Download the Popular Authors Audiobooks in Fiction, Historical

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Title: Skeletons at the Feast

Author: Chris Bohjalian

Narrator: Mark Bramhall

Format: Unabridged

Length: 12 hrs and 13 mins

Language: English

Release date: 09-02-08

Publisher: Random House Audio

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 149 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Among the group is 18-year-old Anna Emmerich, the daughter of Prussian aristocrats. There is her lover, Callum Finella, a 20-year-old Scottish prisoner of war who was brought from the stalag to her family's farm as forced labor. And there is a 26-year-old Wehrmacht corporal, who the pair know as Manfred - who is, in reality, Uri Singer, a Jew from Germany who managed to escape a train bound for Auschwitz.

As they work their way west, they encounter a countryside ravaged by war. Their flight will test both Anna's and Callum's love, as well as their friendship with Manfred - assuming any of them even survive.

Perhaps not since The English Patient has a novel so deftly captured both the power and poignancy of romance and the terror and tragedy of war. Skillfully portraying the flesh and blood of history, Chris Bohjalian has crafted a rich tapestry that puts a face on one of the 20th century's greatest tragedies - while creating, perhaps, a masterpiece that will haunt listeners for generations.

Critic Reviews:

"Careful research and an unflinching eye...Bohjalian's well-chosen descriptions capture the anguish of a tragic era and the dehumanizing desolation wrought by war." (Publisher's Weekly)

Members Reviews:

very enjoyable

I did enjoy this narrator . He was excellent. Very believable story.

A View of WWII from a Different Perspective

The first 15 minutes were a tough sell, but then, I became totally engaged by this story.

It is one in which the perspectives of Nazism and the war are told from the perception of German citizens who were both fighting the war and fleeing from it. The story told of Germans who supported the Reich, who questioned the Reich and who fought against the Reich.

It is told from the perspective of a prisoner of war from Scotland, an escaped Jew who survived by adopting the identity of fallen German and Russian soldiers, and from a Jewish woman held in the German work camps.

I found it required careful listening as the author changed voices with little notice and little or no segues.That is not to fault the book, it is just the author's MO.

This is a good story; an abundance of violence and death; a bit of romance; and in the end, a realistic story about the true nature of war -- any war.

An Amazing Story

The is a wonderful, heart wrenching story about the victims of Hitlers war. Mark Bramhall provided exceptional narration for an extremely well crafted book.

Ron Licata

Chris Bohjalian always delivers

His novels are diverse in subject with unpredictable storylines. Always riveting. While part about the British POW seems implausible it was still a beautiful story.

I wasn't fond of the accents used to differentiate the characters, but that's the only negative I can report.

a Haunting Tableau; a Loving Tribute.

This book offers a glimpse into the lives of 3 young adults whose lives converge during the latter part of WWII in Germany. Anna is a German girl raised by a powerful and wealthy man. She falls in love with Callum who is a Scottish POW. They all befriend Uri, a Jewish German who has escaped the camps by posing as German and Russian soldiers. Their lives intersect and they share their travels towards freedom. The topic matter has been explored often and remains rich and full of stories that provoke both thought and emotion.

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Title: The Steel Wave

Subtitle: A Novel of World War II

Author: Jeff Shaara

Narrator: Anthony Heald

Format: Abridged

Length: 6 hrs and 8 mins

Language: English

Release date: 08-29-08

Publisher: Random House Audio

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 11 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

General Dwight Eisenhower once again commands a diverse army that must find its single purpose in the destruction of Hitler's European fortress. His primary subordinates, Omar Bradley and Bernard Montgomery, must prove that this unique blend of Allied armies can successfully confront the might of Adolf Hitler's forces, who have already conquered Western Europe.

On the coast of France, German commander Erwin Rommel fortifies and prepares for the coming invasion, acutely aware that he must bring all his skills to bear on a fight his side must win. But Rommel's greatest challenge is to strike the Allies on his front, while struggling behind the lines with the growing insanity of Adolf Hitler, who thwarts the strategies Rommel knows will succeed.

