The tumultuous life of artist Vincent Van Gogh is made easy to listen to by the pleasant voice of narrator Paul Heitsch. While exhaustively researched and incredibly detailed, the biography flows like a story. Beginning with childhood and progressing through Van Gogh's every obsessive attempt to find his true passion, Heitsch's calm and steady pacing provides empathy for this disturbed genius and his long-suffering family. Heitsch's carefully placed emphasis on the many quotes from Van Gogh's extensive letters to his family, especially brother Theo, serve to enhance the text. He does a commendable job with the frequent Dutch and French words and phrases, and, thankfully, uses the familiar pronunciation of "Van Go." This is a definitive biography and an engaging listen.
Pub Date: May 28, 2019
Duration: 45 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781977381316
Publisher: Tantor Media
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 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
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