Narrator Charlotte Wright's assurance, crisp enunciation, and fine sense of nuance give voice to a life lived freely and bravely, within and without social conventions. De Rosnay's empathetic narrative moves through the significant roles du Maurier played in her life: daughter of a celebrated artistic family, fledgling novelist, young bride and mother of three, and author who experienced commercial success and critical disappointment. Du Maurier's periodic crushes on strong, dynamic women such as Ellen Doubleday, wife of her American publisher, and actress Gertrude Lawrence parallel the compelling, often ambiguous heroines who define novels like REBECCA and MY COUSIN RACHEL. This is a fascinating biography for anyone interested in how novelists work, and is sure to awaken new interest in this fine, underrated author.
Pub Date: April 18, 2017
Duration: 13 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9781427282347
Publisher: Macmillan 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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