Listen to Top 100 Audiobooks in Fiction, Historical

Please open https://hotaudiobook.com ONLY on your standard browser Safari, Chrome, Microsoft or Firefox to download full audiobooks of your choice for free.

Title: The Memory of Old Jack

Author: Wendell Berry

Narrator: Paul Michael

Format: Unabridged

Length: 7 hrs and 46 mins

Language: English

Release date: 02-10-09

Publisher: christianaudio.com

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 95 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Bringing the earthiness of America's past to mind,The Memory of Old Jack conveys the truth and integrity of the land and the people who live it. Through the eyes of one man can be seen the values of Americans strive to recapture as we arrive at the next century.

Critic Reviews:

"This audiobook release offers an excellent venue for new audiences to discover Berry, a seminal literary figure whose gifted storytelling challenges, provokes, inspires and affirms." (

Publishers Weekly)

Members Reviews:

Beautiful Appreciation of Life

A beautifully written but mournful tale, an old man's unusually insightful reminiscence of his apparently mundane life. Old Jack represents THE man of the earth who sees that his values of work, independence and responsibility are on the wane even by the early 1950's. It is however no jeremiad, rather a celebration of life. In the end he does leave successors who understand and will carry on his values. The narrator is perfect.

Magical Writing

What did you love best about The Memory of Old Jack?

I loved the slow and easy pace of the story. It took a little while to grab hold but once it did, every day it would draw me in and rock me in its beautiful language.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Memory of Old Jack?

When Jack's wife died and they finally had a moment of closeness and understanding with each other after a lifetime of quiet unhappiness.

What about Paul Michaels performance did you like?

Having heard Wendell Berry speak, Paul made me believe that it was the wonderful author doing the reading.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I entered so deeply into this world that it took me days to want to read anything else.

Any additional comments?

I would love it if audible offered more of Berry's non fiction such as "What Matters- Economics for a renewed Commonwealth" and "Bringing it to the Table".

Great read

Would you listen to The Memory of Old Jack again? Why?

I've listened to it a couple of times already. This is a very thought provoking book. I enjoyed the audio version much better than the physical book. I originally bought the book, but never had the time to read it, so I bought the audio version. The audio was clear and in the form you would imagine the author to read.

What did you like best about this story?

I loved the setting on the farm. It brings memories to my mind about living near farms and growing up around farmers. It was a simple story of how we get lost in thought and replay our lives out near the end.

Who was the most memorable character of The Memory of Old Jack and why?

They were all memorable; Ben, Rose, Clara, Matt, Hannah, Ruth, Will, and Andy. Jack's memories of the people in his life can apply to us all.

Any additional comments?

This would be a great book for men and women to read. Men might even enjoy it more because it is written from a man's perspective.

Memory of Old Jack

This book is a story, in my opinion, written for men. It is a non-christian remembrance of a man's life (and his hopes for future generations?? ) Profanity as well as sexual situations are in in the content of the story but again, in my opinion, these references do not overwhelm the story in itself. I say that as a person who is highly sensitive to both.

Please open https://hotaudiobook.com ONLY on your standard browser Safari, Chrome, Microsoft or Firefox to download full audiobooks of your choice for free.

Title: Casca the African Mercenary: Casca Series #12

Author: Barry Sadler

Narrator: Gene Engene

Format: Unabridged

Length: 6 hrs and 23 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-25-08

Publisher: Books in Motion

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 31 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Casca Longinus, witness to the crucifixion of Christ on Golgotha.

Emerging in our modern world as "Casey Romain," he gathers the best-trained mercenaries available to topple the regime of Matthew Dzhombe, the crazed dictator of Kimshaka. Killing Dzhombe, who claims to be an immortal god, is only part of the problem. The tougher part is dealing with the treacheries of tribal politics and international intrigue. The West, the Chinese, and the Russians are all seeking the lion's share of Casca's conquest.

Members Reviews:

Outstanding!

Could not stop listening, this read had me on the edge of my seat. Mr. Engene is hands down, Casca! The way he uses his voice in & out of different characters. Amazing, simply Amazing!!

Please open https://hotaudiobook.com ONLY on your standard browser Safari, Chrome, Microsoft or Firefox to download full audiobooks of your choice for free.

Title: Goodbye Mr Chips

Author: James Hilton

Narrator: Martin Jarvis

Format: Unabridged

Length: 1 hr and 53 mins

Language: English

Release date: 07-02-08

Publisher: CSA Word

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 68 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Martin Jarvis is the perfect reader, as his lilting and soothing voice carries listeners along on a swell of nostalgia, leaving them wishing that they could have been there to celebrate all of Mr Chipping's happiness with him.

