New audiobooks at the Library

We have recently received the new audiobook “Lazarus Rising” by former Prime Minister John Howard. John Howard spent decades under media scrutiny, and while he is well known as a political leader, family man and sports tragic, in this biography he reveals much more about himself. He traces his political and personal journey, from childhood in the post-World War II era through to the present day, painting an interesting picture of a changing Australia. This audiobook is read by the author, John Howard.

“Desert Queen; the many lives and loves of Daisy Bates” by Susanna de Vries is another new arrival. In the 1890’s, when a woman’s role was seen as marrying well and raising a family, Daisy Bates reinvented herself from humble governess to heiress-traveller and ‘woman of science’. She would become one of the best-known and most controversial ethnologists in history. Born into tough circumstances, Daisy’s prospects were dim. Through sheer strength of will, young Daisy overcame her miserable start, and in 1883 she migrated to Australia with a boatload of orphans, passing herself off as an heiress who taught for fun. Marriage followed, first with a young Breaker Morant, then bigamously with two other husbands. Susanna de Vries presents a complex portrait of the ‘Queen of the Never Never’. This audiobook is read by Beverley Dunn.

“And then the darkness” by Sue Williams is the story of the disappearance of Peter Falconio and the trials of Joanne Lees. This audio book was reviewed by SJH for AudioFile online magazine (http://www.audiofilemagazine.com/), and this is what they had to say: “Australia--tourist haven or murder capital? Kate Hood narrates the true-crime ordeal of English tourists Peter Falconio and Joanne Lees. While on a dream trip around the world, the couple is attacked in the Australian outback. Joanne manages to escape, but Peter is never seen again. Shortlisted for the 2006 Crime Writers Association Gold Dagger Award, the book is sprinkled with tales of Australia's criminal culture, the rough, alienated men who cruise long, barren stretches of dangerous roads, and the many backpackers murdered while traveling in Australia. Hood makes Joanne's every anguished moment real, keeping things intense--from the attack itself to the tedious police procedures in the hunt for the attacker.”

By the by, Audiofile magazine is a nifty site for audiobook readers. It has reviews of books, and information about narrators. While access to the whole site requires subscription, some of the content is available without subscription. The subscription includes six issues of Audiofile magazine. This US based site is worth a look if you are a keen audiobook reader.

These 3 audiobooks are in the MP3 CD format, so the whole audiobook is on just one CD, and can be played on modern CD players and computers. To see what other books the Library has, visit the library catalogue at http://nwls.spydus.com, or come in and browse. Happy reading and listening!