The unsettling atmosphere evoked by Ortberg's collection of stories is amplified by narrator Christina Traister's performance. "The Daughter Cells," a spin on "The Little Mermaid," sets the mood as Traister delivers well-timed asides and commentary. Her wry tone, varied pitch, and good pace convey the emotional states and personalities of familiar characters. Ortberg explores gender, culture, and relationships within the framework of traditional fairy tales. Characters include Mr. Toad and his gaslighting friends, a magical fish offering an unwanted gift, and an angel divulging the role of the devil in human society. "The Rabbit," based on THE VELVETEEN RABBIT, is an unnerving depiction of a stuffed animal's quest to attain realness that leaves listeners with lingering unease.
Pub Date: July 1, 2018
Duration: 5 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9781978607767
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Listeners who long to disappear into a secret book world will enjoy the escape in this love letter to public libraries.
Narrator Saskia Maarleveld takes the listener on a wild journey of magical realism with a woman who escapes her depressing life by losing herself within her favorite books. For the downtrodden Alix Watson, the Boston Public Library is a refuge from her troubles—until the day she discovers a secret portal into the fantastical Astral Library. Maarleveld creates a sympathetic impression of Alix while capturing her increasing desperation in a fevered pitch. She vividly portrays the Astral Library’s librarian with grave, smokey indifference. Maarleveld also gives voice to various characters from different time periods and works, ranging from Jane Austen’s Regency England to Sherlock Holmes to The Great Gatsby with skill and humor.
Listeners who long to disappear into a secret book world will enjoy the escape in this love letter to public libraries.Pub Date: Feb. 17, 2026
Duration: 9 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063244825
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: March 9, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 2026
Listeners will be swept up in Nielsen's performance.
Narrator Stina Nielsen draws the listener into an epic journey in a fantastical land where the barrier that protects the world from demons is failing. Sorrel is an orphan and, because of her mystical abilities, an outcast in her small village. She is tasked with crossing the Badlands to return a queen’s crown in the hope that she will be able to protect the land from the demons. Accompanying Sorrel on the voyage is a mercenary known as Merc. Nielsen gives Sorrel an ethereal quality, which suits her character. As Sorrel comes into her power, Nielsen reflects this growth by adding strength to her voice. Sorrel and Merc face many trials on their journey, and Nielsen easily builds tension as danger mounts.
Listeners will be swept up in Nielsen's performance.Pub Date: Feb. 17, 2026
Duration: 19 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9781250435484
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Review Posted Online: April 4, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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