ENDLING

A scientist who breeds rare snails encounters sisters who provide "romance tours" in this audiobook. Set against the backdrop of wartime Ukraine, the complex story defies a simple summary or spoiler-proof description. Saskia Maarleveld delivers the female points of view with quiet intensity. Her nimble pace and sincere tone showcase Reva's solid prose. Max Meyers captures bachelor Pascha's perspective well, infusing irony and humor where appropriate. Author Reva is less precise and polished than the other two narrators, but she's believable. The novel's unconventional structure can be challenging in the audiobook format; its sudden shifts between the central plot and various subplots threaten to leave listeners lost. However, the strong performances throughout and the interesting story, it will linger in the thoughts of patient listeners. L.B.F. © AudioFile 2025, Portland, Maine [Published: AUGUST 2025]