Tavia Gilbert's Blog

I recently recorded Seducing and Killing Nazis by Sophie Poldermans, the astonishing true story of three teenage Dutch girls, Hannie Schaft  (19) and sisters Truus (16) and Freddie (14) Oversteegen. These young women literally took up arms against the Nazis in World War II, and their courage to stand up for what was moral in the face of of mortal danger was deeply inspiring. We must not forget the lessons of WWII, especially while fascism and authoritarianism are making a comeback across the...

Last year, I narratedThe Space Between Before and AfterbySue Stauffacherfor Live Oak Media. This beautiful book about grief, mental illness, and family, features young Thomas Moran, whose mother has recently disappeared, Thomas’s two closest friends, his complicated father, and his compassionate, elderly neighbor, Mrs. Sharp. Drawing from her own experience as a child in Nazi-occupied Hungary, Mrs. Sharp helps Thomas find a way to grieve and move forward.

I was so moved by the story — its...

I recently had the opportunity to do a Q&A with Reyna Marder Gentin, author of the debut legal thriller UNREASONABLE DOUBTS, for She Writes Press. We talk about our creative processes and collaboration on this project. UNREASONABLE DOUBTS was honored as a finalist for Outstanding Debut Novel from the Women’s Fiction Writers Association. Congratulations, Reyna! Can’t wait to read more of your work!

Author & Narrator Q&A: UNREASONABLE DOUBTS by Reyna Gentin, read by Tavia Gilbert

– Tell us a bit about yourselves!

Reyna: I grew up...

Last spring, I met debut writer, story-gatherer, and Life-Cycle Celebrant Patricia Eagle at the wonderful Independent Book Publishers Association Conference. I immediately recognized — in the directness of her gaze, the wisdom and humor that shines from her eyes, and the groundedness, warmth, and self-assurance with which she walks through the world — that Patricia was a kindred spirit, a woman I not only wanted to get to know better, but recognized I was already deeply connected to in some...

I’m pleased to announce that EVERY LITTLE PIECE OF ME by Amy Jones, which Therese Plummer Voice Over Artist/Actor and I performed for Penguin Random House Canada, was just released! Therese, who is the majority voice on this project, is a dear friend, so it’s fitting that we worked on this unique story of the ties in fame, family, and friendship. Therese’s performances are outstanding, so I’m excited to be able to share our collaboration with you!

The post EVERY LITTLE PIECE OF ME now avail...

THE WHISPERS, written by Greg Howard, recently received acclaim from AudioFile Magazine. I was pleased to direct Kivlighan de Montebello’s performance as Riley for Listening Library. The reviewer noted, “De Montebello’s narration holds listeners captive as they follow the mix of Riley’s fantastical beliefs, real events, and the prejudices that surround him.” I am so proud of Kiv, a talented young actor with whom I’ve worked for many years, for his thoughtful and vulnerable performance. (You...

I’ve been thinking frequently how history repeats and how vital it is that we explore our past with courage and learn from both our failures and successes. When I recently recorded DUTCH GIRL: AUDREY HEPBURN AND WORLD WAR II by my friend Robert Matzen for Blackstone Audio, I was struck by how Hepburn’s renowned beauty — inside and out — grew out of her experience of the horrors of World War II. Especially in light of the current cruelty and inhumanity inflicted upon children and families on...

I was thrilled to learn that Eliza Griswold recently won the Pulitzer Prize in General Nonfiction for her magnificent book AMITY AND PROSPERITY: ONE FAMILY AND THE FRACTURING OF AMERICA, which I narrated for Macmillan Audio last year. The story, about fracking in Appalachia, is important and infuriating, inspiring and unflinching.

The post Amity & Prosperity Wins the Pulitzer appeared first on Tavia Gilbert.

I am pleased and proud to introduce THE ABELS, a scripted fiction podcast, coming next year. The docudrama, set in a rural community, is based on BBC Radio 4’s iconic radio soap opera, THE ARCHERS, continuously on air since 1951. Since April 2017, ideas and plans for the sound, aesthetic, and mission of the project have been mostly in my head and heart, but last week they finally came out into the world, as the pitch deck, a sizzle reel, and an ARCHERS listeners testimonial reel went live at...

Next weekend (May 10-11), I’ll be singing (alto! the best part!) Missa Solemnis with the Choral Society at Grace Church, one of the most exceptional and highest-quality choirs in the city. (There are still tickets left for our Friday evening and Saturday matinee performances. Please come! I’d love to share it with you!) In preparation for our performance of Beethoven’s complicated, difficult material, our soulful and excellent conductor, John Maclay, shared with us the following, by Maynard...