Download Popular Authors Audiobooks in Fiction, Historical

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Title: Morning Girl

Author: Michael Dorris

Narrator: Eliza, Reilly Duggan

Format: Abridged

Length: 1 hr and 21 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-06-05

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 25 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Beautifully painted in words by Michael Dorris, and performed with great sensitivity by sister/brother voices Eliza and Reilly Duggan, this exceptional recording will find its place in the hearts of listeners of all ages.

Critic Reviews:

"Soulful, affecting portrait." (Publishers Weekly) "Sibling rivalry, jealously, and love all are related with elegance and warmth, reflecting a simplicity of lifestyle and universality of experiences." (School Library Journal)

Members Reviews:

thoughtful and reflective

I enjoyed this story myself, and then played it on our trip to school for my 2 children , a girl and boy much the same ages as the characters in the story. Each chapter is alternatively narrated by morning girl or star boy, and the appropriate child eagerly awaited 'their turn' every other morning, for their 'own' point of view. They really enjoyed it, and the author has really gotten under the skin and into the thoughts of the children. perhaps some of it sank in for my kids-both the differing perspectives, but also how life can be so 'simple' (fifteenth century islanders) and different from what we know now, yet how much is the same. I know it was thoughtprovoking for me!

A story of a pure and lovely people.

Enchanting and descriptive. A beautiful read for all generations to understand the plight of native people.

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Title: Blonde

Author: Joyce Carol Oates

Narrator: Jayne Atkinson

Format: Abridged

Length: 8 hrs and 24 mins

Language: English

Release date: 09-30-04

Publisher: HarperAudio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 184 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

In her most ambitious work to date, Joyce Carol Oates, one of America's most distinguished writers, reimagines the inner, poetic, and spiritual life of Norma Jeane Baker, the child, the woman, the fated celebrity, and tells the story in Norma Jeane's own voice: startling, rich, and shattering.

Drawing on biographical and historical sources, Joyce Carol Oates evokes the distinct consciousness of the woman and the unsparing reflection of the myth, writing as she has never written before, ecstatic, completely absorbed, inhabited as if by the spirit of her extraordinary subject. Rich with psychological insight and disturbing irony, this mesmerizing narrative illumines Norma Jeane's lonely childhood, wrenching adolescence, and the creation of Marilyn Monroe.

With fresh insights into the heart of a celebrity culture hypnotized by its own myths, Blonde is a sweeping novel about the elusive magic of a woman, the lasting legacy of a star, and the heartbreak behind the creation of the most evocative icon of the 20th century.

Critic Reviews:

"Atkinson narrates Oates's fictional biography of Marilyn Monroe in an intense, slightly husky voice that immediately grabs and holds the listener's attention." (Publishers Weekly)

Members Reviews:

Why not "unabridged"

What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you?

I hate when publishers only support a summary of the book or an "abridged" version. It's offensive to people with reading disorders who will not receive the full benefit of the book.

ARE YOU KIDDING ME? NO UNABRIDGED VERSION?

What would have made Blonde better?

If I could have listened to the entire darned thing, instead of quitting 1/10 of the way through to read the REAL book. The narration was fantastic, and this is an incredible work of literature. WHY it had to be ruined...I have no idea.

What did you like best about this story?

I loved everything about it...too bad I was missing a HUGE part of the point.

Which scene was your favorite?

The one that I read afterwards when I had to RE READ THE BOOK to get the whole story. Possibly the one with Norma in the car, since THAT WAS COMPLETELY LEFT OUT AND CHANGED THE MEANING OF EVERYTHING.

You didnt love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

I absolutely adore this book. It's just too bad that it has been decided for us that we aren't intelligent or patient or deep enough to listen to the entire thing. JCO, WHAT ARE YOU THINKING????

Any additional comments?

I am so disappointed. I'd love a refund since I had to stop listening and buy the book anyway, once I realized all that I was missing out on.

Seriously need to redo the audio!!!

The narrations jumps all over the fucking place, skips some chapters and hundreds of paragraphs!? This seriously annoying and horrible, the book is great though the audible narration is a hot fucking mess omg!!!

