Book description
Imagine the tense silence before Chamberlain's voice crackled over every radio in Britain on September 3rd, 1939. That single moment, captured so vividly in Mike Brown's Wartime Broadcasting, is the heartbeat of this utterly captivating audiobook. Brown doesn't just recount the BBC's wartime role; he immerses you in the very sound of history. You'll hear how Tommy Handley's cheeky banter on ITMA and Ethel and Doris Walters' cheerful voices on Worker's Playtime weren't just entertainment-they were lifelines, stitching together a nation under strain.
What makes this audiobook extraordinary is how Brown reveals the BBC's quiet revolution: they avoided heavy-handed propaganda, walking a razor's edge between what the public needed to hear (a bit of joy, a sense of normalcy) and what the government wanted them to broadcast. You'll feel the pressure as Brown details the careful choices, the midnight edits, the constant balancing act. It's history not as a distant lecture, but as a series of urgent, human decisions made in real-time, over the airwaves.
The narrator brings this world to life with perfect pacing-no dry recitation, but a voice that makes you lean in, hearing the crackle of the old broadcasts, the laughter of the studio, the weight of the moment. You'll recognize names like Arthur Askey and Mr. Middleton not just as figures in a book, but as voices that became part of the shared national memory, their catchphrases echoing in living rooms and factories. Brown's deep research shines through, but it never feels academic; it's a story told with warmth and respect for the people who kept the nation listening.
This isn't just about radio. It's about how communication shapes a society in crisis, how a simple broadcast could lift a spirit or convey vital news without panic. Hearing it as an audiobook makes it visceral-like you're tuning in to the BBC yourself, decades later, feeling the same connection. Brown masterfully shows that the real power wasn't in the slogans, but in the quiet, persistent humanity the BBC chose to broadcast. It's a revelation, a deeply human story, perfectly delivered for the ears. You won't just learn about the Home Front; you'll feel its rhythm, its resilience, in your bones. An essential, unforgettable listen.
Elder Pogue
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Mindless Bobcat
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Chapstick
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Mirage
I can't get enough of this app β it's like having a personal storyteller in my pocket. Adjusting the tone of the voice is genius. It's like having a customizable audiobook narrator.
Red Delicious
I'm impressed by how this app seamlessly syncs across my devices. With this app, I've discovered a whole new way to enjoy literature. π Making every moment count β this app turns everyday activities into a reading adventure! ππ« ππ This app has rekindled my love for books β I can't stop listening! ππ§ User-centric audiobook joy β this app's ease of use is impressive.
Flint Cast-Iron
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Blizzard Vixen
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BoomerBox
The voice actors are incredible β they make the characters come alive. This app has reignited my love for literature in the most delightful way. π Whether I'm cooking, commuting, or relaxing at home, this app's seamless functionality keeps me engaged in captivating narratives. π§β¨
High Beam
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Shamrock
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Cereal Killer
The controls on ListenBook are intuitive and user-friendly, making it a joy to navigate through my audiobooks. ListenBook's commitment to a user-friendly interface and intuitive controls is evident in every aspect of the app.
Loot
I can't remember the last time I was this excited about 'reading' books! The narrator's voice in some audiobooks is so soothing, it's like a spa for the ears. ListenBook's user-friendly design and compatibility with different formats have made it my go-to app. With this app, reading is no longer confined to a specific time or place. ListenBook has transformed my daily commute. I look forward to my journeys with this app by my side.
Slug-em-dog
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Star Killer
The diverse range of narrators adds a new layer of depth to each story. This app's convenience has transformed my screen time into meaningful reading sessions. Adjusting the tone of the voice is a novel feature that allows for a personalized listening experience.
Taffy Duchess
ListenBook's library organization and book groups have made managing my audiobooks a breeze. The vast selection of titles on this app is a book lover's dream come true. ListenBook's support for a variety of audio formats ensures that my audiobook collection is always accessible. The range of audio formats supported is incredible. No need to worry about file conversion.
Serendipity
Makes audiobook listening super easy and enjoyable. Thank you! The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while exercising. The narrator's voice took some getting used to - a bit nasal at first - but I grew to like it after a few chapters. Their pacing was excellent throughout.
GoldTouch
I can't thank this app enough for making my audiobook experience exceptional. Its intuitive interface and diverse compatibility are a true game-changer. π±π§ ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature is a time-saving convenience that I greatly appreciate. I can't believe how seamless the integration with Apple Watch is. My workouts just got better. Adjustable playback speed is a fantastic feature. It allows me to customize my listening experience. ListenBook has all the features I need. My go-to audiobook app!
Blood Taker
Effortlessly managing my audiobook library β this app's design is a triumph. My audiobook collection has never been more organized. Library management is a breeze.
Buckshot
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Minty Devil
No more converting files β this app effortlessly handles various formats, saving me time and effort. I'm blown away by the app's performance. It's fast, reliable, and tailored for audiobook lovers.
Playing a wide variety of audio formats
Works on all devices with iOS 13 and newer
Huge amount of features for a small price
Frequent updates to add new features and improve existing ones
Advanced playback controls
Live sound processing
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice and noise reduction
Translated into more than 20 languages
If you love listening to fiction audiobooks, ListenBook has features to make the process easier.
Edit book data: title, author, cover
Use equalizer to make the sound comfortable for you
Adjust the playback speed
Enjoy dark and light app themes
Supported formats: MP3, M4B, AWB, FLAC, OGG audio files and many more (must be DRM free)
Auto-Bookmarks make it easy to find your place
AirPlay support allows redirection of audio output.
VoiceOver support
Dark mode for night owls
Convenient bookmarking system helps you mark the most important places.
Unlimited bookmarks for each audiobook
Put your own cover on the wager
Share your audiobook with friends
Lock-screen control
Customise app with extensive options
Sleep timer with shake to reset, set custom notification sounds, and a few unique options
Auto rewind depending on paused time, customize rewind times to your liking
Removing background noise from recordings made in classrooms and meetings
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice for a better listening experience