When an author chooses to read his own work, the challenge can be as difficult as a director starring in his own film. Paul Yoon proves his abilities as both a narrator and a writer; his voice infuses an overarching sense of sadness into this melancholy story. The sensation of pain is palpable in Yoon's tone, which at first may fall upon the ears as flat. As the reader gets to know the character of Yohan, a young Korean defector, this sensation is essential to experiencing the character's journey from the trauma of war to personal healing. Yoon's precise diction, steady pace, and lack of emotional expression--no variations in pitch--capture the character's self-imposed control.
Pub Date: Aug. 6, 2013
Duration: 3 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9781442366022
Publisher: Simon & Schuster 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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