This bombshell keeps making her way into my heart!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Absolutely! the author of this book and narrator really brought you close to Marilyn. It was a pleasure to listen to. I couldn't put it down.

What did you like best about this story?

The intimacy you got to share with marilyn from her fist moments to her last.

If you could rename Blonde, what would you call it?

i Wouldn't i think this title was perfectly chosen.

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Title: Grant Comes East

Author: Newt Gingrich, William R. Forstchen

Narrator: Boyd Gaines

Format: Unabridged

Length: 16 hrs and 15 mins

Language: English

Release date: 08-04-04

Publisher: Macmillan Audio

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 207 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Once again, Newt Gingrich and William Forstchen have created a brilliant story of how the Civil War could have unfolded. In Grant Comes East, they use their years of research and expertise to take their legions of fans on another remarkable journey.

Critic Reviews:

"An exciting alternative history of the Civil War....Vivid, detailed, and insightful. This is one of the best novels of the Civil War to appear in recent years." (Publishers Weekly)

"Notably original." (Booklist)

Members Reviews:

Great Story!!!

I really liked this book. Although fiction, it weaves an interesting tale that rings of actual history. The narrator adds a lot to this book with interesting inflection and accents. I can't wait for the next one.

part two is as good as 1

This 2nd episond is as good as the first. The Third is even better. I could not give a higher reccomendation. I was rivited. The time slipped by. When it ended I was craving more. Three cheers for the authors and three cheers for the narration.

Good Folllow-up to Gettysburg

I enjoyed this bood as much or more that part 1 (Gettysburg). Again, very well written facinating and easy to follow. Be warned that this is a part two of (I assume) three. I was not aware of this and am disappointed that I will have to wait for (again, I assume ...I do not know) the next chapter to see how this version of the Civil War ends.

Magnificent read and fascinating what-if.

Every character, North & South has a unique voice. Characters seem very real and the differences between the sides and individuals are revealing.

Great twist on what could have been

I very much enjoyed this book. I am a fanatical Civil War enthusiast so wasn't sure if I would like a different view on what could have happened. I do appreciate the explanation Gringrich gave of "Active History". Good book and very well narrated.

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Title: Copperhead

Subtitle: Nathaniel Starbuck Chronicles Book II

Author: Bernard Cornwell

Narrator: Tom Parker

Format: Unabridged

Length: 15 hrs and 25 mins

Language: English

Release date: 05-14-04

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 255 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Captain Nathaniel Starbuck, born in Boston but a Confederate hero at Manassas, is again in the thick of Civil War action. Bloodied but victorious at the battles of Ball's Bluff and Seven Pines, Nate suddenly finds himself accused of being a Yankee spy. Proving his innocence and finding the real spy will require courage and endurance rarely seen even in the brutal fog of war. Failure could mean the fall of Richmond and a career-ending defeat for Robert E. Lee.

Don't miss the rest of

's literary masterpieces.

Members Reviews:

A master story teller trips & falls

What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you?

A more believable and complex main character, any developed black characters at all, and not so many unlikely coincidences. (See my comments below.)

What do you think your next listen will be?

More Cornwell but not another book in the Starbuck series. It appears the author lost interest too. After 4 volumes that only got as far as Antietam, he stopped writing more installments in the series in 1996. Maybe he just gave up on trying to make an unbelievable main character believable.

What about Tom Parkers performance did you like?

Tom Parker's performance was first rate, bringing a wide variety of characters to life.

You didnt love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

Interesting historical detail & some engaging characters, other than the main one.

Any additional comments?

I am totally unconvinced after hearing two books in this series that the main character, Nate, given his background as the son of an abolitionist preacher and divinity student, would choose to fight for the South, especially after being brutally tortured by them. At one point, he mows down Yankees from his home town, Boston. His reasons and motives for doing so, when they are given at all, are thin and inconsistent with the rest of his character and experience. Simply saying he just had a "rebel streak," was a thoughtless kid or liked the guys he fought with doesn't cut it. Yes, there were Northern Copperheads who joined the South, but this one comes across as more of a convenient plot device than a real person. I just didn't find Nate Starbuck to be believable. Worse, he was often dull!

