Roger Allam's rich, clear voice is an excellent vehicle for the delivery of Jeffrey Archer's novel based on the life and exploits of one of England's greatest adventurers, George Mallory. Archer's book presents a multidimensional picture of Mallory that goes well beyond his persona as the national hero who was one of the first to attempt Everest. Allam's British accent and warm tones bring authenticity to the text. The listener is not only treated to the intense action and heartbreak of Mallory's career as an early mountaineer but is also allowed to watch the deeply rewarding personal side of his life unfold. Text and presentation meld into a totally satisfying experience.
Pub Date: March 3, 2009
Duration: 11 hrs
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
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
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
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