Members Reviews:

A Sweet Old Story

The story is achingly sweet, sad, and triumphant, and the narration is a marvel. How can such a long story be told so quickly and with so much detail that you feel as if have been in another world for days with it's short telling is done? The narration is superb and endearing.

Wonderful to listen to

This story has long been one of my favorite movies, and I do think that this is a rare case of the movie being a richer experience than the book. The book is very short (shorter than the movie in fact), and relates, mostly in third person narrative - very little dialogue - the events of Mr. Chips' life and career as a beloved schoolmaster. Being familiar with the story, I could envision the scenes from the film as they were narrated in the book. Martin Jarvis beautifully captured the tone of Mr. Chips' voice, adding to the enjoyment. Those not familiar with the 1939 movie may not be able to envision the scenes so well. I do think because of the excellent reading by Jarvis that this is better heard than read, whether you know the movie or not. I got this title on sale, and the price made it a very nice selection.

Understated but charming

If you could sum up Goodbye Mr Chips in three words, what would they be?

A gentle tale of quiet dignity (I know, six words!)

Have you listened to any of Martin Jarviss other performances before? How does this one compare?

Quite talented. I always enjoy his narration even when I'm not drawn into a story. He also gives a wonderful performance in Good Omens by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman.

If you could rename Goodbye Mr Chips, what would you call it?

I wouldn't change a thing.

Any additional comments?

A small gem of a tale.

Spectacular performance of the reading!

Martin Jarvis' performance of the reading is quite stunning. The different voices and characters draw you in and make you forget that it's just one person. Very endearing main character.

great story

Where does Goodbye Mr Chips rank among all the audiobooks youve listened to so far?

Loved the movie and the book is even better. Thourghly enjoyed it.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Goodbye Mr Chips?

When he fell in love.

What about Martin Jarviss performance did you like?

Excellent

If you could take any character from Goodbye Mr Chips out to dinner, who would it be and why?

Mrs. Chips

Please open https://hotaudiobook.com ONLY on your standard browser Safari, Chrome, Microsoft or Firefox to download full audiobooks of your choice for free.

Title: My Cousin Rachel: Film Tie-In Edition

Author: Daphne du Maurier

Narrator: Jonathan Pryce, Roger Michell

Format: Unabridged

Length: 12 hrs and 3 mins

Language: English

Release date: 03-06-08

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 263 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Featuring an exclusive introduction written and narrated by Roger Michell, director of the 2017 film adaptation of My Cousin Rachel, starring Rachel Weisz and Sam Claflin.

Ambrose Ashley, Philip's cousin, guardian, and god, married Rachel in Italy and died there. Jealous of his marriage and grief-stricken by his death, Philip prepares to meet his cousin's widow with hatred in his heart.

Members Reviews:

Original suspense

After being orphaned, Philip was raised by his older cousin Ambrose Ashley on an estate in Cornwall. As a very young man, Philip learns that the older cousin that he reveres has met and married a widow named Rachel in Florence, Italy. Jealous because of the separation from his cousin Ambrose, his emotions turn to suspicion when letters from Ambrose arrive suggesting that he is ill and that his wife Rachel may actually be harming him. When Philip travels to Florence to investigate, it is too late, and his beloved cousin Ambrose has already died. Rachel has left town. There was no provision in Ambrose's will for Rachel. He has left everything to Philip. Later, Rachel turns up in England and makes a visit. Initially prepared to hate her, Philip at once develops an intense fondness for Rachel. The visit lasts for many months, and Ambrose, too begins to doubt her sincerity. He suspects her of treachery...even of poisoning him, but is still drawn by his affection for her. The central suspense of the story is whether Rachel is an evil conniver or simply a person who is misunderstood, even if exceedingly materialistic and spendthrift. This is a highly engaging story, whose complex, ambiguous characters keep you wondering long after you have finished it. The narration is superb.

Long Live Dame Daphne!

I admit to being a huge du Maurier fan, so perhaps I am biased in favor of "My Cousin Rachel" from the outset. I loved listening to it.

(I started reading it years ago, but lost the book at a spa, absent-minded fool that I am).

I didn't find Rachel to be entirely unsympathetic. She is intriguing. (Strangely I thought frequently of the inscrutable "Anna Barton" in "Damage," another woman who left tragedy in her wake).

Philip is not one-dimensional. Like Hamlet, he is unable to act. He does not seem to know who he is or what he wants, although he describes his life in detail, a life anchored to traditions and earthy activities.

As in "Rebecca," the one who is absent is also very much present, always.

The book is hardly flawless, of course, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. Jonathon Pryce is a good narrator, to be sure.

