Regular visitors to my blog know that I’m an insomniac with an audiobook habit! Here’s some of the best I’ve listened to recently…
Links within this post are affiliate ones and I may make a small commission on any purchases (at no extra cost to you). Links are to the audiobooks but print copies are also available! Thanks for supporting my blog with any purchases - it really does help.
‘Femina’ by Janina Ramirez
This is a fascinating look at women in medieval history – the ones often forgotten or written out of dominant (male) narratives. Ramirez is an art historian and the book is packed with interesting insights into marginalised figures who made quite an impact in their own time. This is a clever and well-researched look at medieval history and its lasting legacy on society, culture and art.
The audiobook is read by Ramirez herself and is an engaging listen. The book does have illustrations though, so definitely worth having a copy to look at too.
‘Touching Cloth: Confessions and Communions of a Young Priest’ by Fergus Butler-Gallie
Books about religion aren’t usually my thing, but this is a funny, charming and thought-provoking book about a young man finding his feet in the priesthood of the 21st century. I love books that give me an insight into different jobs and ways of life, so this was a good choice.
Lots of this book made me laugh – and that was definitely helped by the fact that the author narrates the audiobook so well.
‘Shallow Graves: My Life as a Forensic Scientist on Britain’s Biggest Cases’ by Ray Fysh
Another insight into another interesting job – this time forensics expert. Ray Fysh has worked on cases such as the murder of Sarah Payne, the Thames Torso and the poisoning of Alexander Litvinenko – so he has plenty to say about his long career in pushing the limits of forensic science. Lots of it is really impressive, but the lasting impression is of someone who cares passionately about using science to uncover truth.
‘Nothing But the Truth: The Memoir of an Unlikely Lawyer’ by The Secret Barrister
While I was in the mood for finding out about jobs that are so much more interesting than mine, I found The Secret Barrister. Wow, I had no idea how competitive and challenging becoming (and staying) a barrister is! This is a (sometimes horrifying) look at the workings of the legal system – but full of very funny anecdotes that made me laugh out loud.
‘Love and Let Die: James Bond, The Beatles and the British Psyche’ by John Higgs
I’m not a huge Bond fan and I don’t love the Beatles (yeah, I know – sacrilege!) but I found this look at British culture absolutely engrossing. It starts with the idea that Dr No was released the same day as The Beatles launched their first single, ‘Love Me Do’ and tells the story of Bond and The Beatles in alternating chapters. It covers the 1960s up to the present day to explore the legacies of the Fab Four and Ian Fleming’s novels – and it is quite a legacy!
This was probably my favourite recent audiobook and it is read in a lively and engaging way by the author.
Header photo by C D-X on Unsplash
