This German novel, set in occupied Paris in 1943, is about a German translator who decides to blend in with the French as much as possible. Speaking perfect French, he becomes "Monsieur Antoine" and starts wandering through Paris. When he spots Chantal in a bookstore, he is immediately infatuated and manages to become her lover. Then he finds out that she's a member of the Resistance. Paul Michael reads this book with contrived German and French accents that jar. In addition, the first chapters of the book contain some dialogue in French, which is inaccessible to most listeners. The clunky translation of the novel doesn't help, and while Michael does his best to provide atmosphere, it's hard to suspend disbelief.
Pub Date: April 3, 2007
Duration: 7 hrs, 30 mins
Publisher: Random House Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Ayla, one of the "others," is adopted by a clan of Neanderthal cave people. She struggles to conform to their ways, but her advanced human traits overwhelm and threaten their primitive culture in this initial installment of an immensely popular series. Although the story might benefit from abridgment, Rowena Cooper easily carries out the formidable task of enlivening the mostly silent and stereotypical characters with consistent, diverse personalities and human dimension. Through skillful phrasing and inflection, she maintains the reader's interest and suspense, especially with Ayla and her plight, throughout this rambling and imaginative story.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 22 hrs
Publisher: BBC Audiobooks America/ Chivers
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
This lyrical, sensual novel of woman's lot in Manchu, China, is as well researched as it is well written. Authentic in tone, it's nonetheless written for Westerners by a Western expert on China. Moreover, Susan Clark performs the demanding text superbly, with only occasional signs of fatigue. For the most part she not only sustains the quaint diction and Asian atmosphere, but also, creates whole worlds with her voice. She acts the book, rather than reads it, and, in so doing, turns a pretty trifle into a stupendous beauty.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 4 hrs, 30 mins
Publisher: Audio Literature
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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