Behind the Mic: On A Long Petal of the Sea by Isabel Allende, Read by Edoardo Ballerini

Every Monday through Friday, AudioFile’s editors recommend the best in audiobook listening. We keep our daily episodes short and sweet, with audiobook clips to give you a sample of our featured listens.

AudioFile Golden Voice Edoardo Ballerini narrates Isabel Allende’s lyrical prose with a sensitive and heartfelt narration. Host Jo Reed and AudioFile’s Emily Connelly share their thoughts on Allende’s new work of historical fiction, A Long Petal of the Sea, set during the Spanish Civil War. Franco’s Fascists have overthrown the government, and the people of Barcelona are forced to flee. Allende traces the story of the Dalmau family as they escape first across the mountains to France, and then, with the help of poet Pablo Neruda, find refuge in Chile until they must flee another repressive government. Ballerini expertly delivers Allende’s reminder of how delicate the boundary is between precious freedom and insidious tyranny.

***

To listen to the rest of the episode, as well as the whole archive of Behind the Mic with AudioFile Magazine, subscribe and listen on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play, or wherever else you find your favorite podcasts.

Looking for a bookish community that focuses on positivity and inspiration? That’s Page Chaser’s mission: to have conversations with avid readers who are believe that everything is worthy of discussion—from Mister Rogers to the Hunger Games to Little Women. Join the Page Chaser crew at www.PageChaser.com, where you can read articles, watch videos, sign up for amazing bookish deals, and so much more.