Hearing the innermost thoughts of a misguided character can be even more unsettling than reading them on the page—especially when the narrator’s performance is so convincing. Gabra Zackman portrays the irresponsible, self-destructive character of Hannah Legare with a calm, quiet vulnerability that makes the listener think that perhaps her story is worth hearing. Hannah’s entire existence is marred by her father’s mysterious disappearance when she was a child. Hannah’s estranged husband, ex-boyfriend, mother, gay brother and his lover, and even a dog are all affected by the loss and by Hannah’s tiresome inability to cope. Zackman slips between the characters effortlessly, depicting each one with sensitivity and grace. A hopeful ending brings a sigh of relief.
Pub Date: 2010
Duration: 8 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781607881841
Publisher: Hachette Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Narrated by an ensemble cast, this audiobook explores the lives, successes, failures, and frailties of a half-dozen friends from the early 2000s to 2024. The novel's narrators are all talented and capture the millennial characters' struggles well. Jill Paice performs Mia, a writer who is the only single person in the group, with fine tempo and pacing while conveying her angsty tone. Santino Fontana is equally impressive as the brilliant Marco, and Christian Barillas nails the complex alcoholic Richie. The stories unfold during a series of parties, events, and celebrations (New Year's, wedding, birthday, Halloween, funeral) that reveal the characters' issues and relationships over their two decades since graduating from Penn. A meaningful look at millennial lifestyles and a worthwhile listen.
Pub Date: 2026
Duration: 11 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781797194356
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Deepa Samuel's narration brings steadiness and emotional clarity to this story of the longstanding friendship between Ruchi and Deepa, who are shaped by class, migration, and unspoken longing. Samuel softly portrays the girls' intimate friendship during their Indian school days. Samuel's voice gradually deepens as the narrative moves into adulthood and the pressures of marriage, motherhood, and resettlement in suburban Connecticut. Samuel's pacing allows the evolving tension between the women to surface naturally, especially as jealousy, obligation, and affection collide across decades. Subtle tonal adjustments distinguish private interior moments from scenes of family and community life. Samuel's attentive performance supports the novel's exploration of devotion, distance, consequence, and friendship.
Pub Date: 2026
Duration: 11 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781639737871
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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