Hear Hear Some Christmas Cheer from Audible...

With Christmas getaways, shoppers and commuter traffic, the festive period is one busiest times of the year. Last year alone over 14 million drove home for Christmas and with journeys on some roads taking almost three times longer than normal, festive entertainment is a travel essential. With this in mind, the editors at Audible have compiled a list of the ultimate Yuletide audiobooks to keep the festive spirit alive in a traffic jam, in flight, or after you’ve shopped till you’ve dropped.

Please see below for Audible’s top picks this Christmas

A Christmas Carol: An Audible Original Drama
Author: Charles Dickens 
Narrated by: Various cast

Jenna Coleman, Miriam Margolyes, Derek Jacobi, Brendan Coyle and Roger Allam are amongst the celebrity voices coming together this Christmas in a brand new multi-cast dramatization of Charles Dickens’ ghostly Christmas tale, A Christmas Carol.

The festive tale has been released as a free gift to members.

A Boy Called Christmas

 Author: Matt Haig

 Narrated by: Stephen Fry

 £9.19 (free for Audible members)

You are about to listen to the true story of Father Christmas. It is a story that proves that nothing is impossible. If you are one of those people who believe that some things are impossible, you should put this book down right away. It is most certainly not for you. Because this audiobook is full of impossible things. Are you still reading? Good. Then let us begin....

The idea for the series came when Matt Haig’s son asked what Father Christmas was like as a boy. A Boy Called Christmas is a tale of adventure, snow, kidnapping, elves, more snow, and an 11-year-old boy called Nikolas, who isn't afraid to believe in magic.

The Girl Who Saved Christmas

Author: Matt Haig

Narrated by: Carey Mulligan

£9.19 (free for Audible members)

If magic has a beginning, can it also have an end? When Amelia wants a wish to come true she knows just the man to ask - Father Christmas. But the magic she wants to believe in is starting to fade, and Father Christmas has more than impossible wishes to worry about. Upset elves, reindeers dropping out of the sky, angry trolls and the chance that Christmas might be cancelled.

Midnight Gang

Author: David Williams

Narrated by: David Walliams, Peter Serafinowicz, Morwenna Banks, Nitin Ganatra, Ellen Thomas

Midnight is the time when all children are fast asleep, except of course for...the Midnight Gang. That is when their adventures are just beginning....

The Midnight Gang tells an extraordinarily heart-warming and, of course, funny story of five children on a hospital ward and on a quest for adventure. It is a story of friendship and magic - and of making dreams come true.

Listeners are set to be utterly spellbound by this heartfelt story that will bring magic to everyone's Christmas.

Christmas Days: 12 Stories and 12 Feasts for 12 Days

 Author: Jeanette Winterson

 Narrated by: Jeanette Winterson, Imogen Church

£14.99 (free for Audible members)

New York Times best-selling author Jeanette Winterson brings together 12 brilliantly imaginative, funny and bold Christmas tales. For the 12 Days of Christmas - a time of celebration, sharing, and giving - she offers these 12 plus one: a personal story of her own Christmas memories.

 From trees with mysterious powers to a tinsel baby that talks, philosophical fairies to flying dogs, a haunted house and a disappearing train, Winterson's innovative stories encompass the childlike and spooky wonder of Christmas. Perfect for listening to by the fire with loved ones or while traveling home for the holidays. Enjoy the season of peace and goodwill, mystery, and a little bit of magic courtesy of one of our most fearless and accomplished writers.

A Christmas Feast and other stories

 Author: Katie Fforde

 Narrated by: Jilly Bond, Rita Sharma

 £19.99 (free for Audible members)

A delicious Christmas feast of short stories from the Sunday Times number one best-selling author of A French Affair and The Perfect Match.

Add some extra sparkle to your Christmas by joining Katie Fforde for a perfect romantic Christmas feast of short stories. Collected together for the first time and including one brand-new story. Make your Christmas wishes come true....

 The Night Before Christmas

 Author: Clement C. Moore

 Narrated by: Jeff Bridges£6.39 (free for Audible members)

Academy Award Winner Jeff Bridges' iconic voice brings the beloved holiday classic story "The Night Before Christmas" to life.

Celebrate the holiday season with the only audiobook of "The Night Before Christmas", read by Jeff Bridges. No other narrator brings Santa and these merry scenes to life quite like Mr. Bridges - it's an instant Christmas classic! Create a new family tradition as you add this audiobook to your holiday activities leading up to December 25th.

