Audiobooks beyond the individual reviews
Longer looks at audiobook narration, literary prizes and the things that can make — or occasionally break — the listening experience.
The Millennium Trilogy: Stieg Larsson
Stieg Larsson’s Millennium trilogy gave us two unforgettable characters: Lisbeth Salander and Mikael Blomkvist. But for me, the audiobooks also gave us something else — the extraordinary narration of Saul Reichlin.
When the Narrator Becomes the Character
What happens when a narrator becomes inseparable from a character? A look at favourite performances, narrator changes, and those voices that become impossible to replace.
Booker Prize 2026: The Shortlist!
My reaction to the final six, looking back at the books I reviewed and comparing my thoughts with some of the Booker judges’ comments.
Beyond The Books
Vivaldi, a Dancing Donkey and a Glorious Night at the Sands Centre
An evening of Baroque music, birdcalls and unexpected pony dancing. Maria Włoszczowska and the Royal Northern Sinfonia bring extraordinary energy, humour and sheer joy to Carlisle’s Sands Centre.