Download the Top 100 Audiobooks in Fiction, Historical

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Title: Genghis Lords of The Bow

Author: Conn Iggulden

Narrator: Richard Ferrone

Format: Unabridged

Length: 15 hrs and 17 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-31-08

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 745 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Escaping the Gobi Desert, he faces his greatest challenge, overtaking the empire of the Chin - a land protected by a massive, impenetrable wall.

Members Reviews:

Really liked the story, but not the reader

After listening to the first Genghis story by Conn Iggulden, and getting used to how that book's reader pronounced names, including "Khan" pronounced as "Hon", stipulated by Conn as historically correct for the period in which Genghis lived, and "Bertay", instead of "Berta", for the name of Genghis' wife, I found myself distracted by Richard Ferrone's narration. He was excellent in the "Left Behind" series, but I wish he had listened to the first book, before narrating the second and third. Beyond narration, the story line is as solid as the first book, and more "civilized", because Genghis has aged, and his family is no longer living like abandoned animals. GREAT SERIES to follow. I'm impressed with the depth of Conn's research on the Mongol warriors.

Unfortunate choice of reader

I really enjoyed listening to the first book. I just started on the second. How disappointing - as other reviewers have noted, the reader is terrible. And, I'm sorry to say, I also purchased the third book at the same time, and it's the same reader. We'll see how it goes - hopefully I can filter out the voice and just listen to the words... or buy the hardcopy.

Terrible narrator

So tell me why, if you are the narrator of the second book in the series obviously intended to be listened to sequentially, and for some reason they hired you to narrate the second and third books, after using another guy for the first book (what, the first guy was busy or something?), WHY WHY WHY would you change the pronunciation of the names of the major characters? Hassar becomes Haaassssser, Eluk (pronounced Ay-Luke), becomes pronounced Eee-Luck all of a sudden? (etc). Bleh. And, why would you give the main character, who is (or was, at the end of the last book), presented sympathetically, a nasal, evil sounding voice?

I only made it a half hour in. Going to go buy the paper version of the book instead. And will be avoiding Richard Ferrone in the future. Overly dramatic to the point of annoying, in addition to the changed names.

reader not nearly as good as 1st book

I got this book because I loved the 1st one - Genghis Birth of an Empire. The person who read the 1st book was excellent. This one is really bad. The voices sound whiny and the pronunciation of the names is terrible. It is obvious the reader did not listen to the 1st book. I am about 1 hr into it and I'm not sure if I can go on. Maybe I'll have to buy the book. The story is an exciting page turner.

Watch out for a new narrator

This is a great book. But they changed the narrator from book 1. It is a huge change. It took perhaps 1/2 of the book until I adapted to the new narration style, voices, etc. It is a massive turnoff and I almost stopped listening.

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Title: River God

Subtitle: A Novel of Ancient Egypt

Author: Wilbur Smith

Narrator: Dick Hill

Format: Unabridged

Length: 24 hrs and 39 mins

Language: English

Release date: 09-17-08

Publisher: Brilliance Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 1267 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Now the Valley of Kings lies ravaged by war, drained of its lifeblood, as weak men inherit the cherished crown.

On the eve of the festival of Osiris, the loyal subjects of the Pharaoh gather in Thebes to pay tribute to their leader.

Exploding with all the passion and rage of a bygone time, River God is a masterpiece of historical writing.

Critic Reviews:

"A grand tale of intrigue, deception, true love and exile." (Denver Post)

"Smith knows his subject: his graphic depiction of lust, bloodletting, politics, and, in Taita's case, honor is firmly grounded in rich details that evoke the period." (Booklist)

"Reader Dick Hill does an excellent job building tension and excitement, as well as keeping interest for twenty-four hours of listening." (AudioFile)

Members Reviews:

Highly recommended

I read River God years ago. I lost sleep. I missed college classes. I'm not sure, but I may have referred to my self as "Tiata" for a few weeks. The story was full of interesting characters, wit, potty humor, fascinating story, and information about one of my favorite ancient civilizations. It was as if it had been written just for me. When I finished I was reluctant to set it aside, so, in desperation, I read the authors note. I was amazed to discover that, according to the note, the story was not written by Wilbur Smith. He claimed It was written by a slave thousands of years ago and sealed in a tomb, and that the archeologists who discovered it had given him the task of rewriting the story as a novel for modern readers. He worked from a translation, adding only some modern terminology. Cool beans.

