The narrations for this mesmerizing literary sleightof-hand trick, which mimics ancient epics or folktales, are uneven. Mercy Rathbone is a young woman of the mid-nineteenth century, the last of a mythically strange New England whaling family. She is determined to learn who she is and what she has come from, and her quest drives the story, but Erin Spencer's diction is too contemporary for the piece, more "NYPD Blue" than MOBY-DICK. The other three narrators are perfectly cast and perform with admirable skill; whoever does the voice of Mercy's lost brother, Gideon, is either an actual 7-year-old boy with sensational acting skills, or a flat-out genius. Except for the one casting misstep, this is a marvelous production of a remarkable text.
Pub Date: Aug. 6, 2013
Duration: 14 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9780804148382
Publisher: Random House Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
An astonishingly unique historical novel, which begins in Trinidad in the 1940s, this is an example of the best that an audiobook can offer. The two narrators, Ron Butler and Bahni Turpin, are superb choices who move the listener smoothly between the two main characters. Farook and Marcia Garcia are star-crossed lovers who don’t have fate on their side. Turpin evokes the rhythms of English as spoken in Trinidad, lyrical, and rhythmic. Through her confident narrative style, Marica Garcia comes across as a strong, beleaguered young woman. Her trials evoke empathy in the listener. Butler establishes the contorted choices that face Farook as an Indian man who is prevented by racism from marrying his true love. This sprawling tale spans Trinidad and the United States, from the 1940s-1960s.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2015
Duration: 13 hrs
Publisher: Tantor Media
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
In this stand-alone novel set during the Hundred Years' War, Thomas of Hookton, hero of Cornwell's Grail Quest trilogy, returns with his band of mercenaries in pursuit of the sword of Saint Peter—a holy relic said to bestow great power. Naturally, others are also in pursuit and are determined to win the sword at any cost. Jack Hawkins delivers a stunning performance of this dramatic novel of political intrigue and military battle. Throughout, he effortlessly distinguishes characters from all over Western Europe through various accents. Hawkins's thoughtful reading reveals the emotions of the characters, enhancing their portrayals. His performance is full of energy during Cornwell's signature battle scenes, offering the listener a visceral experience of war.
Pub Date: Jan. 8, 2013
Duration: 12 hrs
DD ISBN: 9780062209344
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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