Now on to "The King's General."

The best audio book I ever listened to

This is Daphne Du Maurier best work - subtle but so intelligent. Rachel is insidious in the most wonderful way. The narrator is the best I have ever listened to, hands down.

Surpassed Rebecca

Love a Good Book? This was a well written, well spun tale of suspense. A gripping tale that draws you in.

If you love Daphne du Maurier, don't miss this one

Jonathan Pryce Rocks

I usually use Audible books while commuting. This book I carried around on my iphone wherever I went. It's a page turner, meaning I listened when I woke up and when I went to bed. Jonathan Pryce was terrific and Daphne du Maurier is a drama queen, in the best sense.

Please open https://hotaudiobook.com ONLY on your standard browser Safari, Chrome, Microsoft or Firefox to download full audiobooks of your choice for free.

Title: The Invention of Everything Else

Author: Samantha Hunt

Narrator: Marguerite Gavin

Format: Unabridged

Length: 10 hrs and 2 mins

Language: English

Release date: 02-22-08

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 79 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Meanwhile, faced with her father's imminent departure in a time machine, as well as the unsettling arrival of a mysterious mechanic (perhaps from the future) named Arthur, Louisa begins to suspect that she has understood something about the relationship between love and invention that Tesla, for all his brilliance, never did.

Critic Reviews:

"Peppered with literary quotations, historical figures, and subtle eroticism, this book will please readers who enjoy experimentation and uncertainty in both their fiction choices and their worldview. Recommended." (Library Journal)

Members Reviews:

Special Topics in Calamity Physics

Smart, sharp, fresh, tremendously funny, and even touching. It's sort of a murder mystery, but that doesn't begin to describe it. I'm waiting eagerly for a second book by this author.

Please open https://hotaudiobook.com ONLY on your standard browser Safari, Chrome, Microsoft or Firefox to download full audiobooks of your choice for free.

Title: The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford

Author: Ron Hansen

Narrator: Sam Freed

Format: Abridged

Length: 6 hrs and 11 mins

Language: English

Release date: 08-20-07

Publisher: HarperAudio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 53 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Jesse James was a fabled outlaw, a charismatic, spiritual, larger-than-life bad man whose bloody exploits captured the imagination and admiration of a nation hungry for antiheroes. Robert Ford was a young upstart torn between dedicated worship and murderous jealousy, the "dirty little coward" who coveted Jesse's legend. The powerful, strange, and unforgettable story of their interweaving paths - and twin destinies that would collide in a rain of blood and betrayal - is a story of America in all her rough, conflicted glory and the myths that made her.

©1983 Ron Hansen; (P)2006, 2007 HarperCollins Publishers

Critic Reviews:

"Vivid and sustained." (New York Times Book Review)

"Retelling the familiar stories, making them fresh, finding in them an unresolvable mystery and tragedy about fame and ambition in America, this book is a wonderful achievement." (San Francisco Chronicle)

Members Reviews:

Wonderful

A terrific performance of one of the best books on the old west. Sam Freed brings the story to life.

Please open https://hotaudiobook.com ONLY on your standard browser Safari, Chrome, Microsoft or Firefox to download full audiobooks of your choice for free.

Title: Buffalo Wagons

Author: Elmer Kelton

Narrator: George Guidall

Format: Unabridged

Length: 6 hrs and 16 mins

Language: English

Release date: 07-16-07

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 32 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Kelton's feel for the last days of the American West is evident in each chapter of Buffalo Wagons. As Jameson and his crew journey further into danger, the growing tension is dramatically voiced by Audie Award-winning narrator George Guidall.

Members Reviews:

Another Excellent Book by Kelton

Buffalo Wagons, by Elmer Kelton is another excellently written, entertaining novel by this 7 time Spur Award Winner. The story itself is greatly buoyed by the book's historical references, informing the reader of the nature of the great buffalo slaughter and the reasoning behind this environmental tragedy.

Kelton's story is completely arresting. His characters represent a smorgasbord of Western frontiersmen, and many are not very nice. In fact, more than a few are thieving, murdering sociopaths.

What is particularly interesting, given the historical bent of the book, is the extreme measures these men went to, and the incredible hardships they endured to "get rich." Truly it makes one wonder about men! Were these buffalo hunters/frontiersmen the exception? Or were all early Western men this aggressive, rugged, tough, and brutal?

