A masterful telling of “an almost insanely interesting life.”
Wheeler expertly narrates her own beautifully written biography of one of the great enigmas of the 20th century, author, travel writer, and trans pioneer Jan Morris. Wheeler's voice is extremely pleasant to listen to, and her admiration and affection for—and sometimes exasperation with—her not-always-sympathetic subject are plain to hear. The young Morris was the journalist who broke the news of the first ascent of Everest; in her later life as Jan, her odes to cities such as Venice and her magisterial Pax Britannica Trilogy are masterpieces of the travel writer’s art. Wheeler chronicles her subject’s emotional and physical journey to becoming Jan with great sympathy.
A masterful telling of “an almost insanely interesting life.”Pub Date: April 14, 2026
Duration: 14 hrs, 36 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063304154
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: June 16, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 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
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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