Dick Hill was the perfect reader. His performance became the standard by which I judge all others.

Give this book a chance.

River God review

After trying, then failing, to read (I just couldn't get into it) River God, I decided to "give it another go" by listening to it. What a transformation a good reader makes! I listen to my Audible books in the car and there were times I couldn't wait to take a ride. Dick Hill brings this book to life as though I were watching an enthralling play. One of the best "reads" ever.

Great Book

I really liked this book. A nice insight into life in ancient Egypt. I was hesitant because the story was rather long (over 20 hours) but the plot kept moving and the characters were very interesting. Narration was very good. I look for for books read by Dick Hill. If you like historical novels please read this one. Looking forward to more Wilbur Smith books.

One of the best . . .

Highly recommend this series of books (4) for anyone with even a hint of an imagination. The tapestry this author creates before your mind's eye in is nothing less than fascinating! As the story is woven from one CD to the next one can see the characters and the world they live in develop and unfold in living detail as the narrator adds one more row of threads to the story. For days after listening to a section of the book I can see the scene described almost as though I was one of the major players in the story.

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Title: The 19th Wife

Subtitle: A Novel

Author: David Ebershoff

Narrator: Kimberly Farr, Rebecca Lowman, Arthur Morey

Format: Unabridged

Length: 18 hrs and 59 mins

Language: English

Release date: 09-02-08

Publisher: Random House Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 710 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

It is 1875, and Ann Eliza Young has recently separated from her powerful husband, Brigham Young, prophet and leader of the Mormon Church. Expelled and an outcast, Ann Eliza embarks on a crusade to end polygamy in the United States. A rich account of a family's polygamous history is revealed, including how a young woman became a plural wife.

Soon after Ann Eliza's story begins, a second exquisite narrative unfolds - a tale of murder involving a polygamist family in present-day Utah. Jordan Scott, a young man who was thrown out of his fundamentalist sect years earlier, must reenter the world that cast him aside in order to discover the truth behind his father's death.

As Ann Eliza's narrative intertwines with that of Jordan's search, listeners are pulled deeper into the mysteries of love and faith.

Members Reviews:

Good history, a little confusing

Well at first I got a little lost when the novel switched views. Eventually I caught on and it went much more smoothly. What you have to realize is this is not only written in two different perspectives, though it only tells two stories.

First is the authors fictional story about a boy who was kicked out of a modern day polygamous society that returns when his mother is accused of killing his father.

Next is the story of the historical Anne Eliza Young (and her family) who was the 19th (well more like 50th) wife of the mormon prophet Brigham Young. Her story is told through her memoir as well as other documents such as her brothers journal, a students thesis paper, documents from the mormon church's records, etc.

This book is pretty good with great historical facts. I feel like I know a lot more about the roots of the mormon church and polygamy. Be forewarned though it is pretty sad and just as you get into one story it will switch perspectives on you!

The 19th Wife

I loved this book! My favorite genre is historical fiction and I did not know a lot about the history of the Mormon religion before I read (listened to) this book. It makes me want to learn more. I have been telling everyone to read (or listen to) it. One of my friends started reading it and said she was having a hard time switching between the different narrators. I told her that listening to it probably helped with that because the different voices eliminate confusion when the narrator changes.

Fantastic!

How good was this? Really, really good! Ebershoff is a wonderful writer who absolutely gets inside the head of a wide range of characters. If you're looking for a romping fast read, this might not be for you, but the interweaving of the two stories--one from the early days of the LDS, one in the present, involving a splinter group of the LDS--is well done and keeps you coming back to see what develops. The historical detail is beautiful, and Ebershoff balances religious tolerance and sound moral judgment admirably well.

