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Title: As the Earth Turns Silver

Author: Alison Wong

Narrator: Heather Bolton

Format: Unabridged

Length: 7 hrs and 40 mins

Language: English

Release date: 02-24-11

Publisher: Bolinda Publishing Pty Ltd

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 2 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

It is 1905 and brothers Yung and Shun eke out a living as green grocers near Wellington's bustling Chinatown. The pair work to support their families back in China, but know they must adapt if they are to survive and prosper in their adopted home. Nearby, Katherine McKechnie struggles to raise her rebellious son and daughter following the death of her husband Donald. A strident right-wing newspaperman, Donald terrorised his family, though was idolised by his son. Chancing upon Yung's grocery store one day, Katherine is touched by his unexpected generosity. In time, a clandestine relationship develops between the immigrant and the widow, a relationship Katherine's son Robbie cannot abide. As World War I rolls on, and young men are swept up on a tide of macho patriotism, Robbie takes his family's honour into his own hands. In doing so, he places his mother at the heart of a tragedy that ill affect everyone and everything she holds dear.

Powerful, moving and unforgettable, As the Earth Turns Silver announces the arrival of a bold new voice in contemporary fiction.

Members Reviews:

Disappointed

As this book had won the 2009 Janet Frame Fiction Award I looked forward to reading this novel which was based on early 20th Century New Zealand Social History, which is a special interest of mine. However, I was disappointed. The story idea was promising, but I felt the actual story line was weak and I kept thinking most of the dialogue and thought processes of the characters were all a bit too far fetched for the period.

Four Stars

Thoroughly enjoyed this NZ book. Loved reading about early Wellington

Somthing to think about.

Well written and evocative. Was a very realistic account of the times and attitudes to chinese immigrants and the difficulties they and

women faced from the patriachial society of the day. The power of jealousy and the unexpected tradgedies caused by uncontrolled behaviour.

I thought it was great.

Touching Sad Story

Well written and poignant tale about a white woman who falls in love with a Chinese man during a racially discordant time. I enjoyed this book and will look forward to more work by this author.

A great story

In the middle of our dreary grey winter I wanted a book to curl up with in front of the fire and be taken into a different world...I picked up this book and loved it from the first chapter.

The story is set in Wellington,New Zealand, from the late nineteenth century to the 1920's. Some chapters dash back to China to give background to the Chinese characters.

The writing is clear and the language handled in such a way that it's very easy to see the characters and the Wellington described.

The main character is Katherine, recently widowed. At a time when women were challenging traditional female roles in society, she begins a clandestine relationship with the local Chinese grocer,Yung.

She is employed by Mrs Newton, who is an advocate for women's rights and civil rights in general and is a colourful, assertive character who brings change into Katherine's life and opens a whole different set of opportunities for Edie, Katherine's daughter.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading As the Earth Turns Silver and count it as one of the better reads of the year!

Alison Wong is a New Zealand poet and this is her first novel.

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Title: People of the Bear Mother

Subtitle: Periplus of the Sea of Souls

Author: T D. Austin

Narrator: Tracy Carreon

Format: Unabridged

Length: 21 hrs and 20 mins

Language: English

Release date: 02-07-11

Publisher: Hudson Audio Publishing

Ratings: 2 of 5 out of 8 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

SHAMANS, AVATARS, AND PAINTED CAVES

Little Bear, a beautiful and gifted cave artist, descends into the depths of the Great Cave, guided by the most powerful shaman of her tribe, the People of the Bear Mother. There, she is to paint a new image portraying her people's most significant myth. But before she may enter the deepest chambers of the awesome cave, she must be initiated as a shaman herself. In spite of her fear of the old shaman, her reluctance to take the shaman's path, and her mother's strong opposition, Little Bear agrees to accept this life-altering invitation to embark on her soul's great hero adventure. How will this journey into the depths of her own psyche transform her life among the People? How will this adventure change all the subsequent lifetimes this soul's avatars will experience? And what is the meaning of Little Bear's mysterious "lion eye"?

To enrich these stories of past lives, which are coming through as a result of a recent creative opening, Austin draws on a lifetime of study of actual archaeological finds, specifically those of the oldest artwork in the world, the paintings of the 35,000-year-old Chauvet Cave in southern France. The meaning of this cave art is revealed through the story of Little Bear, as are universal human truths that have resonance and meaning for all of us today.

