The vibrant, assured voice of Tavia Gilbert guides listeners through a family story about the trauma of mental illness affecting generations in both Germany and America. In a youthful voice Gilbert portrays 9-year-old Heidi Phillips, who describes life in the small town of Alamo, Michigan, in 1970. She recounts fun at the county fair, camping trips, and other good times, but there is always the possibility of Mother snapping and becoming violent--even dangerous. Gilbert presents Mutti, as the Phillips children call her, with a guttural German accent that is both sensual and menacing. The four Phillips siblings share a bond that helps them endure their mother's depression and schizophrenia. Tavia Gilbert does a spectacular job of electrifying this coming-of-age story.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2023
Duration: 7 hrs, 30 mins
Publisher: Heidi McCrary
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 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
Berg narrates her tale of friendship with candor and wit, creating a touching portrait of one woman’s memorable view...
Author/narrator Berg delves into the life of 92-year-old Florence "Flo" Greene. Flo has been given weeks to live and writes a letter to her dearest friend and heir, Ruthie, explaining what Ruthie will find in the house when she inherits it. In this epistolary novel, Berg allows Flo to ponder the meaning of life, love, friendship, and belief. Berg’s slight accent for Flo gives the novel a folksy touch, distinguishing Flo from her new friend Theresa, who happens to be a death doula. As the two women become fast friends, Flo’s reflections grow more intimate and personal.
Berg narrates her tale of friendship with candor and wit, creating a touching portrait of one woman’s memorable view of life.Pub Date: March 17, 2026
Duration: 5 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9780593677643
Publisher: Penguin Random House Audio
Review Posted Online: Feb. 24, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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