The power of voodoo and its ability to survive one who would use this for his own glorification lies at the core of this fictionalized biography of Marie Lauveau. Touching on racial imbalances in 1800 New Orleans, it focuses on bringing alive a religious tradition that took root in the New World by being passed from mother to daughter. Peter Francis James's voice is filled with the power of his characters. The melodic cadences of West African speech, the flat accent of a transplanted Yankee, and the drawl of the white, decadent native of New Orleans are just some of the techniques he uses to set his characters apart and enliven the story. James catches the essence of the frenzied worship of Lauveau's followers as they chant her name. He portrays the fear and insecurities of this voodoo queen, who grows from a young girl unsure of her power to a powerful woman. This production gives the listener the pleasure of hearing a powerful and intriguing story read by a master.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2002
Duration: 20 hrs, 30 mins
Publisher: Recorded Books/ Griot
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
An astonishingly unique historical novel, which begins in Trinidad in the 1940s, this is an example of the best that an audiobook can offer. The two narrators, Ron Butler and Bahni Turpin, are superb choices who move the listener smoothly between the two main characters. Farook and Marcia Garcia are star-crossed lovers who don’t have fate on their side. Turpin evokes the rhythms of English as spoken in Trinidad, lyrical, and rhythmic. Through her confident narrative style, Marica Garcia comes across as a strong, beleaguered young woman. Her trials evoke empathy in the listener. Butler establishes the contorted choices that face Farook as an Indian man who is prevented by racism from marrying his true love. This sprawling tale spans Trinidad and the United States, from the 1940s-1960s.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2015
Duration: 13 hrs
Publisher: Tantor Media
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
In this stand-alone novel set during the Hundred Years' War, Thomas of Hookton, hero of Cornwell's Grail Quest trilogy, returns with his band of mercenaries in pursuit of the sword of Saint Peter—a holy relic said to bestow great power. Naturally, others are also in pursuit and are determined to win the sword at any cost. Jack Hawkins delivers a stunning performance of this dramatic novel of political intrigue and military battle. Throughout, he effortlessly distinguishes characters from all over Western Europe through various accents. Hawkins's thoughtful reading reveals the emotions of the characters, enhancing their portrayals. His performance is full of energy during Cornwell's signature battle scenes, offering the listener a visceral experience of war.
Pub Date: Jan. 8, 2013
Duration: 12 hrs
DD ISBN: 9780062209344
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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