Audiobook Sample
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- Title: Forgotten
- Author: David Baldacci
- Narrator: Orlagh Cassidy, Ron Mclarty
- Length: 12:30:00
- Version: Abridged
- Release Date: 20/11/2012
- Publisher: Hachette Book Group USA
- Genre: Fiction & Literature, War & Military, Fiction & Literature, War & Military
- ISBN13: 9.78E+12
Let’s break this down: David Baldacci’s “Forgotten” isn’t just another military thriller – it’s a masterclass in how audiobook narration can elevate tension. As someone who’s analyzed hundreds of audio adaptations for my ‘Future of Stories’ podcast, I can tell you this production stands out in the crowded thriller space for its razor-sharp pacing and dual-narrator alchemy.
Here’s what makes this interesting: Ron McLarty’s gravelly, authoritative delivery as John Puller creates instant credibility for our special agent protagonist. It reminds me of when I compared five different formats of “Project Hail Mary” – the voice acting here adds dimensions to Puller’s character that print alone couldn’t convey. Meanwhile, Orlagh Cassidy’s nuanced performance (particularly her chilling portrayal of small-town Florida residents) makes Paradise’s underbelly feel uncomfortably real.
The cultural impact here is fascinating. In an era where true crime podcasts dominate streaming, “Forgotten”‘s audio format turns Baldacci’s conspiracy into something that feels ripped from your favorite investigative podcast. The way the narrators handle the aunt’s mysterious letter – with just the right tremble of uncertainty – had me leaning into my AirPods like I was overhearing classified intelligence.
Technical highlights:
– “Pacing”: The 12.5-hour runtime flies by thanks to strategic pauses during reveals
– “Sound design”: Subtle but effective use of echo in flashback sequences
– “Character differentiation”: Cassidy’s vocal range gives even minor players distinct identities
What surprised me most? How the audio format enhances Baldacci’s signature procedural details. Normally, military jargon about evidence collection might slow down a print read, but hearing it delivered with McLarty’s conviction makes every forensic detail feel urgent. It’s like getting a masterclass in criminal investigation through immersive audio.
For my BookTok followers who loved my “Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” breakdown: pay attention to how Cassidy’s voice ages certain characters throughout the timeline – it’s subtle vocal work that rewards careful listening. And that climactic confrontation in chapter 22? The narrators’ overlapping dialogue creates a cinematic effect I’d normally only expect from premium audio dramas.
Now for the reality check: The small-town Florida setting occasionally pushes Cassidy’s accent work into slightly exaggerated territory. And while the dual narration generally works, there were two scenes where the transition between narrators momentarily disrupted the tension. But these are minor quibbles in what’s otherwise a standout audio experience.
If you’re new to Baldacci’s Puller series, this audiobook serves as a perfect entry point. The narrators handle exposition with such naturalism that you’ll never feel lost. For veterans of the series, hearing Puller’s personal stakes in this case adds new emotional layers to the character.
Pro tip for listeners: Use the audiobook’s natural breaks after major reveals to process the twists – I found myself pausing to theorize in ways I wouldn’t with the print version. It’s that rare thriller that benefits from the slower absorption rate of audio.
Until our next audio adventure, keep those earbuds charged and your curiosity sharper. – Sophie Bennett, your guide through the digital narrative revolution
