Fascinating history, well told.
Orlando Wells narrates this detailed account of the 1940 assassination of the exiled Bolshevik leader Leon Trotsky. Ireland’s work delves deep into the backgrounds of Trotsky and his assassin. We learn of their lives, their families, and those around them, such as Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo among many others, up to the moment Ramón Mercader swings the ice pick into Trotsky’s skull. There is also a short history of what befell them all afterward. Wells is appropriately and consistently expressive, and his pacing and pronunciation are clear and understandable. He opts not to use accents or imitate quoted voices, a strategy that works quite well.
Fascinating history, well told.Pub Date: Feb. 24, 2026
Duration: 12 hrs, 9 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217076864
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Review Posted Online: Aug. 4, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 15, 2026
Buckley offers a reasonable proposal for a national service program without jail or criminal penalties. Narrator Lawrence reads with a slow and careful announcer's voice; one wishes Buckley were reading this one himself. Books on Tape does its usual quality job with formatting, packaging and tape-turning instructions. The reader repeats the last sentence at such times, so you're sure you haven't missed anything. Popular nonfiction collections will appreciate Gratitude, and the topic is likely to prove timely in the years ahead.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 5 hrs
Publisher: Books on Tape
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Kozol’s shocking exposé of inequities in the funding of our public schools contrasts white suburban schools with those serving black and Hispanic populations. Interviews with students, teachers, and school administrators add eloquent testimony to Kozol’s disturbing presentation of facts. Narration by Jack Winston is clear and brisk, but the pace is unrelenting, with little pause for transition between scenes or chapters. Winston’s cool, detached voice contrasts with Kozol’s impasssioned and outraged message. The sheer repetition and magnitude of Kozol’s damning evidence is numbing; the narration gives no relief. Powerful medicine, most easily taken in small doses. Music signalling tape changes is jarringly inappropriate.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 8 hrs
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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