Letters from Father Christmas

Author: J.R.R. Tolkien

Narrated by: Derek Jacobi

£5.99 (free for Audible members)

Can you imagine writing to Father Christmas and actually getting a reply?

Every year, the children of J.R.R. Tolkien would write to Father Christmas, and the letters they received told wonderful stories of his adventures at the North Pole.

These humorous tales are brought to life by Derek Jacobi as Father Christmas, John Moffatt as Polar Bear, and Christian Rodska as Ilbereth the Elf, complete with specially composed music.

 Find out more about Audible  by clicking here

My thoughts about listening to

  

I enjoyed listening to Carey Mulligan read The Girl Who Saved Christmas. She has a nicely expressive voice and conveys the story in an entertaining away which should appeal to children and also to adults who listen along with the story. I thought the story was exciting, there seems to be lots of adventure. There is also lots of Christmas magic which is combined with stories of trolls and pixies. And of course, there is also Father Christmas who needs so much help from Amelia who, throughout the story, is a wonderful feisty protagonist .

The narration runs over 5hrs and 20 minutes, so it's a story that could be listened to over several nights or to break up a long journey. I found that I could easily listen to the story in short bursts and still pick up the story when I returned to it.

Nice Christmas elements, exciting content. Overall, the story will appeal to those who like Christmas adventure with a smattering of nostalgia.

My thanks to Audible for the opportunity to listen to this story and also to Midas PR

Review ~ Holding by Graham Norton (Audio)

Hodder&Stoughton
2016

A bit about the book..

The remote Irish village of Duneen has known little drama; and yet its inhabitants are troubled. Sergeant PJ Collins hasn't always been this overweight; mother of­ two Brid Riordan hasn't always been an alcoholic; and elegant Evelyn Ross hasn't always felt that her life was a total waste.

So when human remains are discovered on an old farm, suspected to be that of Tommy Burke - a former­ love of both Brid and Evelyn - the village's dark past begins to unravel. As the frustrated PJ struggles to solve a genuine case for the first time in his life, he unearths a community's worth of anger and resentments, secrets and regret.

My thoughts..

When offered the opportunity to listen to Graham Norton's debut novel, Holding which is narrated by the man himself, well, as a huge fan, I couldn't resist spending 7 or so hours in his congenial company.

The small Irish town of town of Duneen is, on the surface, rather a gentle place, and for the local police officer , PJ Collins,  the only excitement is perhaps where his next bite of breakfast is going to be coming from. However, as with all small towns what you see on the surface is not necessarily what you get, and when human bones are discovered on the edge of an old farm, well, the anticipation generated is beyond anything that PJ has ever experienced.

There is a very good mystery at the heart of the novel which is explored in sympathetic detail. And as the story progresses, and despite gentle hints of humour, there is genuine pathos and more than a hint towards a darker time in the town's history. I really enjoyed getting to know the characters, particularly Brid and Evelyn, but I also had a whole bucket load of sympathy for the enigmatic Mrs Meany and longed to be sitting in the Garda House with PJ tucking into one of her sturdy Irish breakfasts.

What I loved about this story, and yes, I did love every word, was the subtle way the author teased the reader with sly innuendo and tantalising little snippets of gossip so that it became like sitting down in a cosy chair, with a plate piled high with scones and biscuits, and having a good old natter with your best friend.

Graham Norton narrates Holding with his inimitable charm and flair. It’s beautifully written, splendidly narrated and a real joy to listen to from start to finish and every minute of the 7 hours and 20 minutes of the audio file was, for me, time well spent. 


Without doubt, this is a commendable debut novel which I hope is the start of many more by this talented author.

Best read with....a hearty breakfast and maybe a glass or two of strong Irish stout but not necessarily at the same time..

About the Author

Graham Norton is one of the UK's best loved broadcasters. He presents The Graham Norton Show on BBC1, has a weekly show on BBC Radio 2, and writes a column for the Telegraph. He is the winner of eight BAFTA awards. Born in Dublin and raised in West Cork, Norton now lives in London. Holding is his first novel.

Website

Twitter @grahnort

My thanks to  Audible.co.uk for the opportunity to listen to Holding and also to Francesca at Midas PR for the invitation to review the book.

