Narrator Carrington MacDuffie takes just the right professional tone with this, sadly, rather dull in-depth examination of the twentieth century's premier art patron, Peggy Guggenheim. Guggenheim had a sharp eye, some charisma, and spunk. She brought great public attention to avant-garde artists of her time such as Jackson Pollock and Man Ray through her famous gallery, which she opened on Manhattan's West Side in 1941. The author, primarily a novelist, devotes great attention to Guggenheim's unconventional and, at times, salacious lifestyle. Despite the accounts of international travels and intrigues as well as MacDuffie's stylish narration, the audiobook's content does little to create genuine interest in the art patron for the average listener. Perhaps art enthusiasts will enjoy the exposition on the art world of the period.
Pub Date: April 26, 2016
Duration: 6 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781504718622
Publisher: Blackstone Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
James Michener tells the real stories behind the man and his books. The recording is read with skill and consistency although the reader does little to enhance the robust, larger-than-life incidents related in the book. Due to the first-person narrative format, there is no opportunity for the narrator to change his voice. This makes some chapters monotonous as they go on and on in the typical Michener style. The listener may also become confused because the stories are not told chronologically. This is not a great choice for the audio format, but Michener fans may stick with it to the end.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 22 hrs
Publisher: Books on Tape
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
In a quest for a sense of inner contentment and self-worth, Gloria Steinem brings the reader on a journey of investigation and discovery. Steinem reads the text herself in a straightforward and friendly, but not intimate, presentation which is so easy to listen to it invites repetition--thus ensuring the painless relearning of the lessons of the book. It's difficult to tell from the reading that this audiobook is abridged; each section can stand alone. Nonetheless, the listener wished the book were unabridged. Steinem left me wanting to learn more.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 3 hrs
Publisher: Dove Audio
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.
