Audiobook Sample
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- Title: Sound of Glass
- Author: Karen White
- Narrator: Susan Bennett, Thérèse Plummer
- Length: 14:44:00
- Version: Abridged
- Release Date: 12/05/2015
- Publisher: Recorded Books
- Genre: Fiction & Literature, Contemporary Women, Family Life, Fiction & Literature, Contemporary Women, Family Life
- ISBN13: 9.78E+12
As a travel writer who has spent countless hours on the road, I’ve come to cherish audiobooks as companions that transform long drives into immersive journeys. Karen White’s *Sound of Glass*, narrated by Susan Bennett and Thérèse Plummer, is one such gem that made me forget the miles and lose myself in the haunting beauty of Beaufort, South Carolina. The story unfolds like a Southern breeze—gentle at first, but carrying with it the weight of secrets, loss, and ultimately, healing.
The novel opens with Merritt Heyward, a widow grappling with guilt and grief, inheriting her late husband’s family home in Beaufort. As she steps into the ancestral Heyward house, she’s met with more than just the jasmine-scented air of the Low Country. The arrival of her stepmother and young half-brother adds layers of complexity to her journey, forcing her to confront not only the mysteries of her husband’s past but also her own fears and desires.
Listening to this audiobook, I was reminded of my time in Oaxaca, where I sat with a family as their grandmother wove stories of love, loss, and resilience. Like her, Susan Bennett and Thérèse Plummer master the art of oral storytelling. Their voices—Bennett’s warm and steady, Plummer’s youthful and vibrant—complement each other perfectly, bringing the characters to life in a way that feels intimate and authentic. The narrators’ ability to capture the Southern cadence adds depth to the setting, making Beaufort feel as much a character as Merritt herself.
The themes of family, identity, and forgiveness resonated deeply with me. As someone who has explored hidden histories in my own writing, I appreciated how White unearths the layers of the Heyward family’s past with care and precision. The story’s exploration of guilt and redemption reminded me of my drive through the Atacama Desert, where the stark landscape mirrored the emotional terrain of García Márquez’s *One Hundred Years of Solitude*. Just as that audiobook transformed my journey, *Sound of Glass* made me reflect on the ways we carry our pasts and the courage it takes to let go.
The audiobook’s pacing is deliberate, allowing the listener to savor the rich descriptions of the Low Country. White’s prose is evocative, and the narrators enhance this with their nuanced performances. There were moments when I could almost feel the pluff mud beneath my feet and hear the creak of the old house’s wooden floors.
That said, the story’s slower pace might not appeal to those seeking a faster-paced narrative. Additionally, while the dual narration adds dimension, some listeners might find the transitions between narrators slightly jarring. However, these are minor quibbles in an otherwise stellar listening experience.
For fans of Southern fiction and family sagas, *Sound of Glass* is a must-listen. It’s a story that lingers, much like the scent of jasmine on a warm evening. If you’re drawn to audiobooks that transport you to another time and place, this one won’t disappoint.
As I closed this chapter of my listening journey, I felt a renewed appreciation for the power of stories to heal and connect us. Whether you’re on a cross-country road trip or curled up at home, let *Sound of Glass* be your companion. It’s a reminder that even in the midst of brokenness, there’s beauty to be found.
With wanderlust and literary appreciation, Marcus Rivera
Marcus Rivera
