Sophie Roberts is outstanding as she performs this richly detailed novel of two girls in decadent eighteenth-century Venice. Luisa, a resident at a girls' conservatory, hopes to become a concert violinist under the tutelage of Antonio Vivaldi. When Maddalena, a beautiful young noblewoman is sent to the conservatory, Luisa's life takes a devastating turn. Maddalena has discovered that the sea grants wishes in exchange for an offering. She urges Luisa to wish for her heart's desire. In alternating chapters, Roberts sounds slightly breathless as the girls discover their mutual attraction and convincingly vindictive when things go wrong. Julia Fine's lyrical prose borders on the poetic, while Roberts invests each girl with complicated emotions, allowing their confused feelings to permeate this sinister tale of love and magic.
Pub Date: June 13, 2023
Duration: 11 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781250902764
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
In this sequel to Terms of Endearment, Larry McMurtry brings back Aurora Greenway, who is now dealing with her various lovers and friends plus three grown grandchildren with a variety of problems. He presents a tale of growing up and growing old which is bittersweet and funny. Narrator Ivey uses a slight east Texas accent which authenticates the setting of the story. Each character's voice has a slightly different inflection to differentiate it. It all works together well. As you listen, you feel as if you might actually be in Houston sharing the lives of these resilient and refreshing people.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 20 hrs
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
To Fred Fairly, a Cambridge Fellow, truth is everything. What then is the truth about the woman he finds beside him when he awakens? English conventions and mores of 1912 Cambridge are central to this period piece. Callow's wonderful voice and interpretation make accents, personalities and gender come alive, and help make sense of the frequent time and character shifts. His delivery enhances a most clever "choose your own ending."
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 5 hrs
Publisher: BBC Audiobooks America/ Chivers
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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