Five generations of a clan of witches, portrayed by narrator Polly Lee, flee persecution in Brittany for the unknown shores of the United Kingdom. The atmospheric opening scene, fraught with tension and determination, is captured perfectly by Lee's hushed voice and careful cadence, setting the emotional tone for what lies ahead. Each generation faces challenges inherent in practicing its craft in a world that fears their power. The complex relationships between mothers and daughters are enriched by Lee's strong characterizations, which capture time periods, ages, genders, and social class. Her narrative talents shine further as she moves smoothly between French, British, and American accents. Spellbound listeners won't want this story to end.
Pub Date: Sept. 5, 2017
Duration: 17 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781478977025
Publisher: Hachette 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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