The prolific Oates is not usually at her best with historical novels, and this work is no exception. Over half the book has more exposition than drama, which makes for difficult reading, but it's saved by its short, clipped, and often abruptly ended chapters. Bernadette Dunne has to be somewhat of a quick-change artist as the protagonist moves from lonely and frightened child, to assertive orphan, chambermaid, married but not married woman, battered wife, single mother, fearful woman hiding her identity, namesake of a murdered girl, coy flirt, mother of a child prodigy, mistress, wife of a rich man, and secret-keeper. Luckily for the listener, she does a marvelous job, capturing each emotion the moment it arrives.
Pub Date: Feb. 4, 2007
Duration: 21 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9781415944257
Publisher: Books on Tape
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Reader Michael Prichard delivers a convincing rendition of Archie Goodwin, the burly right hand of the portly Nero Wolfe, world-renowned gourmand and detective. Prichard preserves the 1970s setting and 1950s origins of the story, bringing listeners a well-paced narration of murder and politics--a combination of elements that usually guarantees an exciting listen. This audio entertainment is as well formed and fragrant as one of Wolfe's hothouse orchids (the stout sleuth cultivates them by the hundreds in his town house greenhouse) as Goodwin walks us through an explosive murder investigation and political wheeling and dealing in a tough yet intelligent read.
Pub Date: Jan. 15, 2006
Duration: 5 hrs, 30 mins
Publisher: Audio Partners
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
This collection of eight short stories contains gentle tales of fantasy and magic--not the magic of wizards and wands, but of wishing mats and enormous cats and gifts brought by the winds. In a lovely English accent, Lizza Aiken quietly narrates these stories in which magic and good fortune often come to those who deserve it. Although her pitch changes little, she registers a range of emotions--from the sadness of a girl whose necklace of raindrops has been stolen to the joy of a child who moves from a hard life and a ramshackle trailer to a happy home amid the clouds. A NECKLACE OF RAINDROPS would make a soothing choice for a family car trip after a long day.
Ages 6+Pub Date: Jan. 5, 2016
Duration: 1 hr, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9781101915721
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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