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
Jung carries the torch of hope and strength while conveying the despair of life during war.
Greta Jung’s narration injects great humanity into an inhumane chapter of history. Infused with magical realism, this story tells of four generations of Korean women affected by Japanese imperialism during the 1900s. Once their magical abilities are discovered, the women are conscripted to help the Japanese, yet each contributes to the Korean resistance in different and powerful ways. Jung excels at bringing listeners into the story with her flawless accents. Her voice catches with each quiver of fear, lowers with each moment of shame, brightens with each glimpse of hope, and rages with each occasion of triumph. Listeners will feel as though they are hearing an intimate family history.
Jung carries the torch of hope and strength while conveying the despair of life during war.Pub Date: April 7, 2026
Duration: 11 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668139370
Publisher: Simon & Schuster 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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