Two skilled narrators bring to life two women who both rebel against the rules of the cultures into which they were born.
Bessie Carter and Suehyla El-Attar narrate this story of two remarkable women from different eras. Carter’s lively British voice perfectly captures the charm and high-spiritedness of Lady Evelyn Herbert in the early 1920s as she pursues a passion for archaeology in search of the female pharaoh Hatshepsut. Carter portrays Evelyn’s father, Egyptologist Lord Carnarvon, and archaeologist Howard Carter with gusto as they famously uncover the tomb of Tutankhamun. El-Attar’s measured, precise performance gives regal gravitas to Hatshepsut 3,000 years earlier. El-Attar evokes the intense fierceness of the pharaoh’s public life, softening her tone to reflect Hatshepsut’s personal relationships and desires. Supporting Egyptian characters are clearly defined.
Two skilled narrators bring to life two women who both rebel against the rules of the cultures into which they were born.Pub Date: March 24, 2026
Duration: 11 hrs, 47 mins
DD ISBN: 9781250330062
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Review Posted Online: March 9, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 2026
An astonishingly unique historical novel, which begins in Trinidad in the 1940s, this is an example of the best that an audiobook can offer. The two narrators, Ron Butler and Bahni Turpin, are superb choices who move the listener smoothly between the two main characters. Farook and Marcia Garcia are star-crossed lovers who don’t have fate on their side. Turpin evokes the rhythms of English as spoken in Trinidad, lyrical, and rhythmic. Through her confident narrative style, Marica Garcia comes across as a strong, beleaguered young woman. Her trials evoke empathy in the listener. Butler establishes the contorted choices that face Farook as an Indian man who is prevented by racism from marrying his true love. This sprawling tale spans Trinidad and the United States, from the 1940s-1960s.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2015
Duration: 13 hrs
Publisher: Tantor Media
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
In this stand-alone novel set during the Hundred Years' War, Thomas of Hookton, hero of Cornwell's Grail Quest trilogy, returns with his band of mercenaries in pursuit of the sword of Saint Peter—a holy relic said to bestow great power. Naturally, others are also in pursuit and are determined to win the sword at any cost. Jack Hawkins delivers a stunning performance of this dramatic novel of political intrigue and military battle. Throughout, he effortlessly distinguishes characters from all over Western Europe through various accents. Hawkins's thoughtful reading reveals the emotions of the characters, enhancing their portrayals. His performance is full of energy during Cornwell's signature battle scenes, offering the listener a visceral experience of war.
Pub Date: Jan. 8, 2013
Duration: 12 hrs
DD ISBN: 9780062209344
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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