Perhaps a history of the violence-prone Vikings, including many surprising, even shocking, details, calls for a vigorous, intense narration, but Samuel Roukin sometimes overdoes it, sounding overwrought, even angry. Fortunately, his narration is thoughtfully expressive even at the pitch he's chosen. He matches sound and sense with intelligence, even sensitivity--he could be the author reading. And he does, eventually, sometimes, vary the dynamics. His pronunciation of Old Norse seems convincing, but some other foreign words--names of people and places--less so. While he could have toned the energy down a notch, his deep voice, British accent, good pacing, understanding of the text, and congenial manner win the listener over, making the program solidly informative and consistently interesting.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2020
Duration: 17 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781501936067
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Carol Matthau epitomizes a glamour and lifestyle not associated with the 1990's. Here is a life of privilege, tragedy and worry about what friends would think of her new frock or lover. Matthau possesses a voice and delivery that simply could not be improved on. In her coy whisper, she tells compelling stories involving everyone from William Saroyan (husband #1) and Truman Capote to Carson McCullers, Gloria Vanderbilt, and Walter Matthau (husband #2). This excellent audio presentation will leave you wanting to read the entire book to discover what juicy tidbits were left out.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 3 hrs
Publisher: The Publishing Mills
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
A look at ancient art becomes an appealing pleasure in Gardner’s expert performance.
Grover Gardner’s narration of this history of the excavation of ancient Antioch (once in Syria, now in Turkey) initially seems slow and almost intoned, as if for a prayer or the start of an epic. The approach is a bit heavy for this affable, conversational examination of archaeological practice, art history, the nature of mosaic, and the handling of artistic relics by museums and institutions. But Gardner’s relaxed pace allows the listener to be absorbed in the material and to take full pleasure in his phrasing, the quiet expressiveness of his tones, his notable warmth, and his careful but effortless rendering of the text’s meaning.
A look at ancient art becomes an appealing pleasure in Gardner’s expert performance.Pub Date: Aug. 25, 2026
Duration: 10 hrs, 8 mins
DD ISBN: 9781797198224
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Review Posted Online: Sept. 29, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 15, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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