At first, Stefan Rudnicki’s gravelly masculinity sounds too gruff for Nabokov’s lithesome prose, and too weighty for the sinuous architecture of this seemingly meandering memoir. But like the path of those butterflies Nabokov so extols, the narrative line is artfully focused and intricately coded, and over the course of its chapters Rudnicki proves his command of this most cosmopolitan and connotative of writers, in each of his several languages. Rudnicki’s steady, unstrained delivery works both as complement and counterbalance to elements that might seem gossamer or arcane in a lighter voice. More important, he gives Nabokov’s text its value in precision of enunciation and syntax, the base elements from which Nabokov weaves his magic. And most important of all, he makes Nabokov, who often seems unapproachable, a persona in voice that is a bit stiff and pedantic, but charming and amiable, too. Beguiling and superbly produced, this bittersweet rendition will appeal to lovers of Nabokov and those experiencing their first taste.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2010
Duration: 9 hrs, 45 mins
Publisher: Audible Inc./ Brilliance Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Karen Chilton's fluid alto is a good fit for this biography of Thomas Jefferson. The authors are more or less successful in their attempt to present the third president in the context of his times. What we are presented with is a very human being--possessing great intellect, filled with flaws and contradictions, and still immensely fascinating nearly three centuries after his birth. Chilton's pacing and inflection are never off. She narrates with a calm demeanor, competently affecting various accents for quotes and ably giving subtle expression to the narrative. It all adds up to an enjoyable listening experience.
Pub Date: Feb. 4, 2016
Duration: 14 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781501909993
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
This rags-to-riches memoir recounts the business life of Sam Wyly as he made his way from IBM salesman in the early 1960s to the owner of Sterling Software and Michael's stores, as well as a chain of restaurants, among other companies. Along the way, Wyly tells of his investment strategies, his business partners, his successes, and his failures. Phil Gigante reads this business story with a steady voice that lulls listeners instead of exciting them. In addition to the occasional odd pronunciation, Gigante's voice is barely modulated, and he fails to engage emotionally. Nonetheless, this title offers an interesting view of how to invest in your business, making it grow while weathering an ever-changing economy.
Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2008
Duration: 9 hrs
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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