This lyrical, sensual novel of woman's lot in Manchu, China, is as well researched as it is well written. Authentic in tone, it's nonetheless written for Westerners by a Western expert on China. Moreover, Susan Clark performs the demanding text superbly, with only occasional signs of fatigue. For the most part she not only sustains the quaint diction and Asian atmosphere, but also, creates whole worlds with her voice. She acts the book, rather than reads it, and, in so doing, turns a pretty trifle into a stupendous beauty.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 4 hrs, 30 mins
Publisher: Audio Literature
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Ayla, one of the "others," is adopted by a clan of Neanderthal cave people. She struggles to conform to their ways, but her advanced human traits overwhelm and threaten their primitive culture in this initial installment of an immensely popular series. Although the story might benefit from abridgment, Rowena Cooper easily carries out the formidable task of enlivening the mostly silent and stereotypical characters with consistent, diverse personalities and human dimension. Through skillful phrasing and inflection, she maintains the reader's interest and suspense, especially with Ayla and her plight, throughout this rambling and imaginative story.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 22 hrs
Publisher: BBC Audiobooks America/ Chivers
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Cash and DeMeritt together deliver an effective reading, reflecting a difficult time in American history.
Nicole Cash and William DeMeritt provide a heartwarming and lyrical narration of this historical novel based partly on the author's own family story. Siblings Cora and Benny see things very differently when Pearl Harbor is bombed and the United States joins WWII. Benny, who is Black, is quick to enlist, leaving Cora, their mother, and several friends behind. Because of his fair skin tone and light-colored eyes, Benny is assumed to be white. When he returns from the war, this mistake makes things difficult for everyone. The alternating narration is effective and dramatic.
Cash and DeMeritt together deliver an effective reading, reflecting a difficult time in American history.Pub Date: April 4, 2026
Duration: 9 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9798874868673
Publisher: Blackstone Audio
Review Posted Online: March 17, 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.