Critic Reviews:

Joseph Campbell taught us the inner dimensions of the heroic journey which we are all to take. In People of the Bear Mother, Austin tells us a story that reveals the origins and meaning of ancient cave paintings and we learn about the power of initiation through the animal envoys of the unseen powers that still inhabit our universe. This is truly a mythic tale that will remain in the imagination for a lifetime. (Dr. Jonathan Young, PhD. Founding Curator, Joseph Campbell Archives, Center for Story and Symbol, Santa Barbara)

Members Reviews:

People of the Bear Mother

Does not even come close to Jean Auel's classic, Clan of the Cave Bear. Terrible comparison... I bought it and would give it back if it was possible!

Long, laborious and boring. It is not about the people of the Bear Mother; it is about one person going thru primitive rights.

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Título: El ritual de las doncellas [The Ritual of the Maidens]

Autor: José Calvo Poyato

Narrador: Fernando Díaz

Formato: Unabridged

Duración: 7 hrs and 26 mins

Idioma: Español

Fecha de publicación: 12-08-10

Editor: Audiomol

Calificaciones: 3.5 de 5 de 6 votos

Categorías: Fiction, Historical

Resumen del editor:

Un peculiar detective del siglo XVII llamado Capablanca, junto con su inseparable ayudante Fray Hortensio, se verá envuelto en un misterio, justo cuando está a punto de embarcar rumbo hacia las Indias. Se han producido una serie de asesinatos, sus víctimas siempre son mujeres y las muertes parecen obedecer a una especie de ritual sangriento. Capablanca descubrirá que el Madrid barroco de los bajos fondos y las altas esferas del poder no están tan alejados como cabría pensar.

Please note: This audiobook is in Spanish.

Opiniones de los miembros:

¡Excelente!

Definitivamente Fernando Díaz es el mejor narrador de Audible. El libro tiene muy buena estructura.

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Title: Homer and Langley

Author: E. L. Doctorow

Narrator: William Hope

Format: Unabridged

Length: 6 hrs and 37 mins

Language: English

Release date: 11-01-10

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 5 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Brilliant brothers Langley and Homer Collyer are born into bourgeois New York comfort in settled times, their home a fin-de-siècle mansion on upper Fifth Avenue, their future rosy. But before he is out of his teens, Homer begins to lose his sight, Langley returns from the War in Europe with his lungs seared by gas, and when the death of their parents in the influenza epidemic of 1918 leaves the brothers orphaned, they seem perilously ill-equipped to deal with the new era.

Around Central Park, carriages give way to motor cars and prohibition to free love, but Homer and Langley adapt. As the world turns ever more incomprehensible, Homer and Langley hold fast to their principles of self-reliance, courage, kindness, and love.

Members Reviews:

Felt like homely distant uncles.

When I began listening to this novel, I wasnt too taken by the content or narrator. I felt the narrative was too involved and too tight. To keep it short and sweet though, as I listened on, I began to really like these two characters and the personalities they brought to me as we moved on in time. The people coming into their lives and the happiness and sorrow of lifes' movement. I felt sad when they left us and the book came to its end. Its very much a saga of their lives to near-present day with all the life changes we all have tio make as we grow older. Our future (hopefully), will see us less troubled from ourselves as well as others. I gave it four stars out of five simply because of the length of time it took for me to connect. Otherwise it was a really good book.

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Title: Stitched Crosses

Subtitle: The Audio Drama

Author: Joshua Rothe

Narrator: R. Douglas Barbieri, Christopher Walker, Vanessa Martin, Tom Baynham

Format: Original Recording

Length: 2 hrs and 53 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-27-10

Publisher: Grail Quest Books

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Stitched Crosses is a story of faith in doubt and turmoil. Despite being set in the waning days of the 12th century, the main story and struggles of the characters are as relevant today as any other. As Christendom makes a push to retake Outremer from Saladins Muslim forces, historical events and exciting period action serve as the canvas to this story of one knight wrestling with his spirit.

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Title: A Time of Love, A Time of War

Author: David Wiltshire

Narrator: Michael Tudor Barnes

Format: Unabridged

Length: 7 hrs and 35 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-13-10

Publisher: ISIS Audio Books

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 5 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

London, 1944: an atmosphere of unease pervades the city as the invasion of Europe looms. Meanwhile, John Fairfax, an American paratrooper, and Robbie Cochran, a New Zealand pilot in the RAF, are swept along by the urgency of the times as they meet and fall in love with two rather unexpected girls.

