The boredom, horror, and hope of war come together beautifully in Edoardo Ballerini's performance. Not one moment of the suffering of Italian soldiers sent to Afghanistan or their families is lost to Ballerini. Their emotional distress is as poignant as the moments of dark comedy--and there are a surprising number of humorous moments interwoven with their loss, disillusionment, and desperation. In other hands, these shifts from tragedy to humor (dark though it is) might be confusing or even lost on listeners, but Ballerini is able to relate a strange idea hinted at throughout the story: Tragedy and levity are sometimes the same thing. This novel is by no means a comedy, but Ballerini is justified in acknowledging the farcical moments that appear throughout the story.
Pub Date: Oct. 2, 2014
Duration: 10 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9780698180123
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Escape on a thrilling adventure with Soneela Nankani and Andrew Eiden as they narrate this suspenseful romance. A year has passed since Simi Chopra, her assorted crew, and Jack Danger pulled off a lucrative diamond heist. Now, the Chicago Mafia boss is demanding that the jewels be returned, so Simi gets the team back together. Nankani delivers an expressive performance that emphasizes Simi's conflict between her passion for Jack and the mission. Her distinct character voices keep the listener fully immersed. Eiden's lively tone gives Jack a subtle flair and confidence that make him easy to forgive and to love.
Pub Date: Aug. 20, 2024
Duration: 11 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9780593907467
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
This is not a story about guns, but about blue pearls. Gerald Browne takes us to the Pacific Ocean and the world of pearl divers and natural gems and mixes in mystery, intrigue and suspense. Barry Bostwick portrays the characters in one voice, varying his intonation slightly for the Asian personalities. His reading style is very smooth, evidence of preparation and interest in the story. 18mm Blues is abridged well, collecting the important elements of the story. Unobtrusive music indicates the end of each side. Disappear into the mystery of the Far East and one of its most beautiful commodities.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 1993
Duration: 3 hrs
Publisher: Audio Renaissance
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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