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A special feature available today from Audible ~ "Send This Book "

Scientists, authors, artists and athletes launch ‘Send This Book’ for Audible

Audible, the world’s largest retailer and producer of audiobooks and other spoken-word entertainment, today announces the UK debut of ‘Send This Book’. The feature allows listeners to give any audiobook they own in their ‘My Library’ to others instantly via e-mail, text, Facebook Messenger or WhatsApp, using their iOS, Android or Windows 10 device. 

Each recipient gets their first title for free to download and keep forever, whether they’re an Audible member or not.

To mark the occasion, some of Britain’s best-loved scientists, authors, artists and athletes are giving away the audiobooks they consider essential listening. 

On Friday 18th November Jon Ronson, Gemma Cairney, Mary Beard, Robert Winston, Karren Brady, Jude Kelly, Matt Dawson and Noma Dumezweni will each be sharing a link to their chosen audiobook on Twitter, inviting members of the public to download the title for free. Featuring a mix of side-splitting comedies, iconic classics and fascinating biographies their must-listen recommendations include: 

Jon Ronson, Author of ‘The Psychopath Test’ and ‘The Men Who Stare At Goats’

A Very English Scandal: Sex, Lies and a Murder Plot at the Heart of the Establishment

Written by John Preston, narrated by Daniel Weyman

“This is a brilliant, funny, sad, startling nonfiction novel about the Jeremy Thorpe murder-plot scandal. I barely remember it from my childhood – just some hazy memories about a liberal MP and a dog and a field and a gun and my parents being furious that the Westminster elite got away with it like they always do. The details, it turns out, are astounding. But unlike less ambitious nonfiction writers, John Preston is not content to just tell a great story. He’s told it in a great way. It is as funny and dark as anything by Evelyn Waugh or Jonathan Coe. And in these post Cyril Smith/Jimmy Saville days, it’s so timely and relevant.”

Gemma Cairney, BBC Radio 1 and BBC Radio 1Xtra DJ

Just Kids

Written by Patti Smith, narrated by Patti Smith

“When this book came out a few years ago, a friend of mine took me to see Patti Smith in the intimate and enchanting setting of the Union Chapel in Islington to watch Patti read extracts and perform. It was a beguiling and extraordinary experience, watching her, was like watching no one I'd ever seen before. Listening to audio version of this book, takes me right back to that night. One never to be forgotten.”

Mary Beard OBE, Professor of Classics at Cambridge

The Odyssey

Written by Homer, narrated by Anton Lesser

“The Odyssey takes us back to the very origins of Western literature. If you think ‘origins’ are likely to be crude and roughly formed, you're in for a shock. This is a marvellously sophisticated tale of homecoming, temptation, adventure and the contested boundary between civilisation and barbarity. There's no better book to listen to, because it was first composed not to be read, but heard in oral recitation: the original talking book.”

Robert Winston, Professor of Science and Society at Imperial College

The Pigeon Tunnel: Stories From My Life

Written by John le Carré, narrated by John le Carré

“One of the most unusual autobiographies I have ever read. It gives a background to the content and style of one of our greatest fiction writers and what it really means to be a spy.”

Karren Brady CBE, Businesswoman and Baroness of Knightsbridge

The Kept Woman

Written by Karin Slaughter, narrated by Jennifer Woodward

“Pacier than a runaway train and more twists and turns than a roller-coaster. A blockbuster of a crime, thriller suspense. In short the body of a drug dealer and an ex-cop turn up in a warehouse owned by a famous basketball player resulting in murder, espionage, betrayal, secrets, relationship emotions – this book just about has it all! At the heart of it all is a love story, but it’s dark and twisted – it’s one hell of a good book!”

Jude Kelly CBE, Artistic Director of the Southbank Centre

To Kill A Mocking Bird

Written by Harper Lee, narrated by Sissy Spacek

“A young white girl scrutinises her community as its racism is revealed and then silently champions her father as he battles for legal justice for his wrongly accused black client. It's a 1960s novel with a frighteningly contemporary relevance and such a powerful read.”

Matt Dawson MBE, Presenter and former England Rugby Scrum-half

Room On The Broom

Written by Julia Donaldson, narrated by Josie Lawrence

“This timeless bed time soother entertains me most evenings. Oh yes.... the boys love it too. When Alex and Sami join in with 'Whoosh it was gone' there's a smile on all three of our faces because we believe it. Scaring Dragons, making potions and simply cruising on a broom with a shower, what better thought to have in your mind before a snooze.”

