British voice artist Joan Walker's plummy, warm voice charms listeners as thoroughly as does Sarah Ogilvie's marvelous account of the Oxford English Dictionary's unsung heroes. Begun in 1857, the OED depended on volunteers around the world who submitted words (and citations of first use) found in every kind of publication. They were a fascinating cross section of society, from criminals and lunatics, suffragettes and stuffy bankers to spinsters and entire families. Ogilvie, who reads the inviting introduction, clearly adores these obsessed characters, and Walker does, too. Narrating with an audible smile, attentive pacing, and appreciative tone, she highlights the whimsy and emphasizes the seriousness of the massive ongoing endeavor. Ogilvie and Walker's shared delight in these "word-aholics" is contagious. Prepare to be charmed.
Pub Date: Oct. 17, 2023
Duration: 11 hrs
DD ISBN: 9780593788554
Publisher: Random House Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Manchester’s incisive writing and Parker’s friendly narration make this a compelling package on the life of 20th century icon General Douglas MacArthur (1880-1964). No student of modern times can ignore this vain, mercurial soldier whose battlefield brilliance conserved the lives of his soldiers even as they cut their opponents to ribbons. Listening to Parker, one imagines a jovial uncle delivering a slap on the back and sitting down to describe war experiences in a rich voice filled with humor and pathos. He pronounces Japanese names, New Guinea cities and American slang with effortless ease. The “you-are-there” quality grabs and holds. This is a carefully done, seamless audio presentation.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 16 hrs
Publisher: Blackstone Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
A splendid narration of an engaging biography.
Rob Heaps gives a strong narration of this account of the enigmatic and controversial (to say the least) Russian mystic who will forever be intertwined with the life of the last Romanov czar. Beevor gives a detailed description of life at the Romanov court and in Russia on the eve of the revolutions and ensuing civil war. Beevor’s own views of Rasputin may seem “ambiguous” to some, but then Rasputin was a person of strong contradictions—devoutly religious and compulsively lecherous. Heaps also narrated Russia (2022), Beevor’s history of the Russian Revolution, and the two works are complementary. Heaps’ excellent performance is easy to understand and follow, although his British pronunciation of Russian words and names may grate on purists.
A splendid narration of an engaging biography.Pub Date: April 14, 2026
Duration: 11 hrs, 13 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217281848
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Review Posted Online: June 9, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 15, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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