Hilary Spurling's biography follows the author of THE GOOD EARTH from her early childhood in a missionary family in China to her eventual fame as a writer. Spurling reads her book with an elegant British voice that gives it a scholarly feel. The even tones of her voice at times downplay the emotions of Buck's failing marriage and the controversy surrounding her works. Spurling's narration is strongest as she reveals the influences on Buck's writing, both in stories of Chinese heroines such as Mulan and in the author's own life. Buck's life is fascinating, even when Spurling's dry narration and emphasis on Buck's literary works don't do it full justice.
Pub Date: June 1, 2010
Duration: 9 hrs, 15 mins
Publisher: Oasis 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
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