This story, covering the years from 1959 to 2019, centers on the unlikely friendship of two English army buddies. Listeners observe how over time this awkward relationship impacts several generations. For example, all the family members are affected by fears of nuclear annihilation. Narrator Matthew Lloyd Davies creates a detailed portrait of postwar Britain. He brings to life characters of both genders and varied classes and ages, giving them all appropriate accents and emotional resonance. However, the characters Davies so expertly portrays appear to lack critical thinking ability, perspective, or compassion. While this novel captures the tensions of its era, and even its existential horrors, none of the characters are commendable. This is a new picture of "Britishness" that does away with stereotypes.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2021
Duration: 16 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9781713543114
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
An emotional journey through 1970s New York, conveyed with heart and soul.
Thurston's performance eloquently captures the spirit of the theater, the arts, and human connection. Growing up in the South, young Tiller Loomis discovers his passion for entertaining through puppetry. After his older brother dies in Vietnam, Tiller finds his way to New York, where he discovers his people: an acting troupe hired to put on a new children's show on the same public television network as Sesame Street. Thurston's voice so embodies Tiller's dreams and desires, it's occasionally heartbreaking. Listeners who remember those halcyon days of children's public programming and the theatrical spirit that powered it will be particularly moved.
An emotional journey through 1970s New York, conveyed with heart and soul.Pub Date: Nov. 3, 2026
Duration: 11 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781668658956
Publisher: Hachette Audio
Review Posted Online: Nov. 14, 2026
Despite Powers' strong performance, Diaz’s fans may be disappointed.
Narrator Imani Jade Powers puts her all into Diaz's first novel since his Pulitzer Prize, but the story’s emphasis on philosophy, physics, and politics over personality works against her. Powers maintains momentum through the driest sections, though it may be nearly impossible to put a great deal of passion into a speech about Heraclitean philosophy. The story is about a pincher (electricity thief) who gets involved with an orphan and a scientist possibly suffering from dementia. Nearly all the characters come from the same unnamed city, so accents are not an issue, but Powers clearly distinguishes characters and does what she can with the often restricted emotional ranges.
Despite Powers' strong performance, Diaz’s fans may be disappointed.Pub Date: Sept. 29, 2026
Duration: 14 hrs, 48 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217406203
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Review Posted Online: Oct. 20, 2026
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