William DeMeritt's versatile narration eases listeners into the unsettled landscape of late-Civil-War-era Georgia in this powerfully affecting novel. This ambitious debut explores themes of forgiveness, family, pride, community, and the societal costs of racism and injustice. The violence in this world is startling but never surprising. DeMeritt's vibrant and convincing portrayals of a wide cast of memorable local residents will linger in listeners' minds. Particularly impressive are DeMerittt's depictions of female characters, especially Isabelle, whose resolve and wisdom come through in his quiet, authentic tones. He expresses the complex emotional dimensions of Isabelle's husband, George, and their idealistic son, Caleb, as well as the two recently emancipated Black brothers, Landry and Prentiss, who are enlisted to work on their farm. A rewarding listen. M.J. 2022 Audies Finalist © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine
Pub Date: June 15, 2021
Duration: 12 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781549102332
Publisher: Hachette 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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