The Great Fire by Shirley Hazzard

The Great Fire

Post-War Asia's Poetic, Heartrending Saga

Written byShirley Hazzard
Length11h07m
Release dateJanuary 16, 2004
LanguageEnglish
★★★☆ 3.5 (946 ratings)

Free with Audible trial. Cancel anytime.

Listen to a Sample

Hear Virginia Leishman's narration on Audible.

Play Sample on Audible

Quick Facts

AuthorShirley Hazzard
NarratorVirginia Leishman
Runtime11h07m
PublishedJanuary 16, 2004
Rating★★★☆ 3.5 / 5 (946 ratings)
CategoriesLiterature & Fiction, Genre Fiction, Literary Fiction, Romance
FormatAudiobook (Digital)
PlatformAudible

About This Audiobook

Shirley Hazzard's National Book Award-winning 'The Great Fire' is a captivating journey through the remnants of WWII Asia, told with a lyrical elegance that's as haunting as it is beautiful. The story follows Aldred Leith, a British diplomat, and his search for redemption amidst the ruins of Japan and Hong Kong. What sets this audiobook apart is its profound exploration of human resilience and the complexities of love, all wrapped in a narrative that's as evocative as a poem. Virginia Leishman's narration is a perfect complement, her voice capturing the story's melancholic beauty and bringing Hazzard's prose to life with a subtle, understated grace.

Tags: Post-WWII FictionLiterary FictionPoetic NarrativeWar & Its AftermathLove & LossHauntingly Beautiful

Why Listen to The Great Fire?

  • Expert narration by Virginia Leishman brings every character and scene to life across 11h07m of immersive audio.
  • Highly rated at 3.5 stars by 946 listeners.
  • Free with your Audible trial — keep the audiobook forever even if you cancel.
  • Perfect for commutes, workouts, and relaxation. Listen anywhere, anytime.
Start Listening Free
AE

Editor's Review ★★★☆

AudioBook Atlas

Listening to 'The Great Fire' is like being swept away in a bittersweet symphony of love, loss, and the human spirit's indomitable will. Virginia Leishman's narration is a standout, her measured pace and nuanced delivery doing justice to Hazzard's poetic prose. She expertly navigates the story's emotional landscape, from the tender moments of love to the stark horrors of war. The production is minimalistic, allowing the narrative and Leishman's performance to take center stage. However, I found the pacing slightly uneven at times, with some sections feeling rushed while others lingered a tad too long. Despite this minor critique, 'The Great Fire' is a remarkable audiobook experience that lingers long after the final word.

Download: The Great Fire

Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

The Great Fire by Shirley Hazzard is an immersive listening experience. Performed by Virginia Leishman with a runtime of 11h07m, 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.