The Blue Afternoon by William Boyd

The Blue Afternoon

Unveiling the Hidden Layers of 1930s LA

Written byWilliam Boyd
Narrated byKate Handford
Length12h52m
Release dateOctober 8, 2020
LanguageEnglish
★★★★ 4.0 (3 ratings)

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Quick Facts

AuthorWilliam Boyd
NarratorKate Handford
Runtime12h52m
PublishedOctober 8, 2020
Rating★★★★ 4.0 / 5 (3 ratings)
CategoriesLiterature & Fiction, Genre Fiction, Literary Fiction, Historical Fiction, 20th Century, World War II & Holocaust
FormatAudiobook (Digital)
PlatformAudible

About This Audiobook

In William Boyd's captivating literary fiction, The Blue Afternoon, we're presented with a complex and intricate narrative that expertly weaves together elements of mystery, drama, and historical fiction. Set against the vibrant backdrop of 1930s Los Angeles, the story follows Kay Fischer, a driven young architect, as she navigates a labyrinth of secrets and lies. Boyd's masterful storytelling is perfectly complemented by Kate Handford's engaging narration, which imbues the audiobook with a sense of sophistication and atmosphere. Handford's expressive voice brings Kay and the other characters to life, drawing listeners into the world of 1930s LA, where art deco grandeur and dusty underbelly collide. This is a rich and immersive listening experience that rewards close attention and invites reflection.

Tags: Literary FictionHistorical FictionMysteryDramaAudiobookLiterary Thriller

Why Listen to The Blue Afternoon?

  • Expert narration by Kate Handford brings every character and scene to life across 12h52m of immersive audio.
  • Highly rated at 4.0 stars by 3 listeners.
  • Free with your Audible trial — keep the audiobook forever even if you cancel.
  • Perfect for commutes, workouts, and relaxation. Listen anywhere, anytime.
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Editor's Review ★★★★

AudioBook Atlas

As I listened to The Blue Afternoon, I found myself drawn into the world of 1930s LA, where the lines between reality and fantasy blur. Kate Handford's engaging narration is a key factor in this immersive experience, bringing Kay and the other characters to life with a level of depth and nuance that's rare in audiobooks. Where the story falters slightly is in its pacing, which can feel a bit uneven at times. Specifically, the mid-section of the audiobook feels a bit slow, with some narrative threads getting bogged down in exposition. However, these minor quibbles are more than compensated for by the story's many strengths, including its thought-provoking themes and Boyd's masterful storytelling.

Download: The Blue Afternoon

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The Blue Afternoon by William Boyd is an immersive listening experience. Performed by Kate Handford with a runtime of 12h52m, you can start with a free trial that you can cancel at any time. The audiobook remains yours forever, even if you end the trial.