There is an intimacy that develops between a reader and a trusted audiobook narrator. When the magic happens, it is as if I am grabbing hold of the narrator’s hand and jumping with abandon into the unknown. Come what may, I know that the narrator will guide me safely through whatever may come. It is a connection unlike any other I’ve experienced with a person who is, in essence, a complete stranger to me. Until today these affairs of the reader’s heart have brought me nothing but happiness. It was only after hearing of Robin Sach’s passing during my lunch break that I discovered how much it hurts to lose one such as these.
I first discovered Robin through Xe Sands on Twitter. I was immediately charmed by Robin’s saucy humor. I was unfamiliar with his work at the time as I’m not a sci fi aficionado and I’ve maybe seen the first three Buffy, the Vampire Slayer episodes. When I later researched his catalog I discovered that I already owned one of his audiobooks, 22 Britannia Road. With Xe I also listened to both The Last Werewolf and The Snowman. As we discussed listening to those audiobooks on Twitter, Robin would sometimes join us and hilarity would ensue. While 22 Britannia Road is my more my style of novel, The Snowman is the audiobook I think of when I think of Robin. He was so good at narrating evil that he gave me (not unpleasant) shivers. It is an understatement to say that the man knew how to narrate an audiobook.
This past December Robin agreed to participate in my December narrator fest Baby, It’s Cold Outside. I enjoyed every moment I spent working with him on his post. He was so giving and full of life that I cannot wrap my head around the fact that he is gone. While the articles I’ve read about his passing haven’t mentioned his work in the audiobook industry, I wanted to let Robin and his family know that his audiobook fans love him dearly and will miss him so much. We are all blessed that Robin shared his talent with the world in so many ways.
Robin, I will think of you every time I see a snowman and will always shudder at the thought of eating snow. Then, I’ll smile because I know you’re laughing at me somewhere in the great beyond. When I get there, you’d better be ready for a snowball fight!
Robin leaves behind two beautiful, beloved dogs. You can see a picture of them in the header on Robin’s Facebook page (visible to the pubic). They need our help. If you or someone you know is able to give them a good home, please send a message to robinsdogs at byronvo dot com.
Such a beautiful post Jennifer
I haven’t listened to any of the audiobooks he’s narrated yet, but I will definitely be adding a few to my list.
Bella, I hope you come to enjoy his work as much as I did. He was such a talented man.
What a lovely tribute to such a dear man! I am shocked and saddened at the loss of Robin, what a terrible blow to us all! Thanks for this post!
It is such a blow. I can’t help but mourn the audiobooks that now will never be. I do hope he’s enjoying the here after. He deserves it.
Oh my God, this just devastated me. NO. Yes he was saucy and sexy and was an incredible narrator. We kind of had a family love affair going with him because he is the voice of some characters on my son’s video games too. I can’t even get my head around how he could no longer be with us. He is gone with Harry Hole. So so devastated.
I know Sandy. He was all of those things. The man knew how to make this good Catholic girl blush. It’s so bizarre that he’s simply gone. I’m glad your family loved him, too. So, is Harry Hole gone for good? I’ve only read The Snowman.
I don’t think I’ve ever listened to any of his audio narrations but I really want to know.
I hope you get a chance to someday. It really is quite an experience. He’ll be missed.
Thanks for this beautiful post, Jennifer. I know Robin Sachs’ sudden passing has shocked and saddened so many in the audiobook world. Thanks for highlighting his wonderful work as a narrator, which has earned him so many fans, of which I am proud to be one. I know people will be enjoying his amazing work on audio for generations to come.
I was going through his Audible catalog and it was nice to see that there are so many other audiobooks left to discover. It’s just so sad that he won’t be here to talk to about them. I never met him in person. I can’t imagine what it must be like to be his colleague. Well, we’re all blessed anyway. Here’s to Robin.
I am so so so saddened to learn of Robin’s passing. I just saw him in December at a union meeting and he seemed perfectly well. I, too, loved the post he did for your December feature.
I will definitely raise a glass to him this evening: an extremely talented man, a gentleman, and an incorrigible flirt. He will be missed.
I really can’t believe it, Karen. I went back over my email conversations with him from Baby, It’s Cold Outside and it just doesn’t make sense at all. How does this happen to such a vibrant person? Life is fragile. He will definitely be missed.
What a lovely tribute Jennifer. It seems his life was short but his footprint in it large. He is and will be missed by many.
This is so well-said. He was such a special and unique voice – I hate that he’s gone. Thanks for posting this memorial.
Amazing tribute to an amazing man.
I am so sorry to hear of his passing. A great talent has been taken too soon. A lovely tribute.
Thank you for this lovely tribute to Robin Sachs Jennifer. Robin was an amazing artist who leaves behind a
wealth of treasures. He was also a wonderful friend and colleague who will be missed most deeply by all of us that were honored to call him a friend.