Eleanor Dark's 1941 novelistic tribute to her native Australia comes to life as James Condon depicts the arrival of the British in 1788, the reactions of the Aboriginal people, and the clash of cultures that followed. Rather than just read, Condon declaims the text, making each word important, gliding over musical Aboriginal names, and showcasing the poetic nature of the text. Aurally, he shows the difference between the mostly imperious Brits and the rough convicts who accompanied them. You hear the awe and wonder with which the natives encountered sailing ships, firearms, and alcohol. An informative introduction is included, also read by Condon, who was in his mid-80s at the time of this tour-de-force performance.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2009
Duration: 26 hrs, 30 mins
Publisher: Bolinda Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Reader Michael Prichard delivers a convincing rendition of Archie Goodwin, the burly right hand of the portly Nero Wolfe, world-renowned gourmand and detective. Prichard preserves the 1970s setting and 1950s origins of the story, bringing listeners a well-paced narration of murder and politics--a combination of elements that usually guarantees an exciting listen. This audio entertainment is as well formed and fragrant as one of Wolfe's hothouse orchids (the stout sleuth cultivates them by the hundreds in his town house greenhouse) as Goodwin walks us through an explosive murder investigation and political wheeling and dealing in a tough yet intelligent read.
Pub Date: Jan. 15, 2006
Duration: 5 hrs, 30 mins
Publisher: Audio Partners
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
This collection of eight short stories contains gentle tales of fantasy and magic--not the magic of wizards and wands, but of wishing mats and enormous cats and gifts brought by the winds. In a lovely English accent, Lizza Aiken quietly narrates these stories in which magic and good fortune often come to those who deserve it. Although her pitch changes little, she registers a range of emotions--from the sadness of a girl whose necklace of raindrops has been stolen to the joy of a child who moves from a hard life and a ramshackle trailer to a happy home amid the clouds. A NECKLACE OF RAINDROPS would make a soothing choice for a family car trip after a long day.
Ages 6+Pub Date: Jan. 5, 2016
Duration: 1 hr, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9781101915721
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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