With more drive than sense, the eponymous young opportunist strives to scramble out of Montreal’s working-class Jewish quarter by hook or by crook, leaving mayhem in his wake. In spite of Duddy’s lack of scruples and (often inadvertent) cruelty, one cannot judge him irredeemable. He’s too much a bull in a china shop as limned in this closely observed and hilarious look at New World ghetto characters and values. The CBC commissioned Mordecai Richler to abridge his classic novel for this recording. And, no less than the full-length version, it’s a masterpiece--especially as read by Paul Hecht, one of North America’s top audiobook narrators. He almost sings the prose melodies of the Montreal ghetto in that magical, irresistible baritone of his. Though an overzealous producer has needlessly underscored the reading with sound effects, this is a brilliant and singularly enjoyable rendition of a twentieth-century classic.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2005
Duration: 4 hrs, 30 mins
Publisher: BTC 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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