THE STORIES OLD TOWNS TELL A Journey Through Cities at the Heart of Europe

Kohn's history of the "old town" sections of some German, Baltic, and Eastern European cities calls for the kind of careful and intelligent performance that Philip Battley delivers. Not a travelogue, but rather a general, architectural, and political history, Kohn's book is detailed, fact heavy, and sometimes dry. Battley's British-accented voice is not immediately striking but is amiable and quietly expressive. His pacing is comfortable--that is, unnoticeable, as it should be. His gentle emphases and supple shifts in tone accurately mirror the sense of the text and show engagement, both of which help the listener maintain interest through the dry spots. His performance of this informative and insightful audiobook is a real, if rather specialized, pleasure. W.M. © AudioFile 2024, Portland, Maine [Published: JANUARY 2024]