The voice of this audiobook--part thriller, part literary novel--is delivered with particular flair and conviction by narrator Gabrielle de Cuir. Charlie, née Clementine, is an expatriate American and retired master thief who is running a perfume shop in Paris when the Nazis arrive. Protector of a small group of misfits and potential deportees, Charlie matches wits with the Nazi officer who is commissioned with appropriating France's cultural treasures--including its legendary perfumes. This is a novel of atmosphere, and Charlie's tart, worldly observations roll off de Cuir's tongue with nonchalance--while her German adversary parries with a sleepy, serpentine menace. Not much real action happens, but the setting, the historical detail, and, in particular, the angle on perfume making, make this fascinating listening. Stefan Rudnicki reads an author's note at the end.
Pub Date: Aug. 3, 2021
Duration: 14 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9780593408155
Publisher: Random House Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Ayla, one of the "others," is adopted by a clan of Neanderthal cave people. She struggles to conform to their ways, but her advanced human traits overwhelm and threaten their primitive culture in this initial installment of an immensely popular series. Although the story might benefit from abridgment, Rowena Cooper easily carries out the formidable task of enlivening the mostly silent and stereotypical characters with consistent, diverse personalities and human dimension. Through skillful phrasing and inflection, she maintains the reader's interest and suspense, especially with Ayla and her plight, throughout this rambling and imaginative story.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 22 hrs
Publisher: BBC Audiobooks America/ Chivers
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
This lyrical, sensual novel of woman's lot in Manchu, China, is as well researched as it is well written. Authentic in tone, it's nonetheless written for Westerners by a Western expert on China. Moreover, Susan Clark performs the demanding text superbly, with only occasional signs of fatigue. For the most part she not only sustains the quaint diction and Asian atmosphere, but also, creates whole worlds with her voice. She acts the book, rather than reads it, and, in so doing, turns a pretty trifle into a stupendous beauty.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 4 hrs, 30 mins
Publisher: Audio Literature
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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