by Elizabeth R. Varon ; Read by Fred Sanders ‧ RELEASE DATE: Nov. 21, 2023
Fred Sanders uses a smooth, authoritative delivery to describe one of the South's most controversial Confederate generals. At the height of the Civil War, James Longstreet was one of the most tenacious leaders of Confederate troops. With perfect pacing and a tinge of sorrow, Sanders describes Longstreet's reactions to Gettysburg and the South's defeat. After the war, Longstreet moved his family to New Orleans and found resistance and ridicule when he rejected the Lost Cause narrative. Sanders captures Longstreet's melancholy as he joined Louisiana's newly elected integrated postwar government. When white supremacists there took up arms in a coup, Longstreet led the interracial state militia and subdued former Confederates. Sanders's effective and empathetic performance adds significantly to Varon's extensive profile.
Pub Date: Nov. 21, 2023
Duration: 14 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9781797166155
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
by William Manchester ; Read by Tom Parker ‧ RELEASE DATE: N/A
Manchester’s incisive writing and Parker’s friendly narration make this a compelling package on the life of 20th century icon General Douglas MacArthur (1880-1964). No student of modern times can ignore this vain, mercurial soldier whose battlefield brilliance conserved the lives of his soldiers even as they cut their opponents to ribbons. Listening to Parker, one imagines a jovial uncle delivering a slap on the back and sitting down to describe war experiences in a rich voice filled with humor and pathos. He pronounces Japanese names, New Guinea cities and American slang with effortless ease. The “you-are-there” quality grabs and holds. This is a carefully done, seamless audio presentation.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 16 hrs
Publisher: Blackstone Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Awards & Accolades
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by Ethelene Whitmire ; Read by Russell Jordan & Nicole Cash ‧ RELEASE DATE: Feb. 3, 2026
This well-told tale of love and courage during WWII would make a good miniseries.
Awards & Accolades
Our Verdict
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This story of love, endurance, and heroism in a time of war translates well to audio. That it’s a true story makes it all the better. Reed Peggram was an American linguist who found love when he went to Europe for advanced study prior to WWII. He refused to return to the U.S. because his male partner couldn’t emigrate. They ended up in a Nazi prison camp. Russell Jordan offers a solid narration. His even voice carries the narrative along effectively without false drama. His facility with foreign names and places keeps things flowing. Nicole Cash narrates the touching and enlightening preface, in itself a worthy story of diligence and serendipity.
This well-told tale of love and courage during WWII would make a good miniseries.Pub Date: Feb. 3, 2026
Duration: 7 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217281695
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Review Posted Online: Feb. 9, 2026
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