Meanwhile, Sergeant Jesse Adams, a no-nonsense veteran of the 82nd Airborne, parachutes with his men behind German lines into a chaotic and desperate struggle. And as the invasion force surges toward the beaches of Normandy, Private Tom Thorne of the 29th Infantry Division faces the horrifying prospects of fighting his way ashore on a stretch of coast more heavily defended than the Allied commanders anticipate - Omaha Beach.

From G.I. to general, this story carries the reader through the war's most crucial juncture, the invasion that altered the flow of the war, and, ultimately, changed history.

Members Reviews:

Best reader ever!

Best reader ever. Outstanding book. So well written. Sheera is a great author. This may be his best!

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Title: An Absolute Scandal

Author: Penny Vincenzi

Narrator: Rosalyn Landor

Format: Unabridged

Length: 35 hrs and 2 mins

Language: English

Release date: 06-05-08

Publisher: Books on Tape

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 62 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Set during the boom-and-bust years of the 1980s, An Absolute Scandal follows the lives of a group of people drawn together by their mutual monetary woes when the great financial institution Lloyd's undergoes a devastating downturn.

For Nigel Cowper, this means the destruction of his family business. His wife, Lucinda, is willing to do everything she can to help him - except give up her irresistible lover. The powerful, charismatic banker Simon Beaumont and his wife, a highly successful advertising executive, lose everything they worked so hard to acquire. But the ultimate tragedy is something that neither one could have anticipated.

The well-to-do are not the only ones suffering: a self-sufficient widow is suddenly deep in debt; a single mother struggles to maintain a comfortable home for her children; and a schoolmaster and his frustrated wife find that financial problems deepen the cracks in their troubled marriage.

As their lives begin a downward spiral, these characters intersect in ways they never saw coming. Written in what has become her signature style of both wit and candor, Penny Vincenzi draws back the curtain and offers an inside view of the greed and social power plays that occur behind the closed doors of upper-crust society...where money isn't everything. Sometimes, it's the only thing.

Members Reviews:

A virtuoso performance!

The narrator, Roslyn Landow, does an amazing job with the voices of the numerous characters--men and women, all ages, all walks of life, with various regional British accents. The characters lives are intertwined in surprising and exciting ways in this novel of financial and romantic adventure. The novel's long, but I didn't want it to end!

An Absolutely Wonderful Audiobook

I never thought 35 hours would fly by, but they did! An engaging story and impeccable narration make this an audiobook not to be missed. When the book ended, I found myself missing the characters.

Rosalyn Landor's performance is one of the best I've encountered in hundreds of audiobooks. She nearly rivals Jim Dale in her ability to distinctly voice a dozen or more characters. The story is read with such feeling and each character's voice suits his personality so well.

The story was standout as well. One of the markers of a great story for me is one where I am compelled to feel forgiving of characters who do seemingly unforgivable things. The characters are so well developed, which is especially commendable given that there are so many of them.

There are two things that keep me from giving the story five stars. First, the story is set in the 80's and early 90's, and while I found it easy to fall into the era, sometimes it seemed as if the author tried to stuff in too many cultural references to the era. While mostly the stage was set perfectly, there were a few instances where references to technology or pop culture seemed forced, and I actually found myself taken out of the setting rather then plunged further into it. Second, the ending was acceptable, but it could have been outstanding. I won't say any more so as not to spoil it for those who haven't read it.

All in all, a bargain at two credits.

Don't miss it

This is a great book and a wonderful performance by Rosalyn Landor. She makes the author's cast come alive.

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Title: Glamorous Powers

Author: Susan Howatch

Narrator: Dermont Crowley

Format: Unabridged

Length: 19 hrs and 24 mins

Language: English

Release date: 03-05-08

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 74 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

In 1940, Jon Darrow, a man who has played many parts, returns to the world he once renounced. But faced with many unforeseen temptations, he fails to control his psychic powers. Corruption lies in wait for him, threatening his future as a priest.

