Read it to me
As audiobooks continue to soar in popularity, some of our favourite celebrities are lending their voices to narrating the best in literature. Ella Dove rounds up her favourites…
A collection of stars narrate...
The Testaments by Margaret Atwood
Ann Dowd, who won an Emmy for her performance as Aunt Lydia in the TV adaptation of The Handmaid’s Tale, is just one of the compelling narrators of Atwood’s gripping sequel. The audiobook features a brilliant cast of multiple voices, including Derek Jacobi and even Atwood herself. Joint winner of last year’s Booker Prize (alongside Bernardine Evaristo), the audio version will transport you to Gilead, where women continue to be oppressed in immeasurable ways – but change is coming.
Meryl Streep narrates...
Heartburn by Nora Ephron While Ephron’s original comic novel about the demise of a marriage was first published more than 35 years ago, it still feels just as relevant today. Multi-award-winning actor Streep, who also played the role of Rachel Samstat in the 1986 film adaptation, perfectly combines her world-renowned acting prowess with Ephron’s self-deprecating humour, while also delivering flawless voices for the rest of the cast of characters. A joy to listen to.
Stephen Fry narrates...
Harry Potter And The Philosopher’s Stone by J.K. Rowling
Stephen Fry’s recognisable voice has become synonymous with the Harry Potter audiobooks – and now, children and adults alike can enjoy the first of these for free. For as long as schools are closed, Audible members and non-members will be able to stream the Boy Wizard’s first gripping adventure in multiple languages. The ideal escape to transport yourself to a magical world far away.
Michelle Obama narrates...
Becoming by Michelle Obama With her wit, wisdom and warmth, it’s no wonder that the former first lady won a Grammy for Best Spoken Word Album for the audiobook of her memoir, Becoming, earlier this year. It also scooped Non-fiction Narrative Book Of The Year and Audiobook Of The Year at the 2019 British Book Awards, and was the bestselling audio download of 2019 through Audible in the UK. Obama’s story will leave you feeling inspired and uplifted; ready to find your voice and achieve your boldest dreams.
Colin Firth narrates...
The End Of The Affair by Graham Greene
If you’re craving a treat for your ears, how about six-and-a-half hours of Colin Firth? The Bridget Jones’s Diary heartthrob brings a smooth, engaging style to Greene’s famous post-war Catholic novel, and his perfect pace and care over each word brings clarity and reverence to Greene’s beautiful writing. Powerful and introspective, this is a new take on an old classic, in the best possible way.
Laura Dern narrates...
Little Women by
Louisa May Alcott
Last year, the classic story was beautifully adapted for the screen by Greta Gerwig, with an all-star cast, including Saoirse Ronan, Florence Pugh and Laura Dern. So who better to narrate the audiobook than Marmee herself? Joined by an audio cast of Suzanne Toren, Lauren Fortgang and Allison Hiroto, Dern leads the storytelling to breathe new life, depth and complexity into this heartwarming tale.