The smooth-sounding Simon Vance employs an authoritative and engaging narration of Clive Irving's gossipy yet highly articulate biography of Queen Elizabeth II. Irving argues that the Queen's discomfort with significant social changes during her reign is the reason she likely believes she will be the final queen of the British monarchy. Vance applies a pleasing melding of a contemporary and a more traditional British accent. Loyalties, rivalries, and foibles of familiar and unfamiliar people are explored, and an overview of the larger history of the monarchy is included. Irving maintains that Elizabeth II is a benign enigma and, accordingly, she only occasionally becomes the focus of the text. Listeners who enjoy gossipy stories will likely enjoy an audio performance that raises the level of the work itself.
Pub Date: Jan. 19, 2021
Duration: 11 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781645552918
Publisher: Oasis Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Brisk, fluent, pleasing to the ear, Emma Gregory's narration does justice to a fine historian and her landmark biography of one of Britain's most misunderstood rulers. On the death of Elizabeth I in 1603, Scotland's James VI became England's James I, first in the Stuart line. James was one of Britain's most intelligent and energetic rulers, and one the most complex. Today he is accepted for the inclinations that have marginalized him for centuries and in this fine narrative is properly assessed for the singular place he holds in Britain's history. The narrative is organized topically, rather than strictly chronologically, and requires a high level of vocal skill to deliver clearly and effectively. This finely nuanced biography has the gifted, insightful narrator it deserves.
Pub Date: Nov. 11, 2025
Duration: 18 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9798318527753
Publisher: Tantor Media
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
The limited time she had to campaign was just one of the many obstacles Kamala Harris had to overcome as the first woman of color to run for president. Though she's been accused of seeing herself as a victim in this revealing political memoir, the tone of her performance gently rejects that characterization. With her careful phrasing and clear enunciation, she sounds calm, thoughtful, and self-aware, taking responsibility when appropriate and pointing to circumstances and people who could have been more helpful. Overall, she creates an atmosphere that should allow listeners of all political persuasions to appreciate the person behind a campaign packed with triumphs and heartbreak. Her account of the elaborate operations and complex relationships needed for a presidential run is fascinating.
Pub Date: Sept. 23, 2025
Duration: 10 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781668148037
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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