©1988 Leaftree Ltd; (P)2014 Audible, Inc.

Critic Reviews:

"Fascinating...convincing...believable." (Newsday)

Members Reviews:

Heart & Soul

As a fan of Howatch's Starbridge series, I knew what to expect from this wonderful book and it did not disappoint! The highest compliment I can give to a narrator is that they are the wind beneath the wings of the story - not a distraction. The narration seemed flawless. The book itself? There's deft handling of dialogue from rich, fully drawn characters and an absorbing plot that fleshes out themes of personal spirituality, corporate religion, struggles with the flesh, and complicated human relationships. This book can stand alone, as all of Howatch's books may be read independently. Reading other books in the series (each narrated by a different character) gives eye opening perspective and incredible richness to Howatch's complex and fascinating world. The author wrote most of the series while living in view of the gorgeous, medieval Salisbury Cathedral in the Cathedral Close.This is a series I reread every couple of years when I begin to miss the characters - thankfully, now I can get some things accomplished while listening to these old favorites on my ipod! I highly recommend this title.

Enjoyed it much more on a second reading.

I am working my way back through Susan Howatchs Church of England series. This six book series is about four different Church of England clergy told from five different main characters (one is told from the perspective of a mistress) over 30 year period.

Glamorous Powers was probably my least or second least favorite of the series on the first reading. But I discovered a lot more depth on a second reading. The first time I read this on kindle, this time I switched to audiobook.

As with all of Howatchs writing, I think there is too much melodrama. But the melodrama makes a lot of sense to the story here. Jon Darrow is an Anglian monk. He is Abbot of one of the houses of the Fordite order (the order is fictional, but according to Wikipedia there are about 2400 Anglican Monks or Nuns around today.)

Darrow is the spiritual director from Glittering Images, the first book in the series. In the first book, Darrow was a near perfect figure, always knowing what to do, in near perfect communion with God and using his psychic abilities for spiritual direction. But several years after the first book he receives a vision that he interprets is a sign from God to leave the order and re-enter the world.

Earlier in his life, Darrow was married, had two children and after his wife died and his kids moved from home, he entered the monastic life and for 17 years followed his calling there. The first quarter of the book is about Darrow receiving the vision and then receiving spiritual direction from his superior (and long term competitor).

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Title: Hester Roon

Author: Norah Lofts

Narrator: Penelope Freeman

Format: Unabridged

Length: 13 hrs and 46 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-29-08

Publisher: ISIS Audio Books

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 23 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

The Fleece Inn stood where the three roads joined - the roads to London, to Norwich, and to the sea. Its trade was prosperous, its hospitality famous, and the host was jolly and generous. To his servants he was cruel and menacing, and to Ellie Roon, the most menial servant at the Fleece, he was a figure of terror. Ellie was used to being bullied, but when her illegitimate daughter was born - in a rat-ridden attic of the Fleece - she decided that Hester must have a different kind of life. And so, Hester Roon began her eventful progress in the harsh world of 18th century England. After fleeing from the inn, and the attentions of the owner, she became involved in the London underworld. From there she found herself in a world far beyond her imaginings.

©1940 Norah Lofts; (P)2008 Soundings

Members Reviews:

Hester Roon

I'm a fan of historical fiction. This was one of those stories that I couldn't quit listening to.

I loved how the story was so detailed but without using language that was offensive. The view of history in those times is informative and real as to how people actually lived. I can recommend this book to anyone who loves a good read. The author left the ending so that an ongoing history of Hester's life would make another great read.

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Title: A Golden Age

Subtitle: A Novel

Author: Tahmima Anam

Narrator: Madhur Jaffrey

Format: Unabridged

Length: 9 hrs and 9 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-08-08

Publisher: HarperAudio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 42 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

But none of the guests at Rehana's party can foresee what will happen in the days and months ahead. For this is 1971 in East Pakistan, a country on the brink of war. And this family's life is about to change forever.