Across the Channel, Walter Raus, an officer in the Waffen SS, prepares for the coming storm while his wife Inge, a devoted nurse, faces death at every turn thanks to the relentless Allied bombing. Things may look uncertain now, but one thing is for sure: by the time D-Day comes, all three of these men's lives will be changed forever?

Members Reviews:

Very enjoyable story

This is very moving story of love and Passion and although I would have wish for a happy end

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Title: For the King

Subtitle: A Novel

Author: Catherine Delors

Narrator: Steven Crossley

Format: Unabridged

Length: 11 hrs and 20 mins

Language: English

Release date: 07-08-10

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 8 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

For her first novel, Mistress of the Revolution, which the Associated Press dubbed one of the "best reads of the year", Catherine Delors earned comparisons to Tracy Chevalier and Philippa Gregory. In For the King, she again demonstrates her matchless ability to illuminate key turning points in history while weaving a gripping story about a man caught between his heart and his integrity.

The Reign of Terror has ended, and Napoleon Bonaparte has seized power, but shifting political loyalties still tear apart families and lovers. On Christmas Eve 1800, a bomb explodes along Bonaparte's route, narrowly missing him but striking dozens of bystanders. Chief Inspector Roch Miquel, a young policeman with a bright future and a beautiful mistress, must arrest the assassins before they attack again. Complicating Miquel's investigation are the maneuverings of his superior, the redoubtable Fouche, the indiscretions of his own father, a former Jacobin, and two intriguing women.

Based on real events and characters and rich with historical detail, For the King takes listeners through the dark alleys and glittering salons of post-revolutionary Paris and is a timeless epic of love, betrayal, and redemption.

Critic Reviews:

"Themes of class conflict, the messy process of change, and impossible love are nicely woven into the tense central plot of this fast-moving chase through the damp, rutted streets of turn-of-the-19th-century Paris." (Publishers Weekly)

Members Reviews:

I just can't finish this one

Really boring, and I usually like historical fiction. To be fair, I have only got throught 1/2 of the novel, probably won't finish it!

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Title: Darcy's Diary

Author: Amanda Grange

Narrator: Gordon Griffin

Format: Unabridged

Length: 8 hrs and 17 mins

Language: English

Release date: 05-12-10

Publisher: ISIS Audio Books

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 5 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Pride and Prejudice is the greatest romance of all time, and in this enjoyable retelling, Amanda Grange allows us to see the events of Jane Austens famous novel from Mr Darcys point of view. Scenes only hinted at in the original are here recorded in detail and brought to life.

Darcy writes of his horror at discovering his sisters plans to elope with George Wickham, his efforts to separate Charles Bingley from Miss Jane Bennet, and his disgust at having to arrange a marriage between George Wickham and Miss Lydia Bennet. But, most satisfying of all, he discloses his feelings for Elizabeth the full story of their courtship and a tantalising glimpse of their early married life.

Members Reviews:

a good read

A interesting idea, to give the Pride and Prejudice story from the other point of view. The author manages to make him both the austere character of the novel, but also adds his inner life and highlights his affectionate relationship with his sister.It also gives a glimpse into his thought and feelings about Elizabeth and how he gradually changes his feelings and attitude. Well written by the author who manages to maintain a similarity of feeling with the writing, which gives an impression of continuity.

Stick to the original!

Having just read 'Pride and Prejudice' I thought I might enjoy a spin-off and 'Darcy's Diary' came recommended. It is awful. A shameless re-writing of Austen's text with some gratuitous 'kissing bits' towards the end. Original insights into Darcy's motivations and actions are few and fairly dull and the tying up of the occasional loose end shows little imagination. Really, really bad. I feel embarrassed at having bought it. The narrator handles the different voices well and is the only good thing about the experience.

Darcy's side of the story

Such a lovely story and keeps with the feel of the original Pride and Prejudice. Narrator makes Darcy feel old at times, but he tells the story well.

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Title: The Taste of Sorrow

Author: Jude Morgan

Narrator: Phyllida Nash

Format: Unabridged

Length: 17 hrs and 14 mins

Language: English

Release date: 04-05-10

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 3 of 5 out of 3 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

From an obscure country parsonage came the most extraordinary family of the nineteenth century. The Brontë sisters created a world in which we still live the intense, passionate world of Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights; and the phenomenon of this strange explosion of genius remains as baffling now as it was to their Victorian contemporaries.

