by Rebecca Rasmussen ; read by Xe Sands ‧ RELEASE DATE: Feb. 4, 2012
Awards & Accolades
Our Verdict
GET IT
Xe Sands's performance of elderly sisters Milly and Twiss of Spring Green, Wisconsin, charmingly enhances Rasmussen's lovely lyrical prose. Sands balances, in a delicately distinctive manner, both the sisters' coming-of-age story and their current devotion to nursing injured birds. Most profound and moving are Sands's sweet pacing and gentle vocal cadence, which enchantingly convey the author's whimsy and vivid imagery, as well as the characters’ wistful memories. During the summer of 1947, the sisters face their hardscrabble lives after their father has a life-changing accident. They embrace life's joys, hope, and heartbreak, along with the bittersweet empowerment of sisterhood, with the transformative help of visiting cousin Bett. This authentic portrayal of family will haunt listeners long after the last word.
Pub Date: Feb. 4, 2012
Duration: 8 hrs
Publisher: Tantor Media
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
by Lauren Francis-Sharma ; read by Ron Butler & Bahni Turpin ‧ RELEASE DATE: Jan. 22, 2015
Awards & Accolades
Our Verdict
GET IT
An astonishingly unique historical novel, which begins in Trinidad in the 1940s, this is an example of the best that an audiobook can offer. The two narrators, Ron Butler and Bahni Turpin, are superb choices who move the listener smoothly between the two main characters. Farook and Marcia Garcia are star-crossed lovers who don’t have fate on their side. Turpin evokes the rhythms of English as spoken in Trinidad, lyrical, and rhythmic. Through her confident narrative style, Marica Garcia comes across as a strong, beleaguered young woman. Her trials evoke empathy in the listener. Butler establishes the contorted choices that face Farook as an Indian man who is prevented by racism from marrying his true love. This sprawling tale spans Trinidad and the United States, from the 1940s-1960s.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2015
Duration: 13 hrs
Publisher: Tantor Media
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
by Bernard Cornwell ; read by Jack Hawkins ‧ RELEASE DATE: Jan. 8, 2013
In this stand-alone novel set during the Hundred Years' War, Thomas of Hookton, hero of Cornwell's Grail Quest trilogy, returns with his band of mercenaries in pursuit of the sword of Saint Peter—a holy relic said to bestow great power. Naturally, others are also in pursuit and are determined to win the sword at any cost. Jack Hawkins delivers a stunning performance of this dramatic novel of political intrigue and military battle. Throughout, he effortlessly distinguishes characters from all over Western Europe through various accents. Hawkins's thoughtful reading reveals the emotions of the characters, enhancing their portrayals. His performance is full of energy during Cornwell's signature battle scenes, offering the listener a visceral experience of war.
Pub Date: Jan. 8, 2013
Duration: 12 hrs
DD ISBN: 9780062209344
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Hey there, book lover.
We’re glad you found a book that interests you!
We can’t wait for you to join Kirkus!
It’s free and takes less than 10 seconds!
Already have an account? Log in.
OR
Trouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Welcome Back!
OR
Trouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Don’t fret. We’ll find you.