Two Mysteries: One Fictional, One Historical

This audio version is well-handled by using more than one performer, as there are more than one narrative strands here. There is the modern strand: a lively amateur sleuth mystery about a young man who had once been tossed out of a polygamous community, but who goes back to exonerate his mother, who is falsely accused of murder.

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Title: The Steel Wave

Subtitle: A Novel of World War II

Author: Jeff Shaara

Narrator: Paul Michael

Format: Unabridged

Length: 20 hrs and 48 mins

Language: English

Release date: 08-28-08

Publisher: Books on Tape

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 650 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

General Dwight Eisenhower once again commands a diverse army that must find its single purpose in the destruction of Hitler's European fortress. His primary subordinates, Omar Bradley and Bernard Montgomery, must prove that this unique blend of Allied armies can successfully confront the might of Adolf Hitler's forces, who have already conquered Western Europe.

On the coast of France, German commander Erwin Rommel fortifies and prepares for the coming invasion, acutely aware that he must bring all his skills to bear on a fight his side must win. But Rommel's greatest challenge is to strike the Allies on his front, while struggling behind the lines with the growing insanity of Adolf Hitler, who thwarts the strategies Rommel knows will succeed.

Meanwhile, Sergeant Jesse Adams, a no-nonsense veteran of the 82nd Airborne, parachutes with his men behind German lines into a chaotic and desperate struggle. And as the invasion force surges toward the beaches of Normandy, Private Tom Thorne of the 29th Infantry Division faces the horrifying prospects of fighting his way ashore on a stretch of coast more heavily defended than the Allied commanders anticipate - Omaha Beach.

From G.I. to general, this story carries the reader through the war's most crucial juncture, the invasion that altered the flow of the war, and, ultimately, changed history.

Members Reviews:

The best kind of WWII history book

Any additional comments?

The Steel Wave is the second in a trilogy (which ended up being 4 books) Shaara wrote about WWII, the first three about the war in Europe and the fourth covering the latter end of the war in the pacific.

The Steel Wave picks up right where The Rising Tide left off - with the Normandy invasion and Patton's sweep across Europe. These books have been some of the best resources I have come across for learning WWII battles, major players, and timelines. The book effectively conveys the horror of these key battles through the eyes of several main characters.

And unlike many war novels, Shaara is fairly clean in his writing. He doesn't go over the top trying to mimic soldier-speak or the language any one of us might use if under fire. In other words, the books are a great way for teens or young adults to learn history. That's not to say the books are too polished or boring - they're exciting and well written. Highly recommended.

The Steel Wave

This book should be required High School reading. You feel the emotions, the stress, the pain of war from both sides.

Generals - Yes ... Average Soldiers - No

Shaara does a great job with Generals and statesmen. But when the story jumps away to tell a soldiers story, it just doesn't have the same impact as the dialog the Generals speak. The soldier parts are almost forgettable, where the Generals seem to have better lines.

Entertaining way to learn history

I like this format of "history telling". It makes it easier to listen to and retain. I am ready to get the last part of this trilogy of WWII history.

Superb

Another great work by Shaara. For historians and non-historians alike it is a great read. These books, while simplifying some of the more complex aspects of WWII (for obvious reasons)provide a vibrant tableaux that enhances anyones understanding of these monumental events.

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Title: A Woman's Place

Author: Lynn Austin

Narrator: Christina Moore

Format: Unabridged

Length: 14 hrs and 33 mins

Language: English

Release date: 03-31-08

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 390 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Written from four diverse viewpoints, A Woman's Place is an emotionally rich glimpse of life in World Ware II America.

Lynn Austin's three Christy Awards include one for Hidden Places, which was made into a popular Hallmark film.

Critic Reviews:

"An engrossing read...a very enjoyable journey." (Publishers Weekly)

Members Reviews:

Complex insights on personal perspective.

Any additional comments?