Set against the backdrop of the Bangladesh War of Independence, A Golden Age is a story of passion and revolution, of hope, faith, and unexpected heroism. In the chaos of this era, everyone, from student protesters to the country's leaders, from rickshaw'wallahs to the army's soldiers, must make choices. And as she struggles to keep her family safe, Rehana will be forced to face a heartbreaking dilemma.

Editorial Reviews:

The experience of Rehana Haque, mother of two, is set against the backdrop of the 1971 Bangladesh war for independence. As a young widowed mother, Rehana loses custody of her children. After she gets them back, she vows never to lose them again. But Rehana cannot insulate her family from the war's impact - her children become involved in the rebellion. The talented Madhur Jaffrey narrates this story evenly and compassionately, drawing listeners into Rehana's life and the complexities of civil war. Creating memorable characters through subtle shifts in tone and accent, Jaffrey gives life to imperious Indian women, humble servants, and fervent college students. Her portrait of Rehana - devoted mother, unlikely heroine - is particularly nuanced and compelling.

Critic Reviews:

"An immersive, wrenching narrative." (Publishers Weekly)

Members Reviews:

sad, poignant, thought-provoking, beautiful

Excellent narration! Difficult situations occur throughout this story, but the descriptions are not overly drawn out or exhausting. Throughout the tale one hears understanding, compassion and faith. This is a compelling peak into the turmoil Indians, Pakistanis and Bangladeshis have endured in recent times. Wonderful character development.

five star, with reservations

Like "A Thousand Splendid Suns," this is a GOOD novel made more important by the story it tells. From a literary point of view, it's probably a better novel than "Suns", but one point concerns me: I don't think there's a sympathetic portrait of even one minor Pakistani character. In a novel depicting war, no matter how aggressive the opponent nation, I think a detail like that is important to help stop the cycle of dehumanization that allows war.

The novel relates a struggle that was too soon forgotten by the West, even after the flood of publicity that followed George Harrison's "Concert for Bangladesh" (the first big "charity/consciousness raising concert) in the aftermath of the environmental and famine crisis that followed the civil war.

We know that the newly independent Bangladesh had victories in terms of human rights and just government, but also setbacks. It remains a story that we ought to know more about, and the author has provided an excellent starting point in an accessible but absorbing novel that manages to communicate the horrors of war without leaving a listener in psychic numbness. She also hints indirectly in the story at some of the causes of the eventual rise of Islamist fundamentalism among some of the population.

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Title: The Religion

Subtitle: A Novel

Author: Tim Willocks

Narrator: Simon Vance

Format: Unabridged

Length: 25 hrs and 23 mins

Language: English

Release date: 05-08-07

Publisher: Macmillan Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 293 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

In Messina, Sicily, a French countess, Carla la Penautier, seeks a passage to Malta in a quest to find the son taken from her at his birth 12 years ago. The only man with the expertise and daring to help her is a Rabelaisian soldier of fortune, arms dealer, former janissary, and strapping Saxon adventurer by the name of Mattias Tannhauser. He agrees to accompany the lady to Malta, where, amidst the most spectacular siege in military history, they must try to find the boy - whose name they do not know and whose face they have never seen - and pluck him from the jaws of Holy War.

The Religion is Book One of The Tannhauser Triology, and from the first page of this epic account of the last great medieval conflict between East and West, it is clear we are in the hands of a master. Not since James Clavell has a novelist so powerfully and assuredly plunged readers headlong into another place and time. Anne Rice transformed the vampire novel. Stephen King reinvented horror. Now, in a spectacular tale of heroism, tragedy, and passion, Tim Willocks revivifies historical fiction.

Critic Reviews:

"Willocks...strikes gold with this epic account." (Publishers Weekly)

Members Reviews:

This captured me

From the very start of this story, I was drawn into it so completely, I didn't want to stop. The history and horror of the time is vivid and passionate. If you enjoy Historical Novels and Simon Vance reads beautifully, you will enjoy this piece. I hope there will be a follow up on this novel.

