Powerful Audible.co.uk advert

'A commuter listening to Sebastian Faulks' Birdsong is transported from the train platform into the world of the story.'

Wow. I just really loved this ad. It really does capture how powerful the listening experience can be! I hope Audible produces more ads like these (as opposed to generic ones) in the future.

The audiobook in question is Birdsong, which has some really good reviews. Considering I've watched the ad like 10 times already, I want to listen to this book.

Audiobooks on my Mind (06-June-2014)

I don't normally get excited about new releases, but I am so excited that Stephen King has released a new crime fiction thriller called Mr. Mercedes. Kind of reminds me of when J. K. Rowling branched out into crime with The Cuckoo's Calling, which I just loved (and in turn reminded me of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo). I am expecting King's one to be grittier, and perhaps more bloody. The story itself revolves around a retired homicide detective investigating a case he is particularly drawn to - nothing original about that, but hey, it's Stephen King. I need this audiobook in my life. It stretches to around 14 hours and is narrated by Will Patton. King's audiobooks in general tend to be quite well-done and atmospheric, so I'm sure this will be a performance. Can't wait.

As a sidenote, I'm wondering how significant those umbrellas in the cover are.

Where Angels Fear to Tread by E. M. Forster

Written by: E. M. Forster
Narrated by: Stephen Fry
Length: 2 hrs and 51 mins
Format: Abridged

Publisher's synopsis: E. M. Forster's first novel is a witty comedy of manners that is tinged with tragedy. It tells the story of Lilia Herriton, who proves to be an embarrassment to her late husband's family as, in the small Tuscan town of Monteriano, she begins a relationship with a much younger Italian man - classless, uncouth, and highly unsuitable. A subtle attack on Edwardian values and a humanely sympathetic portrayal of the clash of two cultures, Where Angels Fear to Tread is also a profound exploration of character and virtue.

My thoughts: I enjoyed every minute of this audiobook. I picked it up as soon as I watched WordsofaReader's review of this book, which you can watch here. Note that this is the abridged version, normally I hate abridged audiobooks with the passion - BUT this one was narrated by Stephen Fry! Who could pass that up? I'm not quite sure why they shortened it in the first place, because the actual book is quite short. This audiobook version falls just short of three hours - a perfect 'in-between' book if you're wanting for a little break with the books you're currently reading (which worked actually - my interest for Catching Fire and Opening the Door of Your Heart has returned!), or even a palate cleanser really.

As the book itself, the story is about a widow called Lilia who is sent to Italy, where she falls in love with a poor Italian man (just a dentist's son, the book kept saying). As expected, Stephen Fry's narration was just delicious, he brought out the humour and tragedy equally, he did the Italian accent really well. It was laugh-out-loud in places, and you soon begin to feel quite sorry for the characters and the muddle they got themselves into. Like I said, I savoured every minute of this audiobook, and would love to listen to more of the booktuber WordsofaReader's recommendations. Also, I just love the title. 5/5.