One happy feature of a short story is that it can usually be read without interruptions. This feature produces a completeness and coherence very satisfying for the listener. However, whether one would choose to listen to several of these stories in a row is doubtful as one's nerves need a rest from the contemplation of ordinary people (ourselves?) heroically swimming against the currents of time and isolation to reach a vanishing shore called love. In this struggle Oates allows us the reader's thrill of seeing more of the characters than they can ever see of themselves. Caruso narrates those with a female focus while Guidall handles those with a male focus. Both are superb. They give realistic texture to the American idiomatic speech so important to Oates's modern characterizations. They also understand that these charged stories need quiet, sympathetic voices held well in control as a counter to the emotional chaos emanating from the page. Their sensitive, interpreting voices are welcome company. One wouldn't want to make the journey through these stories alone.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 1996
Duration: 13 hrs, 30 mins
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Escape on a thrilling adventure with Soneela Nankani and Andrew Eiden as they narrate this suspenseful romance. A year has passed since Simi Chopra, her assorted crew, and Jack Danger pulled off a lucrative diamond heist. Now, the Chicago Mafia boss is demanding that the jewels be returned, so Simi gets the team back together. Nankani delivers an expressive performance that emphasizes Simi's conflict between her passion for Jack and the mission. Her distinct character voices keep the listener fully immersed. Eiden's lively tone gives Jack a subtle flair and confidence that make him easy to forgive and to love.
Pub Date: Aug. 20, 2024
Duration: 11 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9780593907467
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
This is not a story about guns, but about blue pearls. Gerald Browne takes us to the Pacific Ocean and the world of pearl divers and natural gems and mixes in mystery, intrigue and suspense. Barry Bostwick portrays the characters in one voice, varying his intonation slightly for the Asian personalities. His reading style is very smooth, evidence of preparation and interest in the story. 18mm Blues is abridged well, collecting the important elements of the story. Unobtrusive music indicates the end of each side. Disappear into the mystery of the Far East and one of its most beautiful commodities.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 1993
Duration: 3 hrs
Publisher: Audio Renaissance
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Follow
Popular in this Genre
We can’t wait for you to join Kirkus!
It’s free and takes less than 10 seconds!
Already have an account? Log in.
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Welcome Back!
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
