In mid-seventeenth-century England, Anne Green gives birth to a stillborn child. Thereafter, she is tried and sentenced to hang for infanticide. When her body is given to Oxford medical scholars for dissection, she is discovered to be still alive. The story unfolds in two parts—Anne’s account of how she came to be hanged and the amazing medical miracle as told by a young Oxford scholar. Rosalyn Landor creates a wide variety of common voices for Anne’s world and infuses her portrayal of Anne with appropriate innocence and bewilderment. Michael Page portrays the pomposity of the scholars, doing an especially fine job with the young, stammering Robert. The dual narration heightens the horror of this tale—based on a true story—making it a perfect choice for listening.
Young AdultPub Date: 2009
Duration: 7 hrs
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Desean Terry delivers a touching performance of this reimagining of "The Great Gatsby," in which the protagonists are gay Black prep school students. Aspiring journalist Nick Carrington leaves Oklahoma to begin school at Harlem's West Egg Academy. Out of his element, Nick keeps his gay identity a closely held secret, but love interest Jay Gatsby Jr.--the academy founder's son--openly embraces his own gay identity. As they write letters to each other, each more daring and affectionate than the last, they receive threats that their budding relationship will be exposed in the school newspaper. Terry clearly presents every piece of dialogue that warrants an emotional charge and adds subtle suspense to his straightforward tone when needed. Terry's narration is always on the money.
(Historical fiction. 13-18)Pub Date: 2026
Duration: 10 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063312517
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Sophie Jo Wasson transports listeners to Ireland in 1847 with her poignant performance. Like many throughout the country, Nell's family's potato crop is infected with a black rot that makes the potatoes inedible. Farmers are forced to choose between paying their rent from the sale of their oat crops, or feeding their families and facing eviction. Amid those tragedies, Nell and the landlord's nephew develop a quiet friendship that, despite their class differences, grows into more. Wasson's lilting intonation and Irish accent take listeners into Nell's world, capturing the devastation, terror, and dashes of hope experienced by the teenager. Secondary characters are made equally vivid with her expressive delivery. Listeners will be tempted to finish this short novel in verse in one sitting. Simply exquisite.
(Verse historical fiction. 13-18)Pub Date: 2025
Duration: 4 hrs
DD ISBN: 9780063384972
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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