Marisa Calin narrates this novel about the making of Princess (now Queen) Elizabeth's wedding dress during an intense six months in London in 1947. Calin's flowing voice smoothly describes the lives of the women involved, including Ann Hughes and Miriam Dassin, who sewed the gown and embroidered the incredible designs on the garment in Norman Hartnell's couturier studio. British native Ann is given a slightly crisp accent, which contrasts with Parisian Miriam's soft French tones. Calin uses a hard Canadian accent for Ann's Canadian granddaughter, Hannah, who searches for clues about her grandmother in present-day London. Descriptions of the meticulous embroidery are filled with images of beaded flowers on satin and lace. The women's passion for needlework is infectious. The beautiful gown and the excitement surrounding its creation come to life through Calin's exceptional performance.
Pub Date: Dec. 31, 2018
Duration: 11 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9780062891983
Publisher: Harper 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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