Audio books

[froodledoodle]

Before I start, I must admit I've never liked the thought of audiobooks, as I would prefer to read the book myself as I find it more involving.

However, I am having trouble sleeping and have bought a headband with bluetooth earphones and am looking for recommendations of audio books to make me drowsy.

I have my first book. "Brideshead Revisited" read by Jeremy Irons, ready to go. I have read it several times so know that the plot holds no surprises and find Jeremy Iron's voice to be soothing, almost soporific, so is ideal.

I am looking for recommendations of the right book with the perfect reader. I had thought of Trollope, Dickens or Arnold Bennett as being suitable, but have no idea of the ideal reader for any of these. I am happy to accept any suggestions for books that are ideal to "sleep by," and which are read by the right reader for this situation.

Thanks.

[froodledoodle]

Actually, I meant to make that heading "Audio books to sleep by."

[Ivory200]

Timothy West has read all the Trollopes. They are as good as a play, he's so good at portraying the different characters. I listen to them again and again!!

[hoppipopla]

I like pride and prejudice read by rosamund pike - I know the story inside out and backwards so just let it wash over me. The cuckoo's calling read by Robert glenister.
Definitely don't get anything you're really interested in - I got some Spike Milligan books and spent the whole night chuckling! Same for a PD James dramatisation - I keep waking to find out who the murderer is!

[UrbaneSprawl]

I listen to audiobooks in the car, where I hope for them to have the oppostite effect! But anything read by Anton Lesser is wonderfully soothing, as long as you’re not in the fast lane of the M62 at the time. My local library has a good range, and you can also ‘borrow’ them free online.

I tend to listen to dramas on iPlayer to fall asleep to - the R4 dramatisation of Brideshead is on at the moment, and is quite lovely.

[Bookreader2403]

Hi. I found Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier and read by Anna Massey to be brilliant. She has the perfect voice for the book and I think you will find it very relaxing. I did.

[BookWitch]

I second the recommendation of Anna Massey reading Rebecca.

Juliet Stephenson is also a very good narrator.
My personal favourite narrator is Jonathan Keeble, reads a lot of historical fiction.

[CorneliusCrackers]

Pride and prejudice
Harry Potter
His dark materials

I know them all so well I can just drift off listening

[BitOfFun]

I find that a good chunky non-fiction history tome is best to doze off to. You can set it on the audible app to switch off after a certain time so it doesn't play through all night.

I recommend any of Antony Beevor's audiobooks- the voice is very soothing. And eventually, you will have learned something .