This very long, well-researched saga detailing the machinations of the twelfth-century court of Eleanor of Aquitane is delivered with impeccable timing and elegant style by narrator Karen Cass. Isabelle, a noblewoman, is trapped in an unhappy marriage to controlling, frighteningly cruel wealthy widower Gerard, Lord de Meurtaigne. Cass's voice is menacing as an enraged Gerard divorces Isabelle and promises vengeance for her devious efforts to remain childless. Isabelle escapes to Fontevraud Abbey, where she is selected to be Eleanor's personal companion. With her gentle, genteel performance, Cass develops the loving friendship between the women. Eleanor secretly confides her remarkable life story to Isabelle, who records it for history, agreeing that no one can know the book exists. Splendid, informative listening, well read by Cass.
Pub Date: July 5, 2022
Duration: 29 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063074255
Publisher: Harper Audio
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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