Fionnula Flanagan offers a brilliant reading of Giff’s deeply felt novel of an immigrant girl and her best friend, first introduced in Nory Ryan’s Song. The alternating journeys of Nory Ryan and Sean Red Mallon--from the spoiled potato fields of the Irish famine to the port and its ship of promise to Maggie’s sister’s door in Brooklyn--are fraught with disappointment, danger, and the imminence of death. Flanagan’s Irish lilt brings Maggie’s longings and hope, and Sean’s trials and terror, to life in the most melodious fashion. Each character is fully portrayed with her considerable talent, from Nory’s brusque neighbor, Anna; to Sean’s sweet-voiced, innocent brother, Patch; the ornery Mrs. Mallon; and the rough and threatening Cook. A winning reading of a horrific but triumphant story!
Ages 8+Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2003
Duration: 3 hrs, 30 mins
Publisher: Listening Library
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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