I am new to Lynn Austin books and took a chance because I was interested in the home front during WWII. The story telling is excellent. The characters are developed masterfully--subtly drawing the reader into a tale of strength, change in adversity and the importance of finding friendship in unlikely places. Austin repeatedly shows how things are not always as they seem on first glance. Ideas of roles, expectations and preconceived notions are examined through the daily lives of the characters. It was a positive, redemptive story that was honestly told and completely engaging until the end. A pleasure.

A Woman's Place

Narrator did a fantastic job of distinguishing between all the characters. I would have rated the story five stars if it had not been for the author ending the story very abruptly and left you wondering if there is going to be a sequel - some unanswered questions. Very much enjoyed the story line.

Didn't want this book to end!

Lynn Austin is just sooo good! She has a way of really getting the reader involved in the time period in which her stories are set. She also truly brings life to her characters...it makes you want to know them personally. And of the course the cherry on the top is the spiritual inspiration for those of us looking for Christian novels. Awesome book.

Surprisingly carried away...

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Absolutely! This story took me on an unexpected journey that touched so many parts of my book lover's soul.

What did you like best about this story?

The ability of this author to entertwine these 4 women's varied lives into a rich friendship despite their many obstacles.

Which scene was your favorite?

I felt like the sneaky "bug on the wall" when Rosa's vodka laced peach juice was included in the punch ingredients by her unknowing mother-in-law for her Ladies Missionary Society meeting at her house. I so wanted to join in the rollicking fun as these ladies loosened and giggled their way through the meeting. I'm sure it was touted as the best meeting ever!

2ndly...actually another 1st fave. The scene where Meinhard Kesler, a German POW working next to Jean (who harbors a deep hatred and resentment for Germans) humbles himself and asks her forgiveness for "whatever it is I have done to make you hate me". Kesler recognizes her bitterness as he was once the same...he lost his wife and son to the same war. Jean is unable to accept his plea for forgiveness. The mix of conflictive emotions this interaction brings about has powerful affects. It is dealt more with later in the book.

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Title: A Proper Pursuit

Author: Lynn Austin

Narrator: Jennifer Ikeda

Format: Unabridged

Length: 16 hrs and 10 mins

Language: English

Release date: 03-26-08

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 619 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Fresh from finishing school, Violet receives a double shock. Her dad announces his upcoming wedding and then confesses an old lie - her mom didn't really leave for a sanitarium 11 years ago. But why then did she leave?

Under cover of visiting the World's Fair, Violet travels to the stately Chicago home of her saintly grandmother and three eccentric great aunts. In her quest for her mother, Violet soon discovers much about faith, life, and love as she marches for women's rights, feeds slum dwellers, hob-knobs with the highfalutin, plays piano for evangelistic meetings, and ponders various marriage proposals.

Lynn Austin, multiple Christy Award-winning author of A Woman's Place, creates vivid historical settings with vibrant characters.

Critic Reviews:

"This sure winner will please readers....Highly recommended." (Library Journal)

Members Reviews:

Just simply entertaining and FUNNY!

If you are in the mood for just a fun book, this is the one. Warning however... if you listen to this book in public, you might find yourself laughing out loud. I did that while waiting in a doctors office, ackward! LOL

Wonderful narrating

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

YES-- this audiobook is fun to listen to and the story is nice and uplifting.

Any additional comments?

I had read this book previously. When I listen to audiobooks I love to listen to lighthearted stories that are fun. I also like a good voice actor to narrate. This narrator was FANTASTIC. She made the story SO fun to listen to.

This is not the typical deep Lynn Austin story. It is humorous and lighthearted vs deep and heart-wrenching. It is in first person-- which is my favorite type of audiobook to listen to. This is one I could listen to over and over again.

Can't go wrong with a Lynn Austin book!

Awesome story, awesome characters, awesome writing and narration. Reader gets a great sense of the time period and setting. Very inspirational as well.

A very good read!

Good story, good mystery - it kept me guessing until the end. I enjoyed the description of the customs of the times.

