Robbins, who authored the popular WAR OF THE RATS, a fictional account of the Battle of Stalingrad, here tackles the Battle of Kursk (July-August 1943). This German offensive, code-named "Citadel," was the largest land battle of WWII. The Soviet victory in this slugfest turned the tide against the Germans. This fictional account focuses on two German S.S. officers who are opposed by a family of Cossacks. The characterizations and action are, overall, nicely done, though the chronology of action is a bit inaccurate. (The editor let slip June 31st.) George Guidall reads this exciting work magnificently. He is expressive, energetic, and just plain fun to hear. For those with a knowledge of Russian he may sound a bit off, but no matter. His reading of the great tank battle of Prokhorovka takes the listener into the confusion and drama of the real thing.
Pub Date: Dec. 1, 2004
Duration: 17 hrs, 15 mins
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Ayla, one of the "others," is adopted by a clan of Neanderthal cave people. She struggles to conform to their ways, but her advanced human traits overwhelm and threaten their primitive culture in this initial installment of an immensely popular series. Although the story might benefit from abridgment, Rowena Cooper easily carries out the formidable task of enlivening the mostly silent and stereotypical characters with consistent, diverse personalities and human dimension. Through skillful phrasing and inflection, she maintains the reader's interest and suspense, especially with Ayla and her plight, throughout this rambling and imaginative story.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 22 hrs
Publisher: BBC Audiobooks America/ Chivers
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
This lyrical, sensual novel of woman's lot in Manchu, China, is as well researched as it is well written. Authentic in tone, it's nonetheless written for Westerners by a Western expert on China. Moreover, Susan Clark performs the demanding text superbly, with only occasional signs of fatigue. For the most part she not only sustains the quaint diction and Asian atmosphere, but also, creates whole worlds with her voice. She acts the book, rather than reads it, and, in so doing, turns a pretty trifle into a stupendous beauty.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 4 hrs, 30 mins
Publisher: Audio Literature
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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