Log in.
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Welcome Back!
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
