Margaux Fragoso's memoir of her 15-year relationship with a pedophile, starting when she was just 7 and ending when he committed suicide, is a devastating, haunting, yet eloquently rendered work. Narrator Susan Bennett inhabits Margaux from her youthful innocence to her teenage depression and her growing confidence in early adulthood, as she is all the while manipulated by her abuser, Peter. Bennett's portrayal of Peter, in turn, conveys his coerciveness—sometimes subtle, sometimes blatant—as he systematically breaks down Margaux's barriers and insinuates himself into all aspects of her life. Even though Margaux seems in retrospect to be aware of his manipulation, it’s evident that she still retains affection for him. Bennett also excels in her portrayal of Margaux's narcissistic, verbally abusive Puerto Rican father. She delivers a difficult and sometimes graphic work with excellence.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2011
Duration: 12 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781449856410
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
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
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Follow
Popular in this Genre
We can’t wait for you to join Kirkus!
It’s free and takes less than 10 seconds!
Already have an account? Log in.
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Welcome Back!
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
