Lula, a 26-year old Albanian immigrant, is working as an au pair for a moody teenager in suburban New Jersey. Ellen Archer eloquently portrays Lula's sharp intelligence and wit. A very believable Albanian accent graces Archer's utterances as Lula and as the Albanian acquaintances with criminal intent who unexpectedly turn up. Lula views post 9/11 America in recovery with perceptive clarity and sardonic asides as she contrasts her new home with the strife-ridden Balkans. Her experience as a stranger in a strange land is lightened by the hilarious missteps and foibles of her new American friends. Archer doesn't miss a step in delivering the nuanced tones of Lula's bittersweet past and her satirical analysis of both Bush-Cheney politics and the Balkan war. As Lula is pressured to deviate from the straight and narrow by the Albanian criminals, she optimistically strives to secure her U.S. citizenship—and the elusive American Dream.
Pub Date: 2011
Duration: 8 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9780062072870
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Escape on a thrilling adventure with Soneela Nankani and Andrew Eiden as they narrate this suspenseful romance. A year has passed since Simi Chopra, her assorted crew, and Jack Danger pulled off a lucrative diamond heist. Now, the Chicago Mafia boss is demanding that the jewels be returned, so Simi gets the team back together. Nankani delivers an expressive performance that emphasizes Simi's conflict between her passion for Jack and the mission. Her distinct character voices keep the listener fully immersed. Eiden's lively tone gives Jack a subtle flair and confidence that make him easy to forgive and to love.
Pub Date: 2024
Duration: 11 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9780593907467
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
This is not a story about guns, but about blue pearls. Gerald Browne takes us to the Pacific Ocean and the world of pearl divers and natural gems and mixes in mystery, intrigue and suspense. Barry Bostwick portrays the characters in one voice, varying his intonation slightly for the Asian personalities. His reading style is very smooth, evidence of preparation and interest in the story. 18mm Blues is abridged well, collecting the important elements of the story. Unobtrusive music indicates the end of each side. Disappear into the mystery of the Far East and one of its most beautiful commodities.
Pub Date: 1993
Duration: 3 hrs
Publisher: Audio Renaissance
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Follow
Popular in this Genre
We can’t wait for you to join Kirkus!
It’s free and takes less than 10 seconds!
Already have an account? Log in.
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Welcome Back!
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
