Narrator Nicol Zanzarella's clear voice delivers this meticulous biography of a turbulently emotional genius who had several identities--German composer Robert Schumann. Zanazarella's vocal style creates intrigue that demands the listeners engagement with the tormented composer, as well as his wife, Clara, whose family strongly opposed their marriage. Scholarship and skilled criticism are evident in Chernaik's in-depth narrative and his examination of every piece of Schumann's published music. The work bogs down a bit with lengthy quotes from Schumann's letters, but one's interest revives as each letter concludes. This audiobook is certain to be of interest to music scholars.
Pub Date: Sept. 18, 2018
Duration: 12 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9780525642961
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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