A fine triple biography, enhanced by a standout narrator.
In this superb biography of three trailblazing writers—Rebecca West, Emily “Mickey” Hahn, and Martha Gellhorn—Andi Arndt’s narration proves equal to their accomplishments. All three lived in the early- to mid-20th century, writing as journalists, war correspondents, exotic travel chroniclers, sociologists, and cutting-edge novelists. Arndt’s performance fleshes out each woman’s biography clearly and respectfully, often adding a wry tone when describing the discrimination and absurdity that each predictably encountered when venturing alone to places like the Belgian Congo, Yugoslavia, and France right before D-Day. Cooke’s writing and Arndt’s narration perfectly align to keep the action straight in the listener’s mind. These three gifted women left the modern world richer with their writing.
A fine triple biography, enhanced by a standout narrator.Pub Date: Feb. 24, 2026
Duration: 13 hrs, 44 mins
DD ISBN: 9781250436092
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Review Posted Online: May 26, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 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
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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