This powerful debut novel recounts the story of Blessing as she grows from adolescence to adulthood in war-torn Nigeria. The emotional complexities, civil unrest, and cultural conflicts she encounters move this work far beyond the standard coming-of-age story. Early distractions caused by narrator Claudia Alick's contrived, childish voices and inconsistent accents eventually disappear, and her performance strengthens as the book progresses. She performs most convincingly as she captures the bitterness of Blessing’s disillusioned brother, the desperation and wrenching grief of her mother, and the quiet strength and joy of Blessing herself as an adult. Alick lives up to Watson's lyrical prose and delivers a gripping presentation of life amid war as well as a celebration of the will to survive.
Pub Date: Aug. 1, 2011
Duration: 14 hrs
Publisher: Blackstone Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Escape on a thrilling adventure with Soneela Nankani and Andrew Eiden as they narrate this suspenseful romance. A year has passed since Simi Chopra, her assorted crew, and Jack Danger pulled off a lucrative diamond heist. Now, the Chicago Mafia boss is demanding that the jewels be returned, so Simi gets the team back together. Nankani delivers an expressive performance that emphasizes Simi's conflict between her passion for Jack and the mission. Her distinct character voices keep the listener fully immersed. Eiden's lively tone gives Jack a subtle flair and confidence that make him easy to forgive and to love.
Pub Date: Aug. 20, 2024
Duration: 11 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9780593907467
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
This is not a story about guns, but about blue pearls. Gerald Browne takes us to the Pacific Ocean and the world of pearl divers and natural gems and mixes in mystery, intrigue and suspense. Barry Bostwick portrays the characters in one voice, varying his intonation slightly for the Asian personalities. His reading style is very smooth, evidence of preparation and interest in the story. 18mm Blues is abridged well, collecting the important elements of the story. Unobtrusive music indicates the end of each side. Disappear into the mystery of the Far East and one of its most beautiful commodities.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 1993
Duration: 3 hrs
Publisher: Audio Renaissance
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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