Walsh's debut novel was inspired by the true story of a zookeeper's efforts to save Violet, a young, orphaned elephant in war-torn Belfast during the Irish Troubles. Narrator Charlotte McCurry's comfortable Irish brogue is true to the setting, but her overall performance fails to bring the characters to life. Her delivery is almost a monotone; it has little energy yet often seems rushed. The story focuses on Hettie Quinn, who, at 20, is the youngest zookeeper and the only female. She becomes Violet's primary keeper, finding purpose in caring for her while dealing with personal tragedy in addition to the Belfast Blitz. The lack of emotion in McCurry's performance dampens this story of courage and resilience. An epilogue detailing its historical context also would have been helpful.
Pub Date: April 6, 2021
Duration: 10 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9781665032278
Publisher: Blackstone 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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