Noma Dumezweni, Actor, Hermione Granger in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

The Alchemist

Written by Paulo Coelho, narrated by Jeremy Irons

“The best kind of storytelling – The Alchemist seems simple enough, the journey, the obstacles and the transformation... but the depth of feeling one has if open to it is why it's brilliantly received. Such a pleasure.”

All of the above can be downloaded now  click here 

All the audiobooks featured are available to download free for today only (between 09:00 Friday 18th November and 09:00 Saturday 19th November).

To use the feature, customers simply hit the share icon when listening to an audiobook, then tap ‘Send This Book’, select their preferred sharing method (email, text, Facebook Messenger or WhatsApp) and enter the recipient’s contact information. Users can send each audiobook to up to 10 people.  If it is a recipient’s first time accepting an audiobook via this feature the recipient does not need to sign up for a free trial or use a credit card to download the title.

Tracey Markham, UK Country Manager at Audible, said: “Our members know how irresistible a good audiobook can be. Now, for the first time, listeners can share their enjoyment by sending complete titles to anyone in the UK for them to download and keep forever without having to pay a penny. Whether you’re a book club member who wants to share an audiobook with the entire group, a teacher recommending a title to your class, or an enthusiastic listener giving to a friend, Send This Book lets you share the audiobooks you love with those you care about most.”

About Audible

Audible, an Amazon.com, Inc. subsidiary (NASDAQ:AMZN), is the leading provider of premium digital spoken audio information and entertainment, offering customers a new way to enhance and enrich their lives every day. Audible was created to unleash the emotive music in language and the habituating power and utility of verbal expression. Audible content includes more than 200,000 audio programs from leading audiobook publishers, broadcasters, entertainers, magazine and newspaper publishers, and business information providers. Audible is also the preeminent provider of spoken-word audio products for Apple’s iTunes Store.

Thanks to Audible and Francesca at Midas Public Relations for permission to share this information with my blog readers.

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Review ~ Monster 1983 written by Ivar Leon Menger (Audio)

New from Audible

October 2016

Callum Blue (Dead Like Me), Anastasia Griffith (Damages) and Marc Warren (Hustle) star in new audio-drama from Germany's master of thriller.

Anastasia Griffith (Deputy Taylor Dunford)

Callum Blue (Sheriff Cody)

Marc Warren (Deputy Landers)

Drawing influences from Poltergeist, Stand By Me and E.T. and other Spielberg classics, the story unfolds in the small coastal town of Harmony Bay, Oregon. Still reeling from a sudden and profound family tragedy, Sheriff Cody uproots his elder son Michael, and younger daughter Amy, from the chaos of Orlando to begin a new, more relaxed life in the Beaver State. Soon after their arrival however, this new-found tranquillity is disturbed by a succession of brutal but mysterious deaths. As the plot twists and turns its way through small-town secrecy, psychiatry wards and the supernatural, Cody comes under increasing pressure to solve each new case whilst keeping his family safe from harm.

©2015 Ivar Leon Menger (P)2016 Audible, Ltd

My thoughts..


When I first opened the Audible file of Monster 1983 and saw that there were 190 chapters I must admit that my heart sank a little, but then I discovered that some of the chapters are very short and take only a few minutes. And to be honest, once the story begins, both the chapters and the hours fly by very quickly.

The story is creepy from the offset, the small coastal town of Harmony Bay comes alive with intrigue and as the new sheriff tries to investigate a series of macabre killings you can’t help but be drawn into the whole creepy scenario.

The fact that Monster 1983 is a dramatic production of several voices gives the story a noticeably theatrical feel and I found that each individual narrator brought something very different to the story. I really enjoyed the distinctive and individual nature of their interpretation.

In many ways Monster 1983 is a chilling but entirely plausible version of small town America. Harmony Bay is a place of secrets. It is a town where petty grievances are allowed to fester and where control and domination go hand in hand. The chilling nature of the supernatural content grows gradually but with real intent until the malice and mayhem which is evoked becomes frighteningly realistic.

Monster 1983 is definitely one of those productions that you want to listen to with all the lights on and, preferably, not too late at night!

