Mark Bramhall's slightly scratchy voice, relaxed tone, and amiable manner fit this very American history filled with quotations from the down-to-earth, humorous Lincoln. The history itself, of the role of immigrants in antebellum and Civil War politics and in the conduct of the war, is multifaceted and painstakingly full of in-the-weeds detail. Bramhall's sensitivity to its meaning and nuances, along with his expressiveness, help keep it all clear and distinct. His foreign accents, mostly German and Irish, in the frequent quotations are run-of-the-mill and of varying quality but help mark the sources of the quotes and keep the players clear. The audiobook can grow tediously minute and repetitive, but Bramhall's intelligence, clarity, easygoing manner, and pacing help keep it engaging.
Pub Date: Feb. 13, 2024
Duration: 12 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9780593827369
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Carol Matthau epitomizes a glamour and lifestyle not associated with the 1990's. Here is a life of privilege, tragedy and worry about what friends would think of her new frock or lover. Matthau possesses a voice and delivery that simply could not be improved on. In her coy whisper, she tells compelling stories involving everyone from William Saroyan (husband #1) and Truman Capote to Carson McCullers, Gloria Vanderbilt, and Walter Matthau (husband #2). This excellent audio presentation will leave you wanting to read the entire book to discover what juicy tidbits were left out.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 3 hrs
Publisher: The Publishing Mills
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
A perfect marriage of text and delivery.
Women are routinely missing from American history texts. This audiobook seeks to remedy that. Journalist O’Donnell’s TV-honed voice carries the stories in compelling fashion. Dozens of overlooked heroines are profiled, such as Elizabeth Freeman, an enslaved woman who filed a lawsuit to obtain her freedom, or Emily Warren Roebling, an engineer who saved the Brooklyn Bridge when her husband fell ill. The writing style is straightforward and narrative-based, making it easy for listeners to follow. O’Donnell varies her tone to suit the material, reflecting intensity, disbelief, humor, and admiration. The sketches are generally short, making this a perfect audiobook for people with short windows of opportunity for listening.
A perfect marriage of text and delivery.Pub Date: Feb. 24, 2026
Duration: 10 hrs, 37 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217176236
Publisher: Penguin Random House Audio
Review Posted Online: March 3, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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