Jenna Lamia and Christine Lakin deliver alternating chapters of this historical novel based on true events in the mountains of Oklahoma. Lamia portrays 11-year-old Olive, who in 1909 flees her abusive stepfather to find shelter deep in the mountains. Lamia's young-sounding voice is well suited to depict Olive's scrappy determination when she joins forces with the "elf children," orphans on their own who are barely surviving in the woods. Valerie, portrayed by Lakin, is a ranger with the National Park Service in 1990, who is unwilling to overlook the discovery of the old bones of children. Lakin portrays Valerie's guarded resolve as she pursues information despite being pressured not to by locals. Lakin also shines in her portrayal of a handsome officer from the Choctaw Nation.
Pub Date: June 18, 2024
Duration: 14 hrs
DD ISBN: 9780593909218
Publisher: Random House Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Ayla, one of the "others," is adopted by a clan of Neanderthal cave people. She struggles to conform to their ways, but her advanced human traits overwhelm and threaten their primitive culture in this initial installment of an immensely popular series. Although the story might benefit from abridgment, Rowena Cooper easily carries out the formidable task of enlivening the mostly silent and stereotypical characters with consistent, diverse personalities and human dimension. Through skillful phrasing and inflection, she maintains the reader's interest and suspense, especially with Ayla and her plight, throughout this rambling and imaginative story.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 22 hrs
Publisher: BBC Audiobooks America/ Chivers
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
This lyrical, sensual novel of woman's lot in Manchu, China, is as well researched as it is well written. Authentic in tone, it's nonetheless written for Westerners by a Western expert on China. Moreover, Susan Clark performs the demanding text superbly, with only occasional signs of fatigue. For the most part she not only sustains the quaint diction and Asian atmosphere, but also, creates whole worlds with her voice. She acts the book, rather than reads it, and, in so doing, turns a pretty trifle into a stupendous beauty.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 4 hrs, 30 mins
Publisher: Audio Literature
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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