Also, through a wide variety of pretty well drawn characters from different social classes, the author tries to show what it was actually like to live in the South (not just on the battlefield) during the Civil War. That's commendable, but the problem is that none of these characters are black. I'm not just trying to be "politically correct" here. IMO, given the subject matter of the book, the choices made by the main character and the author's conscious development of many other Southerners, that's a huge, inexplicable, omission. Slavery is periodically deplored in the abstract. Contrary to old time conventional thinking, some Yankee characters don't mind it while some Southerners have no use for it (both of which are true), but slaves themselves appear for the most part as colorful backdrops. None of their characters or thoughts are developed over time or in detail. It's like Tom & Huck with no Jim.

I certainly don't believe the author condones slavery, but I thought he was superficial, uncomfortable and unconvincing in dealing with it.

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Title: Boone's Lick

Author: Larry McMurtry

Narrator: Will Patton

Format: Unabridged

Length: 6 hrs and 37 mins

Language: English

Release date: 11-06-00

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 281 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

The family sets out across the plains in search of him, encountering grizzly bears, stormy weather, and hostile Indians as they go. With them are Shay's siblings G.T., Neva, and Baby Marcy, Shay's uncle Seth, his Granpa Crackenthorpe, and Mary Margaret's beautiful half-sister Rose. During their journey they pick up a bare-footed priest named Father Villy, and a Snake Indian named Charlie Seven Days, and persuade them to come along.

Boone's Lick is high adventure, a perfect Western tale and a moving love story - it is vintage McMurtry, combining his brilliant character portraits, his unerring sense of the West and his unrivalled eye for the telling detail.

Critic Reviews:

"A zany performance of a zany story." (AudioFile)

Members Reviews:

No Lonesome Dove

Nevertheless, this is a fine offering. Read by my favorite audiobook reader, Will Patton, and written by one of my favorite authors, Larry McMurtry, this novel was a good time!

simply amazing

a simple story that follows a family across the west. hilarious and exciting. fill danger and comedy.

Enjoyable and Absorbing

Larry McMurtry is one of my favorite authors, and this book doesn't disappoint. The characters were endearing and the story absorbing and in a true McMurtry way, sometimes shocking. I highly recommend it.

Okay, but not great

Lonesome Dove this book is not. It is okay, pretty good, but not great. The story was good enough that it shocked me to find myself already at the end of the book, but it was such an abrupt ending... seemed there should have been more to the story.

Excellent

While Lonesome Dove is my all time greatest audiobook, I thoroughly enjoyed Boone's Lick. Mcmurtry describes the old West as it truly was.

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Title: The Berlin Stories

Author: Christopher Isherwood

Narrator: Michael York

Format: Abridged

Length: 2 hrs and 58 mins

Language: English

Release date: 12-16-99

Publisher: Phoenix Books

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 112 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Christopher Isherwood's dramatized memoirs are prophetic images of a country preparing itself to embrace Hitler and the Third Reich. The Berlin Stories includes two works published together: The Last of Mr. Norris and Goodbye to Berlin. These modern classics reveal in poignant detail the tragedy of mid-20th-century Germany.

©1990 Christopher Isherwood; (P)2005 Phoenix Audio

Members Reviews:

Marvelous performance of Isherwood's stories

Would you consider the audio edition of The Berlin Stories to be better than the print version?

I haven't read the print version. I can say that it was wonderful to hear the German words and placenames pronounced by Mr. York. He clearly has experience with the language and that lends a great deal to the immediacy of the stories.

What other book might you compare The Berlin Stories to and why?

The Audible version of Defying Hitler by Sebastian Hafner. Both authors were writing their personal experiences living in 1930s pre-war Berlin. Comparing the lightness of Isherwood's stories to the intensity and passion of Hafner's memoir shows how much difference it makes when you are just visiting a country instead of a citizen watching your homeland be comsumed by insanity.

Any additional comments?

I've been a fan of the musical Cabaret for decades--it's wonderful to hear the stories that show was based on.

Berlin just before the Nazi's move in

The Swastika is a little lie as these four or is it five stories are set about 1930s just before or as the Nazi's come to power. The undercurrent is there as is homosexuality and anti-semetic. The Weimar Republic is coming to an end and the Nazi's are still a joke but things are a changing. Well written and Michael York has such a beautiful speaking voice he is a pleasure to listen to, however as I think all these stories are different and are not connected the main characters sound like one and their personalities are almost equal. Still a nice listen to whilst driving the back lanes of Sydney.

