The characters in Orringer’s latest introduce themselves so sincerely, so deliberately, that by the time the novel’s first few minutes tick by, the listener is already fully invested in their lives. Born into a close-knit Jewish family in Hungary, Andras departs for architecture school in Paris, where he meets people who change the course of his life. Unfortunately, all their lives are poised for drastic changes as WWII looms. Arthur Morey is masterful in his performance of this absorbing production. His voice is a velvet hammer: at once compassionate, gentle, forceful, and authoritative. His measured delivery of a beautifully written novel assuages some of the pain of watching these characters—seemingly real people—make lives for themselves under the growing shadow of Hitler’s influence.
Pub Date: May 4, 2010
Duration: 28 hrs
DD ISBN: 9780307713551
Publisher: Random House Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
An astonishingly unique historical novel, which begins in Trinidad in the 1940s, this is an example of the best that an audiobook can offer. The two narrators, Ron Butler and Bahni Turpin, are superb choices who move the listener smoothly between the two main characters. Farook and Marcia Garcia are star-crossed lovers who don’t have fate on their side. Turpin evokes the rhythms of English as spoken in Trinidad, lyrical, and rhythmic. Through her confident narrative style, Marica Garcia comes across as a strong, beleaguered young woman. Her trials evoke empathy in the listener. Butler establishes the contorted choices that face Farook as an Indian man who is prevented by racism from marrying his true love. This sprawling tale spans Trinidad and the United States, from the 1940s-1960s.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2015
Duration: 13 hrs
Publisher: Tantor Media
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
In this stand-alone novel set during the Hundred Years' War, Thomas of Hookton, hero of Cornwell's Grail Quest trilogy, returns with his band of mercenaries in pursuit of the sword of Saint Peter—a holy relic said to bestow great power. Naturally, others are also in pursuit and are determined to win the sword at any cost. Jack Hawkins delivers a stunning performance of this dramatic novel of political intrigue and military battle. Throughout, he effortlessly distinguishes characters from all over Western Europe through various accents. Hawkins's thoughtful reading reveals the emotions of the characters, enhancing their portrayals. His performance is full of energy during Cornwell's signature battle scenes, offering the listener a visceral experience of war.
Pub Date: Jan. 8, 2013
Duration: 12 hrs
DD ISBN: 9780062209344
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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