Best Read With ...A caffeine laced-Americano and generous slices of freshly caught tuna..

Audio Download Details

Listening Length: 7 hours and 18 minutes

Program Type: Audiobook

Version: Original recording

Publisher: Audible Studios

Audible.co.uk Release Date: 12 Oct. 2016

My thanks to Audible and Leanne at Midas pr for the opportunity to listen to Monster 1983

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Review ~ Orphans of the Carnival by Carol Birch (Audio)

Canongate
September 2016

A bit of blurb..

Julia Pastrana is the singing and dancing marvel from Mexico, heralded on tours across nineteenth-century Europe as much for her talent as for her rather unusual appearance. Yet few can see past the thick hair that covers her: she is both the fascinating toast of a Governor's ball and the shunned, revolting, unnatural beast, to be hidden from children and pregnant women. 

But what is her wonderful and terrible link to Rose, collector of lost treasures in an attic room in modern-day south London? In this haunting tale of identity, love and independence, these two lives will connect in unforgettable ways.

My thoughts about the book..

Re-imagining the life of someone like Julia Pastrana, and for the author to do justice to this remarkable young woman, must have been filled with huge difficulties, as I can imagine that the story was as emotional to write, as it was to read.

Julia Pastrana was born in Mexico in the mid nineteenth century and had the misfortune to be born with a medical condition called hypertrichosis lanuginosa, which made her an object of curiosity all her life. Passed from one exploitative person to another, Julia finds that her only real place of safety is to be amongst those other sad individuals who make up the grotesque and imperfect who ply the circus and carnival routes of mid-nineteenth century America. And yet, as the story progresses and we get to know Julia, we find that she is so much more than her appearance suggests.. She is fluent in three languages, is a delightful singer and dancer and is also a warm and generous person. It is the world at large that is Julia’s enemy and her almost unbelievable struggle to succeed is what gives this story its distinct appeal.

Running alongside Julia’s extraordinary story is that of Rose, a modern day hoarder who lives in a flat in London surrounded by tat and with a life filled with regrets and indecision. No two women could be any more different and yet, as the story progresses, we see how their connection plays out within the wider context of the story.

I listened to this story over 14 hours, which is the length of the unabridged version on Audible, I agree that’s a remarkable length of time but, it must be said, I was never bored, and in fact, I eagerly looked forward to my listening periods, when in the company of narrator, Helen Johns, I entered Julia’s world. The narrator really gives this story an added dimension, her story telling skills are very good, and her ability to give each character their unique voice ensured that they all came truly alive. However, it was her interpretation of Julia which will stay with me for a very long time. She captured the horror and the degradation and the downright eccentricity of Julia’s world to perfection. I appreciate that the power of this remarkable story is largely down to the words that the author has so competently written, but for me, this narrator really gave the book its heart and soul.

Orphans of the Carnival is a remarkable novel and is definitely a story that will stay with me for a very long time.


Best Read with ... A cup of Julia's favourite hot chocolate..

Audible.co.uk



About the Author

Carol Birch is the author of ten previous novels, including Scapegallows (2008) and Turn Again Home (2003) which was long listed for the Man Booker Prize. She has also won the Geoffrey Faber Memorial Prize and the David Higham Award for Best First Novel. Jamrach's Menagerie was longlisted for the Orange Prize for Fiction 2011 and the London Book Award.

My thanks to Audible.co.uk for the opportunity to listen to this book and also to Francesca at Midas for the invitation to listen to and review Orphans of the Carnival.




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Review ~ The Tale of Kitty-In-Boots by Beatrix Potter, Quentin Blake (Illustrator) (Audio)

September 2016
Warne
Puffin

"A serious, well-behaved young black cat, who leads a daring double life defeating vile villains."

When I was a little girl I had a much loved copy of The Tale of Peter Rabbit and I can remember the comforting feeling of snuggling under bed covers and having someone read the story to me. The comfort of listening to stories and particularly Beatrix Potter stories has not diminished over time and so when asked to listen and review The Tale of Kitty-In-Boots I jumped at the opportunity, as not only was this a chance to read a completely new story from a much loved author, but also an introduction to listening to stories via Audible.