Rip-roaring adventure!

Willocks doesn't believe in using one word when four will do, but his story of soldier of fortune Mattias Tannhauser and his adventures on Malta during the great siege will capture the listener. Simon Vance delivers an extraordinary reading. Looking forward to Volume 2, as this is supposed to be a trilogy.

Excellent narration

This is an interesting, adventure story that exposed me to a period in history I had not previously explored. I agree with previous reviewers that character development is somewhat lacking and I found the "love scenes" to be quite unimaginative, despite the detail. Like others, I too tired of the overly long and gory battle scenes. I understand that this is the first book of a trilogy and I hope that future volumes are a bit more fully realized and not so bloody.

Rich Tapestry

Rich tapestry is a much used phrase, maybe overused; however The Religion is definitely a rich tapestry. The characters are alive. I cared about them. They wove themselves and their situations into my waking hours -- and some of my dreams. Vivid! Alive! The story was whole, a tale, a spoken ballad to be sung again and again. Unlike many books who tell a story to get to the end - the climax; this book lives, has a past, present, and future. It allows for a full range of emotions to be experienced and treasured. Thank you, Tim.

gripping but shallow & too graphic

First, this is a "page turner." It is a very gripping book and the narration is excellent. That said, the book has two flaws which make it something of a one time read rather than a book that I will return to again.

1)My first criticism is a little superficial: This is without exception, the most graphic book I have ever read.

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Title: The Taste of Innocence

Author: Stephanie Laurens

Narrator: Elizabeth Sastre

Format: Abridged

Length: 6 hrs and 5 mins

Language: English

Release date: 02-22-07

Publisher: HarperAudio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 89 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

For no gentleman is this more true than Charles Morwellan. As Lord Meredith, he must marry, so he proposes to his neighbor, Sarah Conningham. She's intelligent enough to run his social life, beautiful enough to grace his arm, and old enough to know the value of his offer. But as a lady of independent means, Sarah is unwilling to surrender unless it is for unbounded love.

Charles convinces Sarah to give him two weeks to win her, after which, if he succeeds, they will marry immediately. And so begins an intense courtship. By day, Charles and Sarah are models of decorum. Each night, they steal away - and sensual embraces turn to searing kisses, which soon become much more.

After the wedding, despite nights of insatiable passion, Charles maintains an aloof distance. Sarah battles to prove that true love is a force that can't be contained, but it's only when she's engulfed in a web of increasingly dangerous incidents that Charles discovers how much he's willing to surrender to protect the taste of innocence.

Members Reviews:

too short

this is the usual great stuff from stephanie laurens, although I would prefer an unabridged format. it's hot sexy and exciting.

loved this book

I do believe that you will like this book as much as I have, try this one and see, i know that I will read this one again.

AS expected

A thouroughly servicable historical romance but nothing more.

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Title: Red River

Author: Lalita Tademy

Narrator: Bahni Turpin

Format: Unabridged

Length: 13 hrs and 30 mins

Language: English

Release date: 12-28-06

Publisher: Books on Tape

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 121 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Hailed as "remarkable" (Philadelphia Inquirer), "astonishing" (Essence), and "spellbinding" (Detroit Free Press), Lalita Tademy's first novel, Cane River, was a New York Times best seller and the 2001 Oprah Book Club Summer Selection. Now, once again, Tademy weaves together history and the story of her own family to bring us an epic work of fiction - the dramatic, intertwining tale of two families struggling to make peace for themselves in an America deeply divided after the Civil War.

Critic Reviews:

"Through her characters, the author paints an indelible portrait of rural life under Jim Crow, built around backbreaking farm labor, blood ties that bind and chafe, and the omnipresent fear of a capricious white racism that can undo in a moment the work of a lifetime. Combining family anecdotes with historical research and a rich imagination, Tademy crafts another American epic." (Publishers Weekly)

Members Reviews:

Stilted, painful for the listener

What was most disappointing about Lalita Tademys story?

