Christina Delaine narrates this carefully researched and sympathetic biography of Jessica "Decca" Mitford, the most radical of the famous British sisters, with great authority. Delaine works hard to reproduce the uncomfortably strangulated accent of the English aristocracy, enhancing the frequent quotations from letters and from Mitford's prolific journalism. Widowed as a young bride in WWII and mourning the loss of two children, Decca's lifelong graduation from naive, overprivileged, undereducated debutante to hard-hitting investigative journalist and fierce campaigner for the underprivileged and underrepresented in America makes for fascinating listening. Delaine brings both sympathy and clarity to her task. A remarkable insight into the history of the American Left through one woman's eyes, narrated with care and affection.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2025
Duration: 17 hrs
Publisher: Harper 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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