Dear Readers,
I love reading books and the meditative concentration that comes with it. On the other hand, I also enjoy listening to books, a wholly different experience. I would be hard pressed, if asked to select a favorite book, but would probably answer The Gentleman in Moscow, which I experienced through its beautiful reading by Nicholas Guy Smith. I admit I am quite picky about audiobooks, always checking out the sample to get a taste of the sound of the performer's voice and style. If I have even the slightest doubts, I won't go for it in the audio format. Today, I'd like to share three stunning performances of great stories.
Audiobook performances
The Girl with the Louding Voice written by Abi Daré and read by Adjoa Andoh (2020)
Description: Adunni is a 14-year old girl in rural Nigeria, who dreams of becoming a teacher, when she is forced to grow up overnight after the death of her mother and her marriage to the local taxi driver with two elder wives, but Adunni never gives up her dreams.
My take: This book was recommended by Aishwarya and this recommendation strengthened my resolve even as I felt slight trepidation about being able to understand the Nigerian way of speaking. Quickly I was completely hooked and mesmerized, not only by the story, but by the beautiful voice of Adjoa Andoh. I particularly enjoyed the character depth Daré gave to the story’s antagonists.
Brown Girl Dreaming written and read by Jacqueline Woodson (2014)
Description: This short novella about the authors' childhood is more verse than prose. The story masterfully captures love and loss, family and friendship, belonging and discrimination, and so much more.
My take: As discussed in the last issue on audiobooks, there is something special about a book read by its author. A sensation which is heightened here as Woodson tells her own story. Woodson, who featured in that first issue on audiobooks with Red at the Bone, commands words more like a songwriter than novelist. And as a bonus part of the story takes place in Brooklyn.
Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen and read by Rosamund Pike (1813)
Description: Austen's iconic novel likely does not need an introduction, and after all its title does capture at least the main two characters perfectly.
My take: I already adored this story in high school English class (see the back to school issue), but re-listening increased my admiration for Austen's subtlety and Rosamund Pike is marvellous, absolutely amazing. I particularly enjoyed her reading of William Collins’ lines (the annoying priest/cousin), it made me cringe each time.
For all runners, I could not have written a better ode to audiobook running than Rebecca Worby’s article for Outside Magazine.
Addendum: Children’s books
Thank you for all the lovely feedback to the second children's books issue. My friend Anna in Singapore also recommended the Baby University series, including for example Astrophysics for Babies and Blockchain for Babies.
Melanie and her three kids recommend Die Tiefseetaucherin, Kalle Komet, and Eddie Meisterdieb.
Currently reading: Midnight in Chernobyl: The Untold Story of the World's Greatest Nuclear Disaster by Adam Higginbotham.
Thanks as always for reading. Please send me all your bookish thoughts and get excited for an extra special issue in two weeks.