When London Burned

Jim Hodges’ narration is the glue that holds this production together. His voice is sturdy and unflinching, perfectly suited to Henty’s no-nonsense prose and the era’s gravitas. He doesn’t embellish—he delivers. The cadence is measured, almost stoic, which might frustrate listeners expecting dramatic flair, but it serves the story’s relentless realism. Hodges nails the historical voices, too, from stern merchants to wary peasants, without resorting to caricature. His performance is a masterclass in restraint, letting the material’s weight do the heavy lifting. That said, the pacing occasionally drags in the first third. Henty’s tendency to over-explain historical context (plague symptoms, anyone?) feels tedious when Hodges has to slog through paragraphs of exposition. But once the Great Fire erupts, the story ignites, and Hodges rises to the occasion, his voice tightening with urgency as walls of flame close in. The production is clean, with minimal sound effects—just the crackle of distant flames and the murmur of crowds, which enhances the immersion without distracting. If you’re here for spectacle, this isn’t a Hollywood blockbuster, but if you want a grounded, immersive listen that respects the intelligence of its audience, Hodges and Henty deliver. My one real gripe? The ending feels abrupt, like the novel’s conclusion was chopped off mid-page. Still, this audiobook is a slow-burn triumph, ideal for listeners who prefer their history with a side of sweat and smoke.