Contemporary tolerance for adultery is a good deal higher than it was when Flaubert wrote his shocking novel, but Madame Bovary remains an unsettling work even for contemporary readers. Its heroine is in many ways a most unappealing character. She's avaricious, self-centered, a terrible mother. Yet, somehow, Emma Bovary never completely loses our sympathies. She clings to a belief and a desire all of us harbor at some level: that each of us deserves of a romance for the ages, a love that is passionate, consuming and elevating. As Madame Bovary's narrator, Porter brings both intelligence and empathy to her reading. More impressively, she conveys a sensuousness thoroughly in keeping with so heated a novel. Even her rendering of French names and geography is lyrical and sexy. Through Flaubert's writing and Porter's fine performance, Emma's longing is palpable and powerful. So, finally, is her abasement and sorrow.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 1989
Duration: 13 hrs
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
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: Aug. 20, 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: Jan. 22, 1993
Duration: 3 hrs
Publisher: Audio Renaissance
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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