As enjoyable as Conant's history of British spy jinks in wartime Washington is on the page, its pleasures are enhanced by Simon Prebble's vintage British inflections. This is the voice of BBC wartime newsreels, measured and stalwart and utterly composed, and its assured syllabification never concedes to an American pronunciation. Conant's story of classy espionage conducted in tuxedos is not only the prototype of the James Bond novels, it also includes among its many memorable characters Bond's creator, Ian Fleming, along with congressmen and socialites, columnists, and even Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt. Prebble's narration is point-counterpoint for the polished comedy of Conant's true-life tale, refining the farcical nature of much of the story, while giving a wink to the whole proceedings. Highly recommended.
Pub Date: Feb. 4, 2008
Duration: 11 hrs, 30 mins
Publisher: HighBridge Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Carol Matthau epitomizes a glamour and lifestyle not associated with the 1990's. Here is a life of privilege, tragedy and worry about what friends would think of her new frock or lover. Matthau possesses a voice and delivery that simply could not be improved on. In her coy whisper, she tells compelling stories involving everyone from William Saroyan (husband #1) and Truman Capote to Carson McCullers, Gloria Vanderbilt, and Walter Matthau (husband #2). This excellent audio presentation will leave you wanting to read the entire book to discover what juicy tidbits were left out.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 3 hrs
Publisher: The Publishing Mills
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
More than 35 hours long, this comprehensive biography of Random House founder Bennett Cerf is equal to a workweek for many listeners. Cerf nurtured a roster of the 20th century's most consequential authors and was nationally known as a television panelist. His story is a fascinating panorama of American arts and society over 50 years, scrupulously researched but overburdened and slow. Listeners who've never heard of William Styron or Dorothy Kilgallen or the Famous Writers School will be fully educated here. Narrator Lisa Flanagan keeps a steady, unfussy pace that carries her listeners over the longueurs. But hers is a channel swim rather than a leisurely stroll through Central Park. This paunchy biography needed a stronger editorial hand.
Pub Date: Jan. 13, 2026
Duration: 35 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217346448
Publisher: Random House Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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