Nothing happens...

The appeal of reading a diary is discovering something juicy or interesting. This diary has neither, because everything interesting seems to happen in the background. The Nazi's take over, but it hardly affects the narrator. He forges relationships that seem to go nowhere. I kept waiting for something significant to happen (you would think with a title like Berlin Diaries something would), but alas, nothing much did. Michael York does a superb job but ultimately this was disappointing.

Propaganda

Reads like sjw propaganda. Characters are transparent and one dimensional. After school special plot lines. Probably required reading now. One well written memorable line: "Berlin in winter is a frozen skeleton. My bones ache in it's streets." That was good. Read The Razors Edge and On the Road and The Electric Koolaid Acid Test. And get the vice of anti-establishment-ism.

goodbye to berlin

Any additional comments?

well read audiobook- incase anyone else wants to know 'Goodbye to Berlin' starts around 1hr 24minutes

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Title: So Much Owed

Author: Jean Grainger

Narrator: Michael Healy

Format: Unabridged

Length: 13 hrs and 24 mins

Language: English

Release date: 09-05-17

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 5 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

When Dr. Richard Buckley returns home to his wife and beloved hometown of Dunderrig, his mind is wearied by the ravages of The Great War. Disillusioned by the horror and pointlessness of battle, his civilian transition strains more than just his state of mind, as his marriage crumbles beneath the weight of duty.

Out of the rubble of this doomed relationship, twins James and Juliet arrive - born into an uncertain and hostile new world. Against the backdrop of this idyllic town, this story takes you to the furthest reaches of Nazi occupied Europe. James and Juliet come of age in a world on the brink of chaos, where the remnants of rebellion at home have snowballed into the horrors of yet another world war.

Historically rich and moving, the tale of two children from the Irish countryside caught in the throes of wartime Europe is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and its willingness to endure. Experience this critical time in history like never before in So Much Owed.

Members Reviews:

A great audio book to sink into!

I have a confession. I had already read this book on a kindle. But like some books that you cant get enough of, its always nice to view (or listen) to them from another medium as you know youre not going to be disappointed!

Ive done the same with all of the Stieg Larsson books, as well as Birdsong and Charlotte Gray by Sebastian Faulks, Tana French, Cormac McCarthy and even Frederick Forsyth.

Most audio books can be enjoyed while you get on with the humdrum tasks of life. Only a rare few like So Much Owed can be enjoyed simply by sitting down and closing your eyes.

Looking forward now to seeing this in the cinema!

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Title: Troubled Waters

Subtitle: Alan Lewrie Series, Book 14

Author: Dewey Lambdin

Narrator: John Lee

Format: Unabridged

Length: 12 hrs and 39 mins

Language: English

Release date: 03-21-17

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 70 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

It is the spring of 1800. Captain Alan Lewrie, fresh from victory in the South Atlantic, is back in England and fitting out his new frigate, the HMS Savage. But true to fashion, Lewrie can't stay ashore too long without trouble arising. A Jamaican court has tried him in absentia and sentenced him to hang for the theft of a dozen black slaves. The vengeful slave owner has made his way to London to seek Lewrie's end...with or without the majesty of the law! To complicate matters further, Lewrie must also deal with allegations that he is a faithless rakehell, as his wife has been informed through anonymous letters.

Despite shoreside legal matters, Lewrie takes the Savage on king's business to Southwest France, to plug the threat of enemy warships, privateers, and neutrals smuggling goods in and out of Bordeaux. It could be dull and plodding dreariness, but a bored Captain Alan Lewrie, safe in his post (for the moment), can be a dangerous fellow to his country's foes...if only to relieve the tedium!

Members Reviews:

Great book for my most favorite Nautical series

What did you love best about Troubled Waters?

Extremely well written and entertaining throughout. I listened to the entire book in just 2 days and just couldn't stop! I really liked how Mr. Lambdin gave great insight into 18th/19th century justice and at the same time kept it light and fun. The action is great.