Kelton, as always, is so very gentlemanly in his treatment of romance and women, and this book is no exception. After his main man rescues a maiden in distress who'd been kidnapped by Indians, Kelton handles the romantic aspect of the book very traditionally. Thankfully, he included a touch of romance, or the story might have stalled despite the bloody tale he tells. It also helped give a touch of decency and humanity to several of the characters, making them all the more likeable, otherwise their blood lust for buffalo hides would have rendered them just as bad as the true antagonists in the book.

Average western Fare

Having read "The Good Old Boys" and "The Time It Never Rained", I had high expectations for this Elmer Kelton book. While it was a good story, and kept my interest, it is not in the same class as those previously mentioned. Somewhat predictable and having few really interesting characters, "Buffalo Wagons" is average fare, not the compelling reading I'd come to expect from Kelton. This is not to say the novel is bad, it isn't, but in my opinion, it is a typical pulp western novel, not one that sets itself out as truly remarkable. Kone

Excellent Western

This is among the best Westerns I have read.

It describes one of the most odious professions (mass buffalo slaughter) from the point of view of the hunters themselves. They do it because it is one way to make a living during tough economic times.

The personal interactions between the good guy (Gage) and the outrageously bad guy (Ransom) are very realistic, and one can see parallels in one's own interpersonal interactions.

I read chapters 8 and 9 twice, one right after the other, and then read the whole book again.

Very good. I had to buy the book as the ...

I do not usually go for westerns. But is was interesting, with history of the American frontier. I was on a long car trip and we were listening to audio books. That is where I first heard the book. Surprisely the book kept my attention. I was even the one requesting that we turn the book back on after we had stopped along the way. Very good. I had to buy the book as the audio was not available and did not belong to me.

Ecellent Texas Frontier Reading

This was a rough, tough era in the settling of West Texas.

Please open https://hotaudiobook.com ONLY on your standard browser Safari, Chrome, Microsoft or Firefox to download full audiobooks of your choice for free.

Title: An Awkward Commission

Author: David Donachie

Narrator: Peter Wickham

Format: Unabridged

Length: 9 hrs and 36 mins

Language: English

Release date: 06-20-07

Publisher: ISIS Audio Books

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 79 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

His application to William Pitt finds him sailing off with secret dispatches for Admiral Lord Hood. But when Captain Ralph Barclay puts the lives of his crew at risk in his vain search for glory, Pearce is obliged to embark on a dangerous mission before he can free his friends.

Members Reviews:

Engaging

This is book three in the 1790 naval series of John Pearce. In book one John Pearce and friend were illegally caught by a press gang in London at a Pub called the Pelican. So the group called themselves the Pelican from there on. The Napoleonic war has started and Britains navy is short of men. At the end of book two, Pearce is separated from his friends and made a Lieutenant by the King.

In this book he is hunting for his friends on the HMS Leander commanded by a flogging captain. The HMS Brilliant captained by Ralph Barclay has been send to the Mediterranean. Pearce is sent to the Mediterranean to be an 8th lieutenant on HMS Victory the flag ship of Admiral Lord Hood. The action moves to the port of Toulon, the tension between crews and Captains intensifies coming to a brilliant head when HMS Leander is detached from the fleet under orders of Captain Horatio Nelson bound for North Africa.

The book is well written and has some exciting sea battles. The author obviously knows his history and the book is well researched. The story is complex and at times filled with power plays, plots twist and suspense. My only complaint is the author leaves too many unresolved threads to carry forward to the next book.

For anyone who is enthusiastic about seafaring stories as I am will enjoy the book. Peter Wickham does a good job narrating the story.

Peter Wickham makes it

the performance by Peter Wickham is great.

the story is little much about the other captain

and slow to start. The main character is little to full of himself and at times just stupid.

Didn't want the book to end.

Would you listen to An Awkward Commission again? Why?

I have listened to a lot of sailing books and this series ranks right up with the Hornblower series.

Wonderful Series of Novels

Marvellous. Have purchased every one of Donachie's series covering the exploits of John Pearce.

One left to listen to and am dreading it as I know I be left wanting more.

Recommend these books to anyone who enjoys a good seafaring read.

An Incredibly catching story

Would you consider the audio edition of An Awkward Commission to be better than the print version?

Yes, The Narration is brilliant, he is very good with accents and its easy to distinguish between characters and their personalities.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Ralph Barlclay, A great bad guy, with a very deep story and yet I can't help but feel for him at the same time, as he just seems to dig himself deeper and deeper into this hole.

Which scene did you most enjoy?

The last scene

Any additional comments?

Very descriptive, some readers tend to find it makes the story a bit slow, I find it adds depth and gets you to really 'know' each individual character.

Please open https://hotaudiobook.com ONLY on your standard browser Safari, Chrome, Microsoft or Firefox to download full audiobooks of your choice for free.

