Sharmila Devar's evocative, compassionate narration suits this audio biography. Born to a South Asian mother and a Caucasian father in India, Queenie Thompson, later known as actor Merle Oberon, traveled a challenging route to become the first of her ethnicity to be nominated for a Best Actress Oscar. Film critic Mayukh Sen, himself of South Asian descent, tells Oberon's story, along with details of his own fascination with her. Devar occasionally pauses mid-sentence, which can be awkward. Overall, however, the performance is engaging and confident, as was Oberon herself. Oberon's story of evolving wealth and fame also takes on some of her less than saintly qualities. Included throughout are detailed descriptions of the deep and painful prejudice shown to South Asians then and now.
Pub Date: March 4, 2025
Duration: 8 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9798331934088
Publisher: Tantor Media
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
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