AWESOME

I just loved this book. I couldn't wait until I could get back in my car to listen to it. I was sorry when it ended. Llynn Austin is such an awesome spellbounding writer. I am trying to read all her books. Highly recommend. KMitchell - Louisiana

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Title: Claudius the God

Author: Robert Graves

Narrator: Nelson Runger

Format: Unabridged

Length: 19 hrs and 45 mins

Language: English

Release date: 03-10-08

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 345 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Robert Graves continues Claudius' story with the epic adulteries of Messalina, King Herod Agrippa's betrayal of his old friend, and the final arrival of that bloodthirsty teenager, Nero.

Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend us your ears: don't miss the first book,

.

©1962 Robert Graves; (P)1987 Recorded Books

Critic Reviews:

"This book, with or without its predecessor, is amusing and illuminating to a high degree." (The New York Times)

Members Reviews:

Don't Stop With I Claudius

This is really I Claudius, Vol II. The story continues. The story moves like that of a good novel. The history is good to learn while enjoying a good read. You realize from reading between the lines and from comparing to what historians believe that this account is quite biased toward Claudius. But, this is after all written in the form of an autobiography, so what would you expect? The subplot of Herod is an interesting one.

As good as the first...

The books makes a fine sequel to "I, Claudius," which I've already reviewed as being excellent. If you enjoyed that book, then you will obviously enjoy this fine piece of historical fiction.

This is a fictional autobiography of Claudius, fourth emperor of the Roman Empire. It is a narration of those events which transpired after Claudius became emperor. He has survived the reigns of the expedient Augustus, the perverse Tiberius, and the insane Caligula, where few others in his line have. But how long can he survive his wives?

Claudius is a sympathetic emperor and the narrator is entirely believable as Claudius himself. Attached to the end of this audiobook are readings from translations of Suetonius, Tacitus, and Cassius Dio regarding the death of Claudius as well as all that remains of Seneca's Apocolocyntosis. The translations are somewhat stilted but provide an interesting contrast between Graves' depiction of Claudius and those of the Roman Senators.

The Deified King of Historical Fiction

I, Claudius and Claudius the God and His Wife Messalina are two of the greatest novels of historical fiction EVER. Probably the only writers who come close to Grave's mastery of history and literature are (in no particular order): Gore Vidal (Lincoln, Burr, etc), Hilary Mantel (Wolf Hall, Bring Up the Bodies) and Norman Mailer (The Executioner's Song, Harlot's Ghost).

Obviously, Shakespeare is the master of historical fiction/drama but he is so obviously the deified king of this that the Shakespearian 'sun needs no inscription to distinguish him from darkness'.

Grave's dilogy must be intimidating to a historian of Imperial Rome. The personality of Claudius has been so deeply set by Graves that I'm not sure any tweaking by modern historians will be able to fool with Grave's fool. The Genius of 'I, Claudius' and 'Glaudius the God' is derived from Graves' ability to create such an amazingly rich and deep literary character. The closest I've come across in recent times is Hilary Mantel's Thomas Cromwell. Books like these are rare and seem to grow more amazing with each year.

A necessary sequel

I suppose there was no way Graves could have not written this given the success of the first book and the sense of having broken off in the middle. From the great BBC miniseries, this was the part I best remembered and looked forward to. Somehow the magic wasn't there for me.

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Title: A Soldier of the Great War

Author: Mark Helprin

Narrator: David Colacci

Format: Unabridged

Length: 31 hrs and 1 min

Language: English

Release date: 11-12-07

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 446 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

On his last long walk, septuagenarian war hero, deserter, and professor Alessandro Giuliani shares his past with an illiterate young factory worker, spinning a remarkable tale of heart-stopping escapes, of loves unrequited and won, of madmen, dwarfs, and mafiosi. But overshadowing all is his most miraculous and terrible adventure, the Great War: a surreal parade of horrors that devastated and defined Alessandro, yet enabled him to experience fully the magic and beauty of the absurd human comedy called life.

