WILD SWAN A Story of Florence Nightingale

This novella about Florence Nightingale is a short but highly satisfying treat for listeners. Callahan takes a look at a few years of the famous nurse's life as she struggled with shedding Victorian expectations and fulfilling her calling. Narrator Cynthia Erivo is nothing short of amazing. Opening with Nightingale having a glorious audience with Queen Victoria, her storytelling makes every detail and emotional point shine. Whether it's the color of a dress or the disapproval from a royal minister, Erivo connects us to each scene. She is skilled at letting listeners feel Nightingale's determination, but also her doubts. The first-person account increases the intimacy of the story. Callahan's end note about her own background as a nurse is a nice conclusion to this exceptional listening experience. R.F.W. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award, 2022 Audies Finalist © AudioFile 2022, Portland, Maine [Published: FEBRUARY 2022]