LOUISA The Extraordinary Life of Mrs. Adams

Among U.S. first ladies, Louisa Adams is hardly known. But this biography shows her as having been a valuable asset when her husband, John Quincy Adams, served as an overseas diplomat and later sought the presidency. Kirsten Potter offers an engaging narration, which is vital, given the audiobook’s length. She varies her tone and pacing to fit the content. Listeners will clearly know when the author is being ironic or incredulous, particularly in passages in which the couple are exchanging letters that border on bitter carping. Potter is especially effective in setting off quotations. Sometimes she simply pauses before a short quotation. For longer passages, she lowers her pitch slightly. R.C.G. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2016, Portland, Maine [Published: MAY 2016]