©1991 Mark Helprin; (P)2007 BBC Audiobooks America

Critic Reviews:

"Extraordinary....a vast, ambitious, spiritually lusty, all-guzzling, all-encompassing novel." (The New York Times Book Review)

"A rousing tale....riotous energy and sustained brilliance....Helprin lights his own way, in his ownsingular direction." (Time)

"A gripping, poignant and universally relevant moral fable." (Publishers Weekly)

Members Reviews:

I love this guy

Fans of Helprin will not be disappointed. It's a great sweeping epic tale of a man whose life is taken out of his control yet maintains a clear eye and his humanity. Hours of enjoyment, maybe even more than once...

Long but memorable

At 31 hours, this is a long book. It's mostly a coming-of-age novel, set in the first world war... but that doesn't begin to do it justice. Ultimately, it is a book about beauty, love, and finding meaning.

The narration is wonderful. Parts of the book do drag at times, in part because it is long and in part because the author repeats themes, but I am very glad to have listened to it. It will provide food for thought for some time to come.

Painting with words

This was one of the most incredible books I have ever had the pleasure to experience. The word imagery is superlative and the story so carefully crafted that it is an amazing work of art. Few writers ever approach the author's powerful use of language in their works.

Great

Great Book. I was not sure when it began but I hated when it ended. Good historical viewpoint also.

Mark Helprin's Best

I first read this book in college years ago. I was very glad to see that it had made it to an audio version and quickly picked it up. First let me speak about the story itself. The development of the main character of this story is so complex, rich, and complete that I beleive a hundred years from now this book will be regarded as one of the great books of our time. The old man is so likable and written so well that you actually begin to believe that this is a true story. His story is compelling, funny, and poignant. He is the kind of man that most men aspire to become.

The writing of the story is what one expects from someone who wrote something called A Winter's Tale. The prose is magnificent. I will admit that I found my BA in English usefull with this book, Mr. Helprin shares my love of the english language and displays his vocabulary in his writing. Keeping a dictionary handy may not be a bad idea for some. Personally I like the unusual words.

Finally the narration. The narrator does not really evoke any thoughts in me, I hardly noticed him...which is quite possibly the greatest compliment I can give a narrator. We but audio books becaseu we want to enjoy the book. The experience is about the book only.

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Title: Sharpe's Trafalgar

Author: Bernard Cornwell

Narrator: Patrick Tull

Format: Unabridged

Length: 13 hrs and 13 mins

Language: English

Release date: 11-05-07

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 656 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

A guttersnipe who has risen through the ranks of the British army, Ensign Sharpe is sailing home to England from his latest campaign against Napoleon. Anticipating an uneventful voyage, the dashing young maverick discovers the intriguing and very married Lady Grace Hale on board the Calliope. But just as he wins his way into her heart, the ship is fired upon and, suddenly, he finds himself in the thick of one of history's most spectacular incidents: the Battle of Trafalgar.

Patrick Tull's vibrant narration bedazzles listeners with this breathtaking retelling of one of Europe's most ferocious sea battles.

Members Reviews:

Missing parts restored.

I bought the download of "Sharpe's Trafalgar" and the death of the lord's secretary was present in all its explicit glory. Apparently someone fixed the problem mentioned in other reviews. The audio was also very clear. I did not have a problem with the narrator's accent but then I watch a lot of PBS and so I am used to British accents.

Part 2 is incomplete (otherwise 5 stars)

I loved this book. Patrick Tull (who narrates many of the famous Patrick O'Brian Aubrey-Maturin series).

WARNING - As others have stated this version (on Audible) of the audiobook is lacking a considerable amount of the book. I went through the book 3 times trying to figure out if I missed the part where an important plot member is killed. Alas it's simply missing. Thanks to the other readers who compared this version to Local Library copies and noticed the error.

This needs to be fixed as the book shouldn't be sold as "Unabridged" with missing content.

Sharpe at Sea, and read by Patrick Tull!