The Tale of Kitty-In-Boots tells the story of Miss Katherine St Quentin, an intrepid black cat, known as Miss Kitty, who gets herself into all sorts of exciting situations. In a cunningly dangerous adventure she meets the notorious villain, Mr Todd, a foxy hunter with devilish charm and whose outward demeanour belies his deadly intent. Beautifully narrated by the actress, Helen Mirren, the story has an olde-worlde charm which is so reminiscent of Beatrix Potter and yet, there is freshness to the story which makes it feel surprisingly more modern than its more famous counterparts. Written in the years before 1914 it was never published, until now, and personally, I think that this story shows Beatrix Potter at her enigmatic best.

The narration of The Tale of Kitty in Boots lasts around 16 minutes which is a perfect length to listen to the story in one sitting and just enough time for even fidgety children to sit still. The rest of the narration which runs to over 56 minutes continues with the actress, Anna Friel reading five more classic Beatrix Potter tales and which need no introduction from me. 

They are :

The Tale of Peter Rabbit

The Tale of Jemima Puddleduck

The Tale of Mrs Tiggy-Winkle

The Tale of Squirrel Nutkin

The Tale of Jeremy Fisher

Whilst both narrators are unique in their style of delivery, each individual tale was read with just the right amount of fun and gravitas, all beautifully spoken in a narration which was clean and precise. I especially enjoyed listening to Anna Friel sing Squirrel Nutkin's riddles so beautifully.

I know that there has been some debate around the Quentin Blake illustrations in The Tale of Kitty- In-Boots, which are so very different from Beatrix Potter’s more whimsical interpretation. Having 'listened' to the story I don't have a physical copy to look at, so I can't give an informed appraisal of the illustrations, except to say that what I have seen of the cover, I rather like Blake's depiction of Miss Kitty in her Boots.

Audible UK

Best Read with ...A glass of milk two chocolate digestive biscuits.

About the Author

Helen Beatrix Potter was an English author, illustrator and conservationist who was best known for her children's books, which featured animal characters such as Peter Rabbit, Squirrel Nutkin, Jeremy Fisher, et al.

My thanks to Audible.co.uk for the opportunity to listen to this book and also to Francesca at Midas for the invitation to get to know Miss Kitty-In-Boots. I think Jaffa is a little in love with Miss Kitty !

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F. Scott Fitzgerald's 120th Anniversary...(Audio)

Essential Picks From AUDIBLE To Celebrate

F. Scott Fitzgerald's

120th Anniversary

Saturday 24th September 2016 marks 120 years since the birth of author F. Scott Fitzgerald, most famous for his novel The Great Gatsby. From Jake Gyllenhaal’s narration of The Great Gatsby to the only novel by Fitzgerald’s wife Zelda, the editors at Audible have curated a selection of audio programmes exploring the best of the American Jazz Age.

The Great Gatsby
Author: F. Scott Fitzgerald
Narrated by: Jake Gyllenhaal
£11.99 (free for Audible members)
Available at Audible.co.uk

F. Scott Fitzgerald's classic American novel of the Roaring Twenties, The Great Gatsby, is beloved by generations of readers and stands as his crowning work. This audio edition is narrated by Oscar-nominated actor Jake Gyllenhaal (Brokeback Mountain).

Gyllenhaal's performance is a faithful delivery in the voice of Nick Carraway, the Midwesterner turned New York bond salesman, who rents a small house next door to the mysterious millionaire Jay Gatsby. There, he has a first-hand view of Gatsby's lavish West Egg parties - and of his undying love for the beautiful Daisy Buchanan.

After meeting and losing Daisy during the war, Gatsby has made himself fabulously wealthy. Now, he believes that his only way to true happiness is to find his way back into Daisy's life, and he uses Nick to try to reach her. What happens when the characters' fantasies are confronted with reality makes for a startling conclusion to this iconic masterpiece.

Tender Is the Night

Author: F. Scott Fitzgerald

Narrated by: Therese Plummer

£16.09 (free for Audible members)

Available on Audible.co.uk

Published in 1934, Tender Is the Night was one of the most talked-about books of the year. "It's amazing how excellent much of it is," Ernest Hemingway said to Maxwell Perkins. "I will say now," John O'Hara wrote Fitzgerald, "Tender Is the Night is in the early stages of being my favorite book, even more than This Side of Paradise." And Archibald MacLeish exclaimed: "Great God, Scott...You are a fine writer. Believe it - not me."

