The Hidden Village audiobook, narrated by BAFTA-nominated actor, Liam Gerrard
During these unsettling times, sitting back and have someone read you a book can be a source of great comfort. It’s easy to get absorbed and lost in the story, especially if it’s narrated well.
As an author and reader, I always thought that audiobooks were for people who had no time or inclination to read. Seeing and absorbing the words on the page is surely better than hearing them?
Then I heard about audible through a friend who suggested I had my novel, The Hidden Village, turned into an audiobook. It was a revelation. I worked with a professional audiobook narrator (Liam Gerrard) who brought out nuances in my writing that I hadn’t realised were there. My writing took on new life and meaning as I listened to my characters jump off the page.
I thought I should give audible a go, so started a monthly subscription for an audiobook a month.
I downloaded books I wouldn’t have thought of reading, new releases which were only available in hardback and books in the bestseller lists.
I listened to audiobooks on car journeys, some long, others short, but always enough to catch a chapter or two.
Since lockdown, that’s all had to change, so I’m making time to listen at other times of day. A good audiobook really passes the time when I'm doing the ironing or other boring household chores!
Thanks to discovering audiobooks, my “reading” quota has increased by at least an extra book a month.
Here’s a list of audiobooks I’ve enjoyed
Chimananda Ngozi Adichie
Narrated by Adjoa Andoh
I somehow missed this book when it was first published. Such a beautifully written book about the cultural conflict and political differences between Nigeria, the US and the UK.
Ann Patchett
Narrated by Tom Hanks
I’ve always loved watching Tom Hanks, so was intrigued to hear what he’d make of this audiobook. It took me a little time to get into it, but soon I was carried away by his effortless narration and was caught up in each of the characters. I was also drawn to the title of the book and its links with Holland.
Lucy Foley
Narrated by Cahtleen McCarron and others
I discovered this book by chance as I’d never heard of Lucy Foley, but there she was leading The Sunday Times bestseller list with this thriller. Gripping.
Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine
Gail Honeyman
Narrated by Cathleen McCarron
The switch between characters was so convincing that I had to remind myself it was one narrator. When I got to the end I had Cathleen’s voices still going round in my head.
Second World War Novels - enjoyable research
Heather Morris
Narrated by Richard Armitage
Richard Armitage was a perfect choice for Morris’ bestselling love story set in Auschwitz. He perfectly conveyed a wide variety of emotions - pain, horror and love. I can honestly say I was swept away by the story.
Heather Morris
Narrated by Louise Brealey
I was less convinced by the narrator of Morris’ sequel to The Tattooist. It made me realise how a good narrator can make or break a book, however well written.
Rose Tremain
Rose Tremain is master in creating totally believable characters and plotlines. She should be, as one of the University of East Anglia’s most memorable tutors (amongst her pupils was Tracey Chevalier). This was another audiobook I didn’t want to end.
By Suzanne Goldring
Narrated by Diana Croft
A real page turner told from the perspective of a woman who everyone believes is losing it, but ends up manipulating everyone who questions her about her past. Only the ending was slightly disappointing as I felt Goldring was building up to a much bigger revelation.
Suzanne Kelman
Narrated by Alan Medcroft
It took about the first third of this book for me to get into the story which I felt was overwritten and too drawn out. Once it got into its stride it really picked up and had all the elements of a thriller by the end.
Marcus Zusak
Narrated by Allan Corduner
A convoluted story but a real “pageturner”. The use of Death as the narrator was genius.
Tracey Chevalier
Narrated by Fennella Woolgar
A gorgeously woven story by Tracey Chevalier, who is a favourite author of mine. I will definitely look out for more audiobooks narrated by Fennella Woolgar who was superb.
William Boyd
Narrated by Roy McMillan
There isn’t a book by William Boyd I haven’t enjoyed reading, and this audiobook didn’t disappoint. At times like these, when none of us can travel, it is sheer escapism to be transported between Scotland, France and Russia.