Title: Rekindled

Author: Tamera Alexander

Narrator: Barbara McCulloh

Format: Unabridged

Length: 14 hrs and 36 mins

Language: English

Release date: 05-15-07

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 187 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Set in the 1868 Colorado Rockies,

Rekindled tells the poignant story of a man and wife whose life and love are forever changed.

©2006 Tamera Alexander (P)2007 Recorded Books, LLC

Critic Reviews:

"Making an impressive debut, Alexander has written a charming historical romance that features well-drawn characters and smooth, compelling storytelling." (

Library Journal)

Members Reviews:

Rekindled

I just love everything that Tamera Alexander writes and this was no exception. What a wonderful story. Loved it.

Hands down one of the best books I've ever read!

Absolutely one of the best books I've ever read! Great story line as well as fast moving action!

Great story, narrator not so much

I have been disappointed twice now in Tamera Alexanders choice of narrators. Her Bell Meade books' narrator had an unpleasant voice to listen to, and although the voice of the narrator in the Fountain Creek chronicles is nice enough, I can hardly bear the sounds of-and not to be rude- smacking like she constantly has a dry mouth. It makes me reconsider buying another of Tameras books in this series, but her writing is SO SUPERB I think I will try and endure the "extra" sounds and get another...

good read!

this was a good clean read! I really loved the story but it was one of those books that nothing happened the way I would have had them happen, which is good and bad. Good because I was surprised but bad because it was frustrating! Tamera Alexander is a very good writer and I did enjoy this book even if things didn't happen how I would have thought.

Couldn't wait to finish this book!

The story was ok, but the narrator! Uugh! At times laughable, at times painful! I recommend the Kindle version.

Please open https://hotaudiobook.com ONLY on your standard browser Safari, Chrome, Microsoft or Firefox to download full audiobooks of your choice for free.

Title: Measuring the World

Subtitle: A Novel

Author: Daniel Kehlmann

Narrator: Rider Strong

Format: Unabridged

Length: 7 hrs and 10 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-30-06

Publisher: Phoenix Books

Ratings: 3 of 5 out of 67 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Toward the end of the 18th century, two young Germans set out to measure the world. One of them, the Prussian aristocrat Alexander von Humboldt, negotiates savannas and jungle, travels down the Orinoco River, tastes poisons, climbs the highest mountain known to man, counts head lice, and explores every hole in the ground. The other, the barely socialized mathematician and astronomer Carl Friedrich Gauss, does not even need to leave his home in Göttingen to prove that space is curved. He can run prime numbers in his head. He cannot imagine a life without women, yet he jumps out of bed on his wedding night to jot down a mathematical formula.

Von Humboldt is known to history as the Second Columbus. Gauss is recognized as the greatest mathematical brain since Newton. Terrifyingly famous and more than eccentric in their old age, the two meet in Berlin in 1828. Gauss had hardly climbed out of his carriage before both men were embroiled in the political turmoil sweeping through Germany after Napoleon's fall.

Already a huge best seller in Germany, Measuring the World marks the debut of a glorious new talent on the international scene.

Critic Reviews:

"Brilliant." (Kirkus)

"Measuring the World has proved to be nothing less than a literary sensation." (The Guardian)

"Notable for its brisk pacing, lively prose, and wry humor...which keenly complements Kehlmann's intelligent, if not especially deep, treatment of science, mathematics, and reason at the end of the Enlightenment." (Publishers Weekly)

Members Reviews:

Extremely disappointing - please avoid

I was hugely disappointed with this book - as it had been given fantastic reviews (especially in Europe where I live).

There is no clear point to the story, there are no climaxes, it ends very very strangely - and the narrator keeps a monotone voice throughout.

I'm baffled - and I just don't get the point what the author is trying to tell....

Interesting but confusing

This is a fascinating story but the fact that it's translated I think led to some confusing passages. The narrator also didn't delineate the characters well, which sometimes made it harder to follow who was speaking and what was going on.

Love it

I find the story gripping and entertaining. Not being Gauss, I didn't count the large number of times I laughed aloud while listening to it. The narrator isn't my favorite narrator, but he does a good job. There are problems with the translation that bug me, but I ignored them and was thoroughly entertained and even somewhat educated by this novel. I rarely write reviews, but upon finding two reviews that trashed it, I thought it my duty to toss in my 2 cents.

Give this a berth -- a wide one

I heard the author reading parts of this and it sounded excellent. The narrator, Rider Strong, reads the book as though he is reading it aloud for the first time and clearly has yet to learn what a full stop and a comma mean. I want my credit back.

I agree with Henrik.

He said it all. Do not waste your time.