What other book might you compare Troubled Waters to and why?

In some ways it reminds me of the early Ramage series by Dudley Pope. I loved the Ramage series but actually think that Mr. Lambdin's books are better written and more realistic.

What about John Lees performance did you like?

Listening to John Lee is like being able to watch a movie in your mind. His annunciation is simply wonderful and is performance is flawless and extremely consistent! Probably one of the best narrators out there.

If you could take any character from Troubled Waters out to dinner, who would it be and why?

Zachariah Twigg, of course. He is just about the most mysterious and one of the most interesting characters of the whole series. I would like to know details of his life we would be willing to tell.

Any additional comments?

The series is fantastic and I just wish Lewrie had little more good luck outside of his shipboard activities. For all he has done and accomplished he should be Lord Alan Lewrie at this point. It would also be nice to see him get more high ranking admirals behind him. It's too bad we have to wait a few books for him to be knighted and given his baronetcy.

Excellent!

Fantastic book! I can't wait to get the next book in the series! highly recommended.

An on going adventure!

Eagerly looking forward to the follow up escaped of our flamboyant, fun loving Royal Navy Hero.

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Title: Far Away Home

Author: Susan Denning

Narrator: Tavia Gilbert

Format: Unabridged

Length: 8 hrs and 51 mins

Language: English

Release date: 08-18-15

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 46 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

In post-Civil War New York City, sixteen-year-old Aislynn Denehy cannot find a job, she has no place to live and no family to help her. Some might think this is a problem; Aislynn believes it is an opportunity. No formulaic romance, this well-researched love story depicts life as it truly was for the thousands of women who went west reaching for a new life. Aislynn's journey begins in a New York City tenement and leads her across the frontier to a Utah mining camp where she must cope with the three very different men in her life: smart, solicitous Tim; good-natured, good-guy Johnny; and the intense but intriguing Liam Moran. Life in the roughshod camp brings small joys and devastating losses. Susan Denning's engaging debut novel races through authentic experiences involving historical events until it erupts in an unexpected ending.

©2006 Susan Denning (P)2015 Tantor

Members Reviews:

Terrible ending!

I really enjoyed this book, but the ending was just terrible. I hate a book that leaves to many unanswered questions

Disappointing

Good story and characters but it ended abruptly with no resolution. Some of the minor plot points were a bit predictable.

Ending terrible

This book ends way before it should and leaves you wondering what became of each of the members of the story. Is it a first in a damn sequel? I hate books with sequels oh my.

It is lame in its inaccuracies as well. I do not recommend it

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Title: How to Be Both

Subtitle: A Novel

Author: Ali Smith

Narrator: John Banks

Format: Unabridged

Length: 8 hrs and 29 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-28-15

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 91 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

How to Be Both is the dazzling new novel by Ali Smith. It is long-listed for the Man Booker Prize 2014. Passionate, compassionate, vitally inventive, and scrupulously playful, Ali Smith's novels are like nothing else. How to Be Both is a novel all about arts versatility. Borrowing from paintings fresco technique to make an original literary double-take, it's a fast-moving, genre-bending conversation between forms, times, truths, and fictions. Theres a Renaissance artist of the 1460s. Theres the child of a child of the 1960s. Two tales of love and injustice twist into a singular yarn where time gets timeless, structural gets playful, knowing gets mysterious, fictional gets real - and all lifes givens get given a second chance.

Members Reviews:

Impressive

Loved the interesting way stories are told. Impressive work of art and writing. I want to see the real paintings.

Incompetent Foreign Pronunciation

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

I never finish listening to, much less recommend, books in which the narrator has not taken the time to learn to pronounce foreign words correctly.

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of John Banks?

Banks is a good reader/actor, but Like so many narrators, he didn't study the pronunciation of foreign words, in this case Italian. It really detracts from the listening experience to hear names of places and major characters mispronounced. What would it take for the producer to require that a narrator work with an accent and pronunciation coach for a day?

Was How to Be Both worth the listening time?

See comments above.

Any additional comments?

Please don't give prompts for reviews as if we were in grade school.

unresolved ending

Choose your own adventure ending. This is Sad with really no resolution. A big disappointment.