Machelle Williams is a steady narrator who provides a solid performance of this diverse short story collection. She shifts smoothly between the mostly female characters living in Florida, each of whom is struggling with her own losses. With a melodic intonation Williams presents the deepest dilemmas of mothers, daughters, and other women. From miscarriage to a parent's death, Williams helps listeners make sense of the big issues at play. She maintains a steady pace as we navigate the thoughts of many generations in the same family. Listeners who are looking for a brief, engaging title will find one here.
Pub Date: Feb. 2, 2021
Duration: 5 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781696603331
Publisher: HighBridge Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
In a somber performance, Sue Jean Kim delivers this collection of 10 dystopian short stories that explore climate disaster in the near future. Her quiet delivery captures a deep human longing for connection, love, and meaning. Standout stories include "Biodome," in which New Seoul is enclosed under a protective dome to shield residents from toxic air pollution, and "Older Sister," which portrays two sisters' complex relationship against the backdrop of the LA riots following the Rodney King verdict. Kim showcases her range with varied voices and accents, as well as fluid French pronunciations. Her passionate delivery of the author's note closes this melancholic collection with a powerful call to action. A slow-paced yet thought-provoking listen that transports audiences across space and time.
Pub Date: Dec. 2, 2025
Duration: 7 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063446410
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
This audiobook presents a jewel box of late-in-life stories written by a master, and all exceptionally well performed. Rushdie's imagination, wit, and ear for language are on full display in "a quintet" of remarkable fictions. The listener is also treated to five accomplished narrators who capture the author's voice, sometimes standing to the side while explaining the complexities of the tale and giving meaning to those at the end of their lives--or even after, as in Naveen Andrews's hypnotic delivery of the ghost story, "Late." While all perform excellently, Nicholas Khan's work in "The Musician of Kahani" is superb. It's a challenging piece of magical realism told in many voices and accents. The author's gifts for dialogue, plot, and character remain exceptional.
Pub Date: Nov. 4, 2025
Duration: 8 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217173891
Publisher: Random House 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.
