Italian Renaissance poet Vittoria Colonna, Marchesa of Pescara, comes to life through Targoff's extensive research and compelling narrative. Narrator Justine Eyre's fluid and flavorful pronunciation of Italian words and expressions transports listeners deeper into Vittoria's privileged world. Born into a powerful Italian family, Vittoria held a front-row seat to an era rife with religious and political divisions and rich in artistic output. Widowed young, Vittoria devoted her life to cultivating her faith and producing critically and publicly acclaimed poetry. Correspondence with family and notable figures, including Michelangelo and Queen Marguerite of Navarre, is lightly characterized with an Italian, British, or French accent, depending on the individual's country of origin. Targoff concludes with her appreciation for access to Vatican research materials.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2018
Duration: 10 hrs, 45 mins
Publisher: Tantor Media
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
James Michener tells the real stories behind the man and his books. The recording is read with skill and consistency although the reader does little to enhance the robust, larger-than-life incidents related in the book. Due to the first-person narrative format, there is no opportunity for the narrator to change his voice. This makes some chapters monotonous as they go on and on in the typical Michener style. The listener may also become confused because the stories are not told chronologically. This is not a great choice for the audio format, but Michener fans may stick with it to the end.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 22 hrs
Publisher: Books on Tape
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
In a quest for a sense of inner contentment and self-worth, Gloria Steinem brings the reader on a journey of investigation and discovery. Steinem reads the text herself in a straightforward and friendly, but not intimate, presentation which is so easy to listen to it invites repetition--thus ensuring the painless relearning of the lessons of the book. It's difficult to tell from the reading that this audiobook is abridged; each section can stand alone. Nonetheless, the listener wished the book were unabridged. Steinem left me wanting to learn more.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 3 hrs
Publisher: Dove Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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