A Brief History of China

Twelve hours may sound a bit long for a "brief" audiobook history, but when the subject is China, time flies all too quickly, in more ways than one. Jonathan Clements and Julian Elfer, author and narrator, are both masters of pacing. They also teamed up for A BRIEF HISTORY OF JAPAN. Clements is especially effective in alternating broad historical summaries with specific historical figures and episodes. Elfer, with his steady and flexible voice, is able to sustain narrative flow while also achieving a sense of immediacy. The history captures and holds you, even if the dynasties and centuries sometimes blend together. A surprising amount of information will stay with you, along with a vivid sense of the sweep and magnitude of Chinese history. D.A.W. � AudioFile 2019, Portland, Maine