In October 1500, Christopher Columbus found himself confined to prison in Santo Domingo, with the gallows he himself had had built ironically threatening his own neck. He was soon freed, however, and found an opportunity to salvage his reputation as he began a fourth voyage in search of the route to the East. Simon Jones gives the story the tone of an adventure as Columbus deals with mutineers and political intrigue. Jones adds the occasional touch of wry humor--for example, when he describes the passion for spices among wealthy Europeans (which is why we say rich people do or don't have "taste"). The last disc has maps of the voyage among its computer goodies; you'll have to sit at your tube to follow them since they don't print, though. J.A.S. 2006 Audie Award Finalist © AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine
Pub Date: 2005
Duration: 6 hrs
DD ISBN:
Publisher: Time Warner AudioBooks
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Historian Tracy Borman's research and narration offer a riveting account of the battle for succession following the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. Borman narrates her careful investigation of the events leading to the end of the Tudor dynasty and the rise of the Stuarts. Borman sounds like a favorite professor. Her voice is well modulated, and her pace makes the history easy to follow--no matter how little the listener knows of the period. Elizabeth's unwillingness to name a successor caused concern for Britain's future. The accepted version suggests that on her deathbed she named James as her chosen heir. But Borman's research uncovers evidence that this never happened. In fascinating detail, Borman lays out the facts found in official letters, revisionist hearsay, and intelligent speculation.
Pub Date: 2025
Duration: 13 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668157800
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
This audiobook recounts the extraordinary true story of a small group of women imprisoned in Ravensbrück, the Nazis' only all-female concentration camp during WWII. The powerful account traces their harrowing ordeal with relentless brutality, including starvation, forced labor, inhumane medical experiments, and extreme overcrowding. Narrator Lisa Flanagan delivers a performance so overwhelming that it will bring tears to the eyes of listeners. But as well as she chronicles the women's lives in Ravensbrück, Flanagan adeptly shifts gears when explaining their continued efforts after the war to document Nazi atrocities to ensure their sacrifices would not be forgotten. No matter the topic, Flanagan's exceptional range of inflection and emotions comes through. This audiobook is a poignant reminder of their resilience, courage, and fighting spirit.
Pub Date: 2025
Duration: 10 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217078790
Publisher: Random House 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.
