Pearl Hewitt's sweet, crisp English voice adds extra pleasure to her fine narration of this recent biography of the famous English mystery writer Agatha Christie. Rather than a straightforward account, of which a number have been written in addition to Christie's own memoir, Laura Thompson instead explores the author's life and thoughts as revealed through her novels. It's an unusual approach, which succeeds best for listeners who, like the writer, are true devotees of Christie's oeuvre. Hewitt subtly changes her tone when reading the frequent quotations from Christie's books, which keeps listeners on track. Her clear, musical timbre sounds just right for Christie's era and class, and her attentive pacing keep one attuned to Thompson's interesting analyses. A win for Christie's biggest fans.
Pub Date: April 3, 2018
Duration: 20 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9781543666229
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
James Michener tells the real stories behind the man and his books. The recording is read with skill and consistency although the reader does little to enhance the robust, larger-than-life incidents related in the book. Due to the first-person narrative format, there is no opportunity for the narrator to change his voice. This makes some chapters monotonous as they go on and on in the typical Michener style. The listener may also become confused because the stories are not told chronologically. This is not a great choice for the audio format, but Michener fans may stick with it to the end.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 22 hrs
Publisher: Books on Tape
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
In a quest for a sense of inner contentment and self-worth, Gloria Steinem brings the reader on a journey of investigation and discovery. Steinem reads the text herself in a straightforward and friendly, but not intimate, presentation which is so easy to listen to it invites repetition--thus ensuring the painless relearning of the lessons of the book. It's difficult to tell from the reading that this audiobook is abridged; each section can stand alone. Nonetheless, the listener wished the book were unabridged. Steinem left me wanting to learn more.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 3 hrs
Publisher: Dove Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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