Andrew Eiden's narration makes learning about the American Southwest a fun adventure. The audiobook is an informative amalgamation of natural history, personal narrative, travel writing, and historical and cultural data that highlights the unique past and present of the region. Eiden mimics the author's zest for exploration but doesn't accurately reflect the vocal characteristics of a Southwestern native. (The author is from New Mexico.) Eiden commits an Arizona cardinal sin by mispronouncing the state's most iconic cactus, the saguaro. He sounds uncomfortable pronouncing the audiobook's ubiquitous Spanish words, names, and locations, speaking them slowly and deliberately, which sometimes makes the otherwise quick pace sound erratic. Although Eiden is an excellent nonfiction narrator, a Spanish speaking actor would have made the production smoother and more authentic.
Pub Date: Jan. 14, 2025
Duration: 10 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9780593947739
Publisher: Random House Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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
This is history for the modern listener, clear, efficient, and reliable.
There’s something calming about listening to ancient history, as this well-researched audiobook amply demonstrates. Mark Elstob’s polished, quietly nuanced narration maintains distance and balance while giving full weight to the narrative’s many fine details. Elstob has narrated two of Goldsworthy’s previous audiobooks, companion histories of the long competition between Rome and Persia. He perfectly matches this prolific popular historian’s lucid and impartial narrative style and his knack for balancing a panoramic view with a close recreation of place and action. The long, contentious rivalry between Athens and Sparta turned victory over Persia into division and civil strife.
This is history for the modern listener, clear, efficient, and reliable.Pub Date: May 12, 2026
Duration: 20 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9781549135439
Publisher: Hachette Audio
Review Posted Online: May 12, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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