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THE LIFE CYCLE OF THE COMMON OCTOPUS

This ambitious novel, narrated by Saskia Maarleveld, follows Penelope as she leaves her native Canada for college at the University of Edinburgh. Once in Scotland, Pen seeks out her father's estranged friend, Lord Lennox, who she thinks might be behind her parents' divorce. Lord Lennox, now a famous writer, invites Pen to his family's famed British estate, where she finds herself mixed up in decades-old drama while growing close to Lennox's oldest son. The first half of this audiobook moves slowly as the large cast of characters is introduced, but Maarleveld's steady voice becomes more animated as the mystery unfolds and the pace picks up. Maarleveld is an expert with accents, and her narration infuses this coming-of-age story with the perfect amount of tenderness.

Pub Date: Jan. 7, 2025

Duration: 10 hrs

DD ISBN: 9798217016396

Publisher: Penguin Audio

Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026

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    INCIDENTALS

    A NOVEL

    Nankani's performance centers on perception, suspicion, and the fragile state of a relationship under pressure.

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    Narrator Soneela Nankani unfolds the suspenseful account of Sarah and Sam, a couple hoping an anniversary trip to the Maldives can repair their marriage. A chance encounter that leads to a burgeoning friendship with an older couple, Krista and Kevin, could be just the encouragement they need. But when a body is discovered in the water, suspicion and unease arise. Nankani uses a brisk, controlled pace that matches the escalating tension. She marks Sarah’s growing distrust of their newly made friends through sharpened emphasis and attentive phrasing. Nankani's delivery highlights shifts in mood as intimacy gives way to mistrust. Her taut narration conveys curiosity, apprehension, and dark humor.

    Nankani's performance centers on perception, suspicion, and the fragile state of a relationship under pressure.

    Pub Date: March 31, 2026

    Duration: 10 hrs

    DD ISBN: 9781511380751

    Publisher: Brilliance Audio

    Review Posted Online: yesterday

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      LIFE

      A LOVE STORY

      Berg narrates her tale of friendship with candor and wit, creating a touching portrait of one woman’s memorable view...

      Author/narrator Berg delves into the life of 92-year-old Florence "Flo" Greene. Flo has been given weeks to live and writes a letter to her dearest friend and heir, Ruthie, explaining what Ruthie will find in the house when she inherits it. In this epistolary novel, Berg allows Flo to ponder the meaning of life, love, friendship, and belief. Berg’s slight accent for Flo gives the novel a folksy touch, distinguishing Flo from her new friend Theresa, who happens to be a death doula. As the two women become fast friends, Flo’s reflections grow more intimate and personal.

      Berg narrates her tale of friendship with candor and wit, creating a touching portrait of one woman’s memorable view of life.

      Pub Date: March 17, 2026

      Duration: 5 hrs, 45 mins

      DD ISBN: 9780593677643

      Publisher: Penguin Random House Audio

      Review Posted Online: Feb. 24, 2026

      Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 2026

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