Robin Sachs is an apt, if not surprising, choice as narrator for Neill Lochery’s polished narrative of intrigue, profit, and ennui in WWII Lisbon. Portugal’s precarious neutrality was maintained by the machinations of its proto-fascist dictator, and its wartime balancing act served both sides—and no less Portugal itself, which ended the war with some millions in suspect bullion. Sachs spins out this tale of worldly fortunes with grace and precision, and just the right balance of tone. His voice evokes the era and, like Lochery, an understanding of the complicated motives that drive people, and nations. Lisbon’s wartime history—which embraced the fortunes of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, film actor Leslie Howard, and British spy, later novelist Ian Fleming—proves informative, insightful, and fully engaging.
Pub Date: Nov. 1, 2011
Duration: 8 hrs
Publisher: Blackstone Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Buckley offers a reasonable proposal for a national service program without jail or criminal penalties. Narrator Lawrence reads with a slow and careful announcer's voice; one wishes Buckley were reading this one himself. Books on Tape does its usual quality job with formatting, packaging and tape-turning instructions. The reader repeats the last sentence at such times, so you're sure you haven't missed anything. Popular nonfiction collections will appreciate Gratitude, and the topic is likely to prove timely in the years ahead.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 5 hrs
Publisher: Books on Tape
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Kozol’s shocking exposé of inequities in the funding of our public schools contrasts white suburban schools with those serving black and Hispanic populations. Interviews with students, teachers, and school administrators add eloquent testimony to Kozol’s disturbing presentation of facts. Narration by Jack Winston is clear and brisk, but the pace is unrelenting, with little pause for transition between scenes or chapters. Winston’s cool, detached voice contrasts with Kozol’s impasssioned and outraged message. The sheer repetition and magnitude of Kozol’s damning evidence is numbing; the narration gives no relief. Powerful medicine, most easily taken in small doses. Music signalling tape changes is jarringly inappropriate.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 8 hrs
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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