This sequel to DAYS WITHOUT END, set in post-Civil War Tennessee, is better suited for listening than for reading. Narrator Kyla Garcia breathes life into the musings of Winona, an orphaned Lakota teenager who is being lovingly raised by two men and terrorized by racial threats in their small town. Garcia's unsophisticated drawl for Winona's voice softens her elegant vocabulary and turns of phrase. Winona's adoptive parents, Thomas and John, are voiced with only subtle differences. Winona's erudite protector in town, the lawyer Briscoe, sounds distinctly robust as he attempts to help her discover who attacked an African-American man in her household--and, eventually, who assaulted her. In an era when Native Americans and African-Americans are not protected by law, vengeance is sometimes the only justice.
Pub Date: April 21, 2020
Duration: 7 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9781504796651
Publisher: Blackstone Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Nankani's style highlights the novel’s focus on family bonds, generational expectations, and the slow work of...
Soneela Nankani gives humorous voice to this family drama about a mother-in-law convalescing with her soon-to-be ex-son-in-law. Malti is dependent on Nathan for a week while her daughter, Kavya, is studying in India. Nankani dramatizes the old grievances, shared memories, and difficult conversations that Malti and Nathan share. She gives each character a distinct emotional presence through thoughtful pacing and subtle vocal variation. Nankani conveys Malti’s pride, wit, and vulnerability with warmth, while Nathan’s uncertainty and quiet reflection emerge through her measured delivery. She guides the unfolding realizations with natural conversational rhythm, allowing for moments of humor, tension, and reconciliation.
Nankani's style highlights the novel’s focus on family bonds, generational expectations, and the slow work of rebuilding trust.Pub Date: July 7, 2026
Duration: 10 hrs
DD ISBN: 9798217342907
Publisher: Random House Audio
Review Posted Online: July 14, 2026
Listening to Footman is like curling up with a green tea and a welcome missive.
Hanako Footman's calm voice, perfect Japanese pronunciation, and English accent are ideal for narrating this Japanese bestseller. Hatoko inherits the Tsubaki Stationery Store from her strict grandmother, who raised her and taught her the family trade of calligraphy and scribing—writing important letters for people. Like a haiku, the book brims with nature and surprises. Divided into seasons, the story is further segmented by vignettes featuring letters that customers request. Footman’s slow pace and contemplative tone reinforce Hatoko's characterization as a thoughtful assessor of people. She adopts a buoyant tone for Hatoko’s close friend, highlighting their different personalities. For customers, Footman subtly conveys character without caricature.
Listening to Footman is like curling up with a green tea and a welcome missive.Pub Date: July 7, 2026
Duration: 7 hrs, 11 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217338368
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Review Posted Online: June 23, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Follow
Popular in this Genre
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
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Welcome Back!
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
