Octogenarian Veronica is living an isolated life in Scotland with her kind housekeeper, Eileen, her sole companion. After watching a television program about penguins, Veronica impulsively decides to travel to a research facility in Antarctica. With shifts in inflection and more than a hint of exasperation in her tone, narrator Helen Lloyd superbly creates a vibrant portrayal of Veronica, who never refrains from sharing her strong opinions. Veronica also learns that she has a grandson, Patrick, whose existence she was previously unaware of. Andrew Fallaize expertly captures the evolving maturation of the 20- something young man, who greatly benefits from getting to know his grandmother. Interwoven blog entries from a research scientist, voiced by Mandy Williams, keep this whimsical and poignant audiobook grounded. M.J. 2021 Audies Finalist © AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine
Pub Date: June 16, 2020
Duration: 10 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9780593214855
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
A striking exploration of friendship between women and its power to heal a broken heart.
Remy is an author with a bestselling debut and no idea how to write her second novel; Simone is a primary school teacher with a less-than-kid-friendly side hustle. When Remy and Simone meet amid a series of personal crises, their unlikely friendship is exactly what they need to start their journeys back to happiness. Narrator Isabel Adomakoh Young conjures a pair of delightfully distinct voices for the women at the heart of this audiobook. Remy’s brash confidence masks deep insecurities about herself, while Simone’s quiet certainty covers her pain at her estrangement from her family. Young expertly peppers the background characters with authentic London and West African accents.
A striking exploration of friendship between women and its power to heal a broken heart.Pub Date: April 7, 2026
Duration: 12 hrs, 5 mins
DD ISBN: 9781250433800
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Review Posted Online: April 21, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 2026
Nankani's performance centers on perception, suspicion, and the fragile state of a relationship under pressure.
Narrator Soneela Nankani unfolds the suspenseful account of Sarah and Sam, a couple hoping an anniversary trip to the Maldives can repair their marriage. A chance encounter that leads to a burgeoning friendship with an older couple, Krista and Kevin, could be just the encouragement they need. But when a body is discovered in the water, suspicion and unease arise. Nankani uses a brisk, controlled pace that matches the escalating tension. She marks Sarah’s growing distrust of their newly made friends through sharpened emphasis and attentive phrasing. Nankani's delivery highlights shifts in mood as intimacy gives way to mistrust. Her taut narration conveys curiosity, apprehension, and dark humor.
Nankani's performance centers on perception, suspicion, and the fragile state of a relationship under pressure.Pub Date: March 31, 2026
Duration: 10 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781511380751
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Review Posted Online: April 14, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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