Cassandra Campbell expertly narrates this captivating history of rival sisters-in-law who became notorious Frankish queens during the Middle Ages. Brunhild was a princess from Toledo, Spain; Fredegund was a former slave. They would rule over a large part of Europe. Often portrayed as ruthless and cunning, they are analyzed using both primary sources and literature. The sympathetic examination also considers their challenges: widowhood, wars, plagues, political intrigue, murder, and assassination attempts. Campbell's calm, even narration is juxtaposed with the violence and brutality discussed. Enough information is provided that listeners will be able to transform exaggerations from the primary sources into more probable, logical explanations. Campbell deftly rises to the challenge of pronouncing some of the most challenging names of the Middle Ages.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2022
Duration: 10 hrs, 45 mins
Publisher: Audible, Inc.
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Bellantoni’s rich baritone shines the spotlight on a remarkable woman capable of constantly reinventing herself.
Paul Bellantoni’s narration is a treat. This audiobook revisits many of Jane Fonda’s movie successes and some of her lesser films before offering details of her evolution into a force for good. While some attention is paid to the multifaceted Fonda’s early life, the focus is on her political films, including her memorable work in such films as The China Syndrome and Coming Home. Bellantoni’s narration becomes most engaging as he recounts her growth from sex kitten to “Hanoi Jane” to workout queen to political activist. His energy intensifies for anecdotes about her confrontations with Hollywood producers and Washington power brokers.
Bellantoni’s rich baritone shines the spotlight on a remarkable woman capable of constantly reinventing herself.Pub Date: March 3, 2026
Duration: 9 hrs, 31 mins
DD ISBN: 9798228742390
Publisher: Blackstone Audio
Review Posted Online: April 1, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 15, 2026
Newsom sets the record straight in this above average political memoir.
Newsom’s friendly, solicitous narration of his memoir is especially impressive considering that he suffers from dyslexia, a condition that he wasn’t diagnosed with until he was in the fifth grade. Newsom uses his memoir to clarify and examine his life and to preemptively respond to critics about the myths and faux pas connected with his past, including his connection to the Getty family, his four-year marriage to Kimberly Guilfoyle, and, most revealing, the fractured patrician and plebian childhood he spent with his divorced parents. His father was a judge and a friend of Gordon Getty, and his mother worked three jobs to keep Gavin and his sister fed and clothed. The memoir makes for an engaging listen, with Newsom’s rise to governor taking a back seat to his surprising self-examination.
Newsom sets the record straight in this above average political memoir.Pub Date: Feb. 24, 2026
Duration: 7 hrs, 57 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217070619
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Review Posted Online: March 25, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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