Jeff Talarigo’s first novel takes us somewhere we’ve never been. This beautifully crafted story, which takes place in 1948, follows a 19-year-old Japanese pearl diver who discovers she has leprosy. Quarantined to Nagashima, an island hospital, she must give up all connection to her past--even her name. Jenny Ikeda’s voice is light and youthful, the epitome of girlish innocence. In her understated performance, the grotesque assumes a quiet grace. As “Miss Fuji” learns the harsh realities of life in the leprosarium, Ikeda’s icy voice cuts like a knife. Talarigo provides historical glimpses of a society that shunned lepers, a world medical community’s indifference to their treatment, and the stigma the disease brought to families. The combination of an original, intriguing, completely engaging tale, read by the perfect actor for it, makes this required reading.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2004
Duration: 7 hrs, 30 mins
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Escape on a thrilling adventure with Soneela Nankani and Andrew Eiden as they narrate this suspenseful romance. A year has passed since Simi Chopra, her assorted crew, and Jack Danger pulled off a lucrative diamond heist. Now, the Chicago Mafia boss is demanding that the jewels be returned, so Simi gets the team back together. Nankani delivers an expressive performance that emphasizes Simi's conflict between her passion for Jack and the mission. Her distinct character voices keep the listener fully immersed. Eiden's lively tone gives Jack a subtle flair and confidence that make him easy to forgive and to love.
Pub Date: Aug. 20, 2024
Duration: 11 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9780593907467
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
This is not a story about guns, but about blue pearls. Gerald Browne takes us to the Pacific Ocean and the world of pearl divers and natural gems and mixes in mystery, intrigue and suspense. Barry Bostwick portrays the characters in one voice, varying his intonation slightly for the Asian personalities. His reading style is very smooth, evidence of preparation and interest in the story. 18mm Blues is abridged well, collecting the important elements of the story. Unobtrusive music indicates the end of each side. Disappear into the mystery of the Far East and one of its most beautiful commodities.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 1993
Duration: 3 hrs
Publisher: Audio Renaissance
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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