Author Yangsze Choo narrates her lovely historical novel, set in colonial Malaysia. The story's protagonist, a young Chinese woman, is likable due in large part to Choo's sympathetic characterization and portrayal. Her soft tone and gentle cadence resonate with the novel's ghostly aura as the main character is haunted in her dreams. Choo differentiates between the various characters by changes in pitch, most notably in the much older woman, Amah. Rich description, precision of detail, and a slight hint of a British accent establish the uniqueness of this coming-of-age novel. Those looking for a literary novel that is enhanced in the audio version will not be disappointed.
Pub Date: Aug. 6, 2013
Duration: 12 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9780062263346
Publisher: Harper 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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