Lelyveld's fascinating and controversial biography examines a life that encompassed the saintliness and transformational power of a mahatma as well as the weaknesses and flaws of a very human man. Narrator Mark Bramhall's objective tone avoids any sensationalism or editorializing as he presents incidents and personalities in a clear, pleasant voice that stands up well to the lengthy and wide-ranging account. His crisp pacing moves the text forward and keeps it from bogging down under the weight of its exhaustive, yet interesting, details. Bramhall seamlessly transitions between unaccented narrative and conversations and correspondence delivered in lilting Indian English. In this approach he follows Lelyveld's welcome shifts from scholarly analysis of the revered icon and his impact on world events to a more intimate analysis of the man and his personal relationships and struggles.
Pub Date: March 29, 2011
Duration: 14 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9780307879264
Publisher: Random House Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
James Michener tells the real stories behind the man and his books. The recording is read with skill and consistency although the reader does little to enhance the robust, larger-than-life incidents related in the book. Due to the first-person narrative format, there is no opportunity for the narrator to change his voice. This makes some chapters monotonous as they go on and on in the typical Michener style. The listener may also become confused because the stories are not told chronologically. This is not a great choice for the audio format, but Michener fans may stick with it to the end.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 22 hrs
Publisher: Books on Tape
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
In a quest for a sense of inner contentment and self-worth, Gloria Steinem brings the reader on a journey of investigation and discovery. Steinem reads the text herself in a straightforward and friendly, but not intimate, presentation which is so easy to listen to it invites repetition--thus ensuring the painless relearning of the lessons of the book. It's difficult to tell from the reading that this audiobook is abridged; each section can stand alone. Nonetheless, the listener wished the book were unabridged. Steinem left me wanting to learn more.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 3 hrs
Publisher: Dove Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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