Summer-worthy Audiobooks

The right story in the hands of the right narrator makes for a perfect afternoon lounging in the garden.

By Kate Duggan

Klara and the Sun By Kazuo Ishiguro (narrated by Sura Siu)

As an artificial friend, Klara’s job is to be a companion for a human child. When she’s chosen by Josie, Klara’s world starts to open up. She can now see much more than just the view from the shop window. The darkness of this dystopian world is revealed through Klara’s naive viewpoint. While Josie is clearly very ill, it’s her friend Rick who is seen by society as disadvantaged, as he’s not a ‘lifted’ child. A quietly beautiful, thought-provoking story.

The Stranger Times C.K. McDonnell (narrated by Brendan McDonald)

The Stranger Times newspaper reports on weird and wonderful tales from around the world – a dog eaten by a child’s drawing, a toilet possessed by the devil. While most of the tales are somewhat far-fetched, a very real supernatural danger could be a lot closer than the newspaper staff realise. If you love dry humour and urban fantasy, this audiobook will appeal. Night Watch Terry Pratchett (narrated by Stephen Briggs)

Audiobooks might be having their heyday now, but it’s still worth delving into the back catalogue to discover gems like this one. Commander Sam Vimes is accidentally sent back in time, where he discovers he has the important job of stopping a rebellion from turning into a slaughter. He also needs to close down a torture chamber, clean up the city watch and keep his younger self from dying. Oh, and stop a murderous villain who travelled back with him. Easy…

Early Morning Riser Katherine Heiny (narrated by Kate Rudd)

Jane meets Duncan soon after arriving in Boyne City. Falling for him is easy, but Duncan isn’t the settling down type. Everywhere Jane looks, there’s an ex with a prior claim to him. She does her best to move on, but a tragic accident sees Jane and Duncan taking on responsibilities neither of them planned for. An enjoyable taste of small-town American life by the author of Standard Deviation, Early Morning Riser is ideal for lazy summer afternoons.

Cunning Women Elizabeth Lee (narrated by Taj Atwal)

People rely on Sarah’s family for healing balms, protection and the odd curse, but it’s the seventeenth century and whispers of witchcraft are never far away. Sarah is used to being an outcast, but a forbidden relationship with a farmer’s son gives her a glimpse of how different her life could be. A gripping story and talented narrator make this a must-read for historical fiction fans. Runaway Girls Jacqueline Wilson (narrated by Mandeep Dhillon)

One for the kids… Lucy lives a financially privileged life in Victorian England but has little in the way of emotional comfort, so she runs away from home. Luckily for Lucy, she meets a street performer called Kitty, who has the wits to survive on London’s dangerous streets. The narrator does a skilful job of bringing an already engaging story to life. My twelve-year-old was hooked.

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