In this panoramic novel we see with new insight the members of a uniquely close-knit family whose tight bonds are the instruments of both triumph and tragedy.

Emily, the solitary who turns from the world to the greater temptations of the imagination: Anne, gentle and loyal; Branwell, the mercurial and self-destructive brother; and the brilliant, tormented Charlotte, longing for both love and independence, who establishes the familys name.

Members Reviews:

Great writer, poor narrator

I couldn't keep listening to this one. Ms Nash sounds like she is a little drunk, or seriously dehydrated. The mouth clicks drove me crazy. I'll try again through small speakers, rather than headphones. Such a shame, as Jude Morgan is one of my favourite writers.

Beautifully written, factually accurate

Rarely does one read a biography where one ends up sobbing at the inevitable and acknowledged death of the subjects. Morgan combines humour, lively characters and factual accuracy to bring the Brontes' life to reality. A gripping read.

Loved it

Completely brilliant evocation of the life of a very complex but brilliant family unit. Made me go back and read Wuthering Heights, Jane Eyre and even to try for the first time the surprisingly good (if a little over-pious) Tenant of Wildfell Hall.

Of course its all speculation. Nobody really knows the thoughts, emotions and inter-family relationships of the Brontes, but then again nobody knows the inner thoughts of the Lintons or the Rochesters. Its a novel, and a very good listen.

The reading was excellent, but not sure whether the Brontes wold have kept their father's Irish accent for their whole lives, but that did not detract...excellent.

A taste of sorrow by Jude Morgan

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

A writer`s idea how the Brontes lived. Very believable and interesting. Read beautifully.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Charlotte Bronte`s father is how I would have imagined him.

Have you listened to any of Phyllida Nashs other performances? How does this one compare?

No

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No, too much to take in.

Gritty, realistic and moving

Where does The Taste of Sorrow rank among all the audiobooks youve listened to so far?

I would put The Taste of Sorrow close to the top--the story, although grim and sad, vividly brings to life some of my favorite writers.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I found each member of the Bronte family fascinating in themselves--the father Patrick, who had the grit and tenacity to rise above his peasant roots; Charlotte, who saw so much death, yet continued to write and live and love; Branwell, so full of promise and life and yet so tragic; Emily, so much a force of nature, no one else could have written Wuthering Heights but her... and Anne, whom I've never read, but plan to read soon.

Which character as performed by Phyllida Nash was your favourite?

Emily--there is a certain bite and tenacity to her character that Phyllida got very well.

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Title: The Captive Queen

Author: Alison Weir

Narrator: Adjoa Andoh

Format: Abridged

Length: 6 hrs and 23 mins

Language: English

Release date: 04-01-10

Publisher: Random House AudioBooks

Ratings: 2.5 of 5 out of 2 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

It is the year 1152, and a beautiful woman of 30, attended by only a small armed escort, is riding like the wind southwards through what is now France, leaving behind her crown, her two young daughters, and a shattered marriage to Louis of France, who had been more like a monk than a king, and certainly not much of a lover.

This woman is Eleanor, Duchess of Aquitaine, and her sole purpose now is to return to her vast duchy and marry the man she loves, Henry Plantagenet, a man destined for greatness as King of England. Theirs is a union founded on lust, which will create a great empire stretching from the wilds of Scotland to the Pyrenees. It will also create the devils brood of Plantagenets including Richard Cœur de Lion and King John and the most notoriously vicious marriage in history.

The Captive Queen is a novel on a grand scale, an epic subject for Alison Weir. It tells of the making of nations, and of passionate conflicts: between Henry II and Thomas Becket, his closest friend, who is murdered in Canterbury Cathedral on his orders; between Eleanor and Henrys formidable mother, Matilda; between father and sons, as Henrys children take up arms against him; and finally between Henry and Eleanor herself.

Members Reviews:

Passes the time...

It's OK, not an intolerable read if you're busy in the garden or to accompany a long walk, but Weir's factual history is much more interesting and surprisingly, much better written. I don't think her fiction works because she's clearly more at home in non-fictional history than novels. Her dialogue is clunky and the descriptions sound awkward and contrived. The sex scenes are dire - definitely a candidate for the Bad Sex award in fiction!

Her non fiction books on Queen Isabella and Katherine Swinford are great reads and I thoroughly enjoyed them - she's one of my favourite historians - but I think she should leave historical fiction to Hilary Mantel. Try one of her proper histories intead!