In an enchanted circus replete with wishing trees and ice gardens, dueling magicians and dark secrets, Jim Dale is his own one-man wonder. Dale makes palpable the sights and smells of the mysterious night circus, guiding us with his familiar voice and ensuring we never miss a fantastical detail. He's especially adept at creating distinct accents for the illusionists, fortune-tellers, contortionists, rêveurs, and other circus denizens who make up the extensive cast of characters; twins Poppet and Widget are special favorites. The book’s chapters jump back and forth in time and switch point of view, which can be confusing for even attentive listeners, but for those wanting to immerse themselves in the world of Le Cirque des Rêves, the audio journey is magical, indeed.
Pub Date: Sept. 13, 2011
Duration: 13 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9780307938916
Publisher: Random House Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
This highly emotional audiobook won’t leave listeners dry-eyed.
Kirt Graves tenderly narrates this audiobook about the end of the world. Don and Rodney, married for the last 40 years, have one month left to live as a black hole approaches Earth. They hit the road on a desperate trip across the country to fulfill one last promise. Graves easily distinguishes a variety of characters as they grapple with their impending deaths. He shows remarkable emotional versatility in his depictions of hope, desperation, apathy, and acceptance. Graves gives Rodney a low, gruff, and tough voice, while sentimental Don sounds gentler. Graves’ performance is leisurely paced, letting listeners linger in the stories of the people Don and Rodney meet along their journey.
This highly emotional audiobook won’t leave listeners dry-eyed.Pub Date: April 28, 2026
Duration: 6 hrs, 25 mins
DD ISBN: 9781250435606
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Review Posted Online: May 5, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 2026
Wilson’s spirited and heartfelt performance makes this beautifully told story a must-listen.
English actress Lydia Wilson’s lively delivery of Spufford’s genre-blending adventure adds much to the captivating tale. Iris, a high-spirited young woman, chafes at the limits of life as a stockbrokerage secretary in 1939 London. On a whim, she hooks up one night with Geoffrey, a sincere young engineer. Soon, they find themselves battling time-traveling fascists who seek to change history. Wilson’s attractive, clear voice and sensitive pacing add nuance to Spufford’s evocative portrayal of life in wartime London. During conversations, Wilson’s mix of tonal shifts and a realistic tempo make one feel deliciously like an eavesdropper. While Wilson’s male characters don’t always have deeper voices, that is a quibble, as individual personalities shine through.
Wilson’s spirited and heartfelt performance makes this beautifully told story a must-listen.Pub Date: March 10, 2026
Duration: 15 hrs, 29 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668151099
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Review Posted Online: May 5, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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