Set on the French Riviera in the late 1920s,Tender Is the Night is the tragic romance of the young actress Rosemary Hoyt and the stylish American couple Dick and Nicole Diver. A brilliant young psychiatrist at the time of his marriage, Dick is both husband and doctor to Nicole, whose wealth goads him into a lifestyle not his own, and whose growing strength highlights Dick's harrowing demise.

A profound study of the romantic concept of character - lyrical, expansive, and hauntingly evocative - Tender Is the Night, Mabel Dodge Luhan remarked, raised F. Scott Fitzgerald to the heights of a "modern Orpheus".

Save Me The Waltz

Author: Zelda Fitzgerald

Narrated by: Jennifer Van Dyck

£16.09 (free for Audible members)

Available on Audible.co.uk

Save Me the Waltz is the first and only novel by the wife of F. Scott Fitzgerald. During the years when Fitzgerald was working on Tender Is the Night, Zelda Fitzgerald was preparing her own story, which parallels the narrative of her husband, throwing a fascinating light on F. Scott Fitzgerald's life and work. In its own right, it is a vivid and moving story: the confessions of a famous, slightly doomed glamour girl of the affluent 1920s, which captures the spirit of an era.

Experience the flappers, prohibition and romance of the Roaring Twenties through the stories of some of the best American writers of all time.

Sanctuary

Author: William Faulkner

Narrated by: Stephen Hoye

£13.69 (free for Audible members)

Available on Audible.co.uk

A powerful novel examining the nature of evil, informed by the works of T. S. Eliot and Freud, mythology, local lore, and hard-boiled detective fiction, Sanctuary is the dark, at times brutal, story of the kidnapping of Mississippi debutante Temple Drake, set during the Prohibition era. She introduces her own form of venality into the Memphis underworld where she is being held.

The Sun Also Rises

Author: Earnest Hemingway

Narrated by: William Hurt

£13.46 (free for Audible members)

Available at Audible.co.uk

The Sun Also Rises is one of Ernest Hemingway's masterpieces and a classic example of his spare but powerful style. A poignant look at the disillusionment and angst of the post-World War I generation, the story introduces two of Hemingway's most unforgettable characters: Jake Barnes and Lady Brett Ashley.

Follow the flamboyant Brett and the hapless Jake as they journey from the wild nightlife of 1920s Paris to the brutal bullfighting rings of Spain with a motley group of expatriates. It is an age of moral bankruptcy, spiritual dissolution, unrealized love, and vanishing illusions. First published in 1926, The Sun Also Rises helped to establish Hemingway as one of the greatest writers of the 20th century.

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes

Author: Anita Loos

Narrated by: Patrice O’Neill

£10.89 (free for Audible members)

Available on Audible.co.uk

The delirious 1925 Jazz-Age classic that no less an authority than Edith Wharton called "the great American novel".

If any American fictional character of the 20th century seems likely to be immortal, it is Lorelei Lee of Little Rock, Arkansas, the not-so-dumb blonde who knew that diamonds are a girl's best friend. Outrageous, charming, and unforgettable, she's been portrayed on stage and screen by Carol Channing and Marilyn Monroe, and has become the archetype of the footloose, good-hearted gold digger, with an insatiable appetite for orchids, champagne, and precious stones.

Here are her "diaries", created by Anita Loos in the Roaring Twenties, as Lorelei and her friend Dorothy barrel across Europe, meeting everyone from the Prince of Wales to "Doctor Froyd" - and then back home again to marry a Main Line millionaire and become a movie star. In this delightfully droll and witty book, Lorelei Lee's wild antics, unique outlook, and imaginative way with language shine.

More details of how to listen and subscribe to books from AUDIBLE 

can be found by clicking here

F Scott Fitzgerald

Francis Scott Key Fitzgerald (September 24, 1896 – December 21, 1940), known professionally as F. Scott Fitzgerald, was an American novelist and short story writer, whose works are the paradigmatic writings of the Jazz Age. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest American writers of the 20th century. Fitzgerald is considered a member of the "Lost Generation" of the 1920s. He finished four novels: This Side of Paradise, The Beautiful and Damned, The Great Gatsby (his best known), and Tender Is the Night. A fifth, unfinished novel, The Love of the Last Tycoon, was published posthumously. Fitzgerald also wrote numerous short stories, many of which treat themes of youth and promise, and age and despair.

(Source : wikipedia.)

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