This audiobook focuses on one of the most contentious and misunderstood periods in American history, the reconstruction of the South after the Civil War. Rick Adamson keeps to a steady, impartial tone, carefully pacing a narrative that unties many historical knots while unfolding a sadly paradoxical series of events. The subtitle tells the tale: "How the South Won the War After the Civil War." President Grant wanted to annex Santo Domingo as a "refuge" for oppressed Blacks but was thwarted. His assignment of a stubby Union general to pacify the Louisiana legislature illustrates how united public opposition can win victories that armies cannot. Adamson is very listenable, and he effectively illuminates a dark passage in American democracy whose effects continue to reverberate today.
Pub Date: Jan. 16, 2024
Duration: 7 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9780062950673
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Carol Matthau epitomizes a glamour and lifestyle not associated with the 1990's. Here is a life of privilege, tragedy and worry about what friends would think of her new frock or lover. Matthau possesses a voice and delivery that simply could not be improved on. In her coy whisper, she tells compelling stories involving everyone from William Saroyan (husband #1) and Truman Capote to Carson McCullers, Gloria Vanderbilt, and Walter Matthau (husband #2). This excellent audio presentation will leave you wanting to read the entire book to discover what juicy tidbits were left out.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 3 hrs
Publisher: The Publishing Mills
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
A perfect marriage of text and delivery.
Women are routinely missing from American history texts. This audiobook seeks to remedy that. Journalist O’Donnell’s TV-honed voice carries the stories in compelling fashion. Dozens of overlooked heroines are profiled, such as Elizabeth Freeman, an enslaved woman who filed a lawsuit to obtain her freedom, or Emily Warren Roebling, an engineer who saved the Brooklyn Bridge when her husband fell ill. The writing style is straightforward and narrative-based, making it easy for listeners to follow. O’Donnell varies her tone to suit the material, reflecting intensity, disbelief, humor, and admiration. The sketches are generally short, making this a perfect audiobook for people with short windows of opportunity for listening.
A perfect marriage of text and delivery.Pub Date: Feb. 24, 2026
Duration: 10 hrs, 37 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217176236
Publisher: Penguin Random House Audio
Review Posted Online: March 3, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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