Nicola Barber's expressive narration captures the inner life and scientific mindset of Rosalind Franklin, the great English biophysicist. Barber's ability to seamlessly switch intonation from the protagonist's upper-class British inflection to American, French, and other accents shapes the listening experience of this remarkable story of grit and determination. Author Benedict's use of the first-person provides an insider's feeling of the challenges experienced by a female scientist in the male-dominated world of 1950s genetic research. The plot follows the real-life Franklin on her epoch-making research on the structures of DNA, RNA, and viruses. Her work with X-ray crystallography underpinned the Nobel laureates whose conceptualization of the double helix set the standard for genetic study for generations. This historical novel follows Franklin's remarkable scientific work from 1947 to her early death from cancer in 1958.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2022
Duration: 8 hrs, 45 mins
Publisher: Audible, Inc.
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
In this sequel to Terms of Endearment, Larry McMurtry brings back Aurora Greenway, who is now dealing with her various lovers and friends plus three grown grandchildren with a variety of problems. He presents a tale of growing up and growing old which is bittersweet and funny. Narrator Ivey uses a slight east Texas accent which authenticates the setting of the story. Each character's voice has a slightly different inflection to differentiate it. It all works together well. As you listen, you feel as if you might actually be in Houston sharing the lives of these resilient and refreshing people.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 20 hrs
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
To Fred Fairly, a Cambridge Fellow, truth is everything. What then is the truth about the woman he finds beside him when he awakens? English conventions and mores of 1912 Cambridge are central to this period piece. Callow's wonderful voice and interpretation make accents, personalities and gender come alive, and help make sense of the frequent time and character shifts. His delivery enhances a most clever "choose your own ending."
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 5 hrs
Publisher: BBC Audiobooks America/ Chivers
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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