When a letter comes from a friend who has recently died, Vivianne Rocher, first introduced in the novel CHOCOLAT, returns to the small village of Lansquenet-sous-Tannes in France, where she opened a chocolate shop opposite the village church eight years earlier. She finds the village divided by the cultural differences between the villagers and the new influx of Muslim immigrants. Rula Lenska and Gareth Armstrong both give powerful performances, Lenska excelling most at her portrayal of Vivianne and Armstrong of Father Francis. Each demonstrates vocal range with their portrayals of the other characters, who have French, Arab, or Romany accents. The story is rich in its delving into the human spirit and what divides us and brings us together. These are shaded with the magic of chocolate and peaches—good food—the international bridger of differences. A most enjoyable listen from two masters of the art.
Pub Date: Oct. 2, 2012
Duration: 13 hrs, 15 mins
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
An immersive, emotionally precise listening experience.
Natalie Naudus narrates this gothic audiobook full of ghosts both past and present. Mercy lands on the shores of Hong Kong in 1942 with no memories. She can speak with ghosts, and she earns a living in the haunted slums of Kowloon Walled City. When a powerful new ghost appears and starts drowning residents, then claims to know Mercy, the mystery of her past slowly unfolds. Naudus’ narration will tug at listeners’ heartstrings as the main characters experience shocking, horrific betrayals and trauma. Her intensified pace reflects the fierce anger and high action, keeping listeners on edge. The whispery voice Naudus uses for ghosts easily differentiates them from the living. When the narrative shifts to a second-person point of view, Naudus adopts a compassionate tone.
An immersive, emotionally precise listening experience.Pub Date: May 5, 2026
Duration: 13 hrs, 2 mins
DD ISBN: 9781250395788
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Review Posted Online: yesterday
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 15, 2026
This highly emotional audiobook won’t leave listeners dry eyed.
Kirt Graves tenderly narrates this audiobook about the end of the world. Don and Rodney, married for the last 40 years, have one month left to live as a black hole approaches Earth. They hit the road on a desperate trip across the country to fulfill one last promise. Graves easily distinguishes a variety of characters as they grapple with their impending deaths. He shows remarkable emotional versatility in his depictions of hope, desperation, apathy, and acceptance. Graves gives Rodney a low, gruff, and tough voice, while sentimental Don sounds gentler. Graves’ performance is leisurely paced, letting listeners linger in the stories of the people Don and Rodney meet along their journey.
This highly emotional audiobook won’t leave listeners dry eyed.Pub Date: April 28, 2026
Duration: 6 hrs, 25 mins
DD ISBN: 9781250435606
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Review Posted Online: May 5, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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