On the day her husband's pharmaceutical company goes public, Janice Miller is having difficulties. First, she can't find the right melon for her special appetizers anywhere in Silicon Valley, and then an email from her husband announces his plans to divorce her, taking everything for himself, including her tennis partner. The story's satire is evident in its situations and in Rebecca Lowman's tones even before Janice gets the fateful email. Irony mounts as Janice's eldest daughter races home, pursued by creditors, while her youngest earns a reputation as "school slut." Janice's purchases of methamphetamines from the pool guy build tension and black comedy, both skillfully rendered by Lowman. Problems clear up late in the story, but it seems right for the absurdities to dominate.
Pub Date: May 27, 2008
Duration: 6 hrs, 30 mins
Publisher: Random House Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Nankani's style highlights the novel’s focus on family bonds, generational expectations, and the slow work of...
Soneela Nankani gives humorous voice to this family drama about a mother-in-law convalescing with her soon-to-be ex-son-in-law. Malti is dependent on Nathan for a week while her daughter, Kavya, is studying in India. Nankani dramatizes the old grievances, shared memories, and difficult conversations that Malti and Nathan share. She gives each character a distinct emotional presence through thoughtful pacing and subtle vocal variation. Nankani conveys Malti’s pride, wit, and vulnerability with warmth, while Nathan’s uncertainty and quiet reflection emerge through her measured delivery. She guides the unfolding realizations with natural conversational rhythm, allowing for moments of humor, tension, and reconciliation.
Nankani's style highlights the novel’s focus on family bonds, generational expectations, and the slow work of rebuilding trust.Pub Date: July 7, 2026
Duration: 10 hrs
DD ISBN: 9798217342907
Publisher: Random House Audio
Review Posted Online: July 14, 2026
Listening to Footman is like curling up with a green tea and a welcome missive.
Hanako Footman's calm voice, perfect Japanese pronunciation, and English accent are ideal for narrating this Japanese bestseller. Hatoko inherits the Tsubaki Stationery Store from her strict grandmother, who raised her and taught her the family trade of calligraphy and scribing—writing important letters for people. Like a haiku, the book brims with nature and surprises. Divided into seasons, the story is further segmented by vignettes featuring letters that customers request. Footman’s slow pace and contemplative tone reinforce Hatoko's characterization as a thoughtful assessor of people. She adopts a buoyant tone for Hatoko’s close friend, highlighting their different personalities. For customers, Footman subtly conveys character without caricature.
Listening to Footman is like curling up with a green tea and a welcome missive.Pub Date: July 7, 2026
Duration: 7 hrs, 11 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217338368
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Review Posted Online: June 23, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Follow
Popular in this Genre
We can’t wait for you to join Kirkus!
It’s free and takes less than 10 seconds!
Already have an account? Log in.
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Welcome Back!
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
