Opulence, power, intrigue, and ultimately, tragedy: Those Romanovs were quite the royal family. And Enn Reitel is quite the narrator. His rich, dignified voice and well-timed pacing are befitting of the imperial family, whose antics never fail to astound. The tsars’ secret lives include stories of astounding cruelty over sometimes (or often) frivolous matters, voracious sexual appetites, and lavish excess in almost all areas, generally culminating in conflict on all fronts. Reitel’s British accent is appropriate for the portrayal of this imperial family, and he adds touches of whimsy and wry astonishment in recounting the incredible stories of the Romanov dynasty, which spanned 300 years.
Pub Date: July 8, 2014
Duration: 12 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9780804166454
Publisher: Random House Audio
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
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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