In order to do justice to the story of the artists inhabiting Montmartre during the early twentieth century, a narrator must be able to pronounce all the French places and artists. Emma Bering clearly has that skill, yet, somehow, her performance is more confusing than illuminating. Instead of getting lost among the small streets surrounding the Moulin Rouge and enjoying the gossipy love affair of Picasso with Fernande Olivier, his rivalry with Matisse, and his friendship with Georges Braque, the non-French-speaking listener is just trying to keep up. Even commonly used French words ("rapport," "bistro," "bric-a-brac") are pronounced in the French manner. Bering's voice is lovely and engaging, and her pacing is excellent. Those who speak French may want to give this a listen. Those who don't might best read the book in print.
Pub Date: April 21, 2015
Duration: 13 hrs
DD ISBN: 9780698189157
Publisher: Penguin Audio
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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