Bernard Cornwell manages to get Richard Sharpe into every major battle or war possible, and now even has him at the Battle of Trafalgar aboard a British 74. With the obligatory female interest, of course.

Sharpe is headed to Englad from India to join the Rifles, but meanwhile he manages to get his goods stolen and recovered, be captured by the French and recaptured by the British. All everyday events for our intrepid Ensign Richard Sharpe.

The history is sound, even if this particular 74 gun man o'war didn't actually participate in the Battle of Trafalgar, and the story well told, as always with Cornwell. As one would expect, Patrick Tull's narration is superb. Simply superb.

36 Pages missing from the start of Part 2

As was mentioned by Mark, the start of Part 2 is missing a considerable section of the story. I found an eBook version from our county library and filled in the part where the Lord's secretary is killed by Sharpe (pages 172 to 208).

I recommend this audiobook, but get a readable version to fill in this gap.

Good Book, bad version

Though I love the Sharpe series and enjoyed this novel, I found the recording to be abomidably low in quality and the reader's accent to be very difficult to understand, especially given the low level of audio throughout. I had to push my Ipod to the limit, and then there was still a great deal I missed while listening. Also, the reader feeling that he missed an important part concerning a character's death did not miss it, it is done off-camera, as it were, and amply described by those involved.

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Title: Possession

Author: A. S. Byatt

Narrator: Virginia Leishman

Format: Unabridged

Length: 22 hrs and 48 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-08-07

Publisher: HarperAudio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 495 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

As a pair of young scholars research the lives of two Victorian poets, they uncover their letters, journals, and poems, and track their movements from London to Yorkshire - from spiritualist seances to the fairy-haunted far west of Brittany. What emerges is an extraordinary counterpoint of passion and ideas.

Members Reviews:

Absolutely Excellent

This is one of my favorites. As a book, it is embedded with wonderful and varied texts that add up to "A Romance" -- narratives from the 19th century and 1980s, as well as fictional but authentic-sounding epic poems, mythology and folk stories, biographies, and letters. It includes very interesting characters, especially among the academics of the 1980s, and considers "possession" as a word and concept in fascinating ways. As an audiobook, Virginia Leishman brings everyone to life in her nuanced narration. I've listened to it many times and always find it a pleasure.

audible poetry

When holding the book in my hands, I found the long sections of history and myth woven into poetry interesting in what they revealed about the characters and the author. Strangely, many of these same sections became tedious when translated to the oral format. Perhaps I had jumped ahead or not paid full attention when reading? But when listening there is no effective way of moving the story forward without possibly missing the plot narrative. "Get on with it already!" I cried several times. A warning, the theoretical polemics of post-modern "social scientists" may seem impenetrable to those not embroiled in the verbiage of modern academia; those involved in these fields may see themselves parodied with ironic accuracy. It is words and, as stated by the author, "lists of words that arranged themselves into poems" that form the beauty of this book that ultimately leaves the romantic in tears.

Challenging, but Worth It

What made the experience of listening to Possession the most enjoyable?

Byatt weaves together two story lines, one set in Victorian England and the other in present day academia, in England. She is an academic herself and this is probably the best (and funniest) portrayal I've come across. At the same time the themes are deep and resonant. It's hard to believe that she made the two Victorian poets out of thin air, they are so clearly drawn.

What did you like best about this story?

Byatt writes beautifully, but mostly she can tell a story that works as a mystery, love story, academic send-up, and an historical.

Which scene was your favorite?

The scene in the graveyard was the perfect crisis, exciting, evocative, satirical.

Who was the most memorable character of Possession and why?

Christabel LaMott, the Victorian writer and poet.

Any additional comments?

Byatt composed two sets of poetry for this novel, one for each of the Victorian poets. This is not light reading, but then on the other hand you can get a lot out of this novel even skipping over the poetry. The narrator really delivered, as well.

no more please

I listened to four chapters or five I'm not sure but the ongoing drone of the voice and not knowing when it was the narrator when it was the poet or who was who became maddening so i am giving up without the slightest bit of interest about the journey or its end.