Bob Souer narrates this horrific account of the two failed expeditions in Arctic Canada led by Captain Sir John Franklin. Listeners hear excerpts from journals, letters, and scientific notes, along with the oral history of Indigenous peoples. The author, who has written extensively on Canada's arctic wilderness, incorporates the latest theories on why Franklin failed so disastrously and lost every man on the 1845 expedition, which was seeking the Northwest Passage. Souer sounds like a newscaster; his voice expresses little emotion. He clearly conveys Franklin's misplaced sense of racial superiority, personal sense of destiny, and lack of judgment. Listeners will also learn why polar bear meat should never be served rare!
Pub Date: April 9, 2024
Duration: 9 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9798855530346
Publisher: Tantor Media
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
HISTORY | EXPEDITIONS | MODERN
Carol Matthau epitomizes a glamour and lifestyle not associated with the 1990's. Here is a life of privilege, tragedy and worry about what friends would think of her new frock or lover. Matthau possesses a voice and delivery that simply could not be improved on. In her coy whisper, she tells compelling stories involving everyone from William Saroyan (husband #1) and Truman Capote to Carson McCullers, Gloria Vanderbilt, and Walter Matthau (husband #2). This excellent audio presentation will leave you wanting to read the entire book to discover what juicy tidbits were left out.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 3 hrs
Publisher: The Publishing Mills
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
A perfect marriage of text and delivery.
Women are routinely missing from American history texts. This audiobook seeks to remedy that. Journalist O’Donnell’s TV-honed voice carries the stories in compelling fashion. Dozens of overlooked heroines are profiled, such as Elizabeth Freeman, an enslaved woman who filed a lawsuit to obtain her freedom, or Emily Warren Roebling, an engineer who saved the Brooklyn Bridge when her husband fell ill. The writing style is straightforward and narrative-based, making it easy for listeners to follow. O’Donnell varies her tone to suit the material, reflecting intensity, disbelief, humor, and admiration. The sketches are generally short, making this a perfect audiobook for people with short windows of opportunity for listening.
A perfect marriage of text and delivery.Pub Date: Feb. 24, 2026
Duration: 10 hrs, 37 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217176236
Publisher: Penguin Random House Audio
Review Posted Online: March 3, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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