Nicholas Boulton gives yet another splendid narration of a Russian classic in this production of Bulgakov's first major work. While Bulgakov is best known for THE MASTER AND MARGARITA, this novel depicts a Russian family, the Turbins, in Kiev during the winter of 1918-19. The Turbins must thread the needle as they deal with Bolshevik revolutionaries, counterrevolutionary Whites, Ukrainian nationalists, and occupying German troops. The novel has a number of semiautobiographical elements, and some scenes are quite vivid in portraying the horrors the Revolution and Civil War brought to the remains of the Russian Empire. Boulton ably affects different accents for various characters--soldiers, officers, peasants, and others. His pacing and enunciation are perfect for both narration and dialogue.
Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2022
Duration: 11 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781781984260
Publisher: Naxos AudioBooks
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Reader Michael Prichard delivers a convincing rendition of Archie Goodwin, the burly right hand of the portly Nero Wolfe, world-renowned gourmand and detective. Prichard preserves the 1970s setting and 1950s origins of the story, bringing listeners a well-paced narration of murder and politics--a combination of elements that usually guarantees an exciting listen. This audio entertainment is as well formed and fragrant as one of Wolfe's hothouse orchids (the stout sleuth cultivates them by the hundreds in his town house greenhouse) as Goodwin walks us through an explosive murder investigation and political wheeling and dealing in a tough yet intelligent read.
Pub Date: Jan. 15, 2006
Duration: 5 hrs, 30 mins
Publisher: Audio Partners
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
This collection of eight short stories contains gentle tales of fantasy and magic--not the magic of wizards and wands, but of wishing mats and enormous cats and gifts brought by the winds. In a lovely English accent, Lizza Aiken quietly narrates these stories in which magic and good fortune often come to those who deserve it. Although her pitch changes little, she registers a range of emotions--from the sadness of a girl whose necklace of raindrops has been stolen to the joy of a child who moves from a hard life and a ramshackle trailer to a happy home amid the clouds. A NECKLACE OF RAINDROPS would make a soothing choice for a family car trip after a long day.
Ages 6+Pub Date: Jan. 5, 2016
Duration: 1 hr, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9781101915721
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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