Stilted narrative, most of which was done in third person. The narrator did a fine job, but can't overcome the book's glacial pace. Charitably gave it two points for the subject matter. I liked Cane River, but not this one. I wish I could get my credit back.

What does Bahni Turpin bring to the story that you wouldnt experience if you just read the book?

I liked her, but she couldn't save this book.

Red river

This book was part of an assignment for a college History course and I enjoyed reading it so much, I wanted it as an audible. It made me feel for so many of the characters-agony, sorrow, anger and disgust. And the fact that these aren't just made up characters but a piece of history-terrifying!

Hard To Finish!

What would have made Red River better?

The characters' plots were to hard to follow. I always felt as if all stories were "unfinished" and I could not keep up with who belonged to who.

Has Red River turned you off from other books in this genre?

Yes. I do not want to continue to the next book in the series.

How did the narrator detract from the book?

I could not ever settle into the rhythm of this narrator's voice as I did with Cane River.

Excellent

This story evokes both anger and pride. It weaves reality and fiction perfectly. I highly recommend this book to history buffs.

I truly enjoyed

This is the second book from lalita tadamy that I have listened to. I didn't want it to end.

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Title: Monkey Town

Author: Ronald Kidd

Narrator: Ashley Albert

Format: Unabridged

Length: 6 hrs

Language: English

Release date: 12-12-06

Publisher: Listening Library

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 8 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

School is out in the summer of 1925 in Dayton, Tennessee. For Frances Robinson, a 15-year-old daydreamer with a crush on her teacher, John T. Scopes, summer vacation promises tennis and Coca-Colas from her father's drug store. But when Frances' father, the school board chairman, has Scopes arrested for teaching evolution, the sleepiest place on earth becomes a hotbed for famous thinkers, including H.L. Mencken, Clarence Darrow, and William Jennings Bryan.

Overnight, the world is flocking to Dayton to decide important questions: Are people really descended from monkeys? Does the theory of evolution have a place in biology class? As Frances sees the man she loves crumbling beside her, she begins to question her town, her neighbors, and the father she has always trusted.

Critic Reviews:

"Kidd's personal relationship with account witnesses and his talent for storytelling create a unique and heartfelt story...An excellent read and a wonderful piece of literature." (School Library Journal)

Members Reviews:

... my middle school library and thought it was an excellent narration of the historic evolution trial held in America

Had this book in my middle school library and thought it was an excellent narration of the historic evolution trial held in America. The historic figures who took part in this trial were written with much detail. The writer's best friend's mother attended the trial and he was able to interview her. His friend's grandfather was part of the decision making process to hold the trial in this particular community. I feel sad that he has not written another book since this book. It is important history in light of what is happening today in our country with the science deniers.

Interesting viewpoint.

did not realize was a historical fiction youth book. but was most interesting in giving the history surrounding the Scopes Trial. I had heard so much in reference to it, I wanted more facts. Enjoyed it probably more than a transcript of the trial.

Excellent purchase.

Well written book that tells a complex story in the words of a young girl. Excellent purchase.

Won't you take me to, Monkey Town?

You know what the bane of a children's librarian's life is? Well-written middle reader titles. You know what I mean. They're those charming tomes with protagonists that are young teens. These books are written with a very definite readership in mind and they are a nightmare to deal with collectionwise. If your local library has a children's section AND a teen section, where do you put a book like, "Monkey Town"? It's so incredibly well-written with interesting facts and some amazing plotting that you're inclined to put it in the children's room. Then again, the character is obviously a teen and we're dealing with some pretty heavy topics in this novel. Evolution. The existence of God. Small town life vs. big city snobbery. This is a coming of age novel in the best sense of the term, but it makes my life a misery. It would have been so much easier to catalogue had the book been badly written or boring. Then I could have just urged the Powers That Be not to purchase it at all. Instead, I'll reluctantly hand it to the Young Adult librarians in my branch and pray that tweens and early teens find it lurking there.