The Radio Hour audiobook by Victoria Purman
The Radio Hour by Victoria Purman is an unabridged audiobook set in 1956 Sydney, following Martha Berry, a national broadcaster’s secretary who secretly writes scripts for a radio serial. Its story centres on women’s work in post-war radio and the choice between remaining unseen and stepping into the spotlight.
At a glance
- A historical story set in 1956 Sydney and the world of post-war Australian radio.
- Martha secretly takes over scriptwriting for the serial As The Sun Sets when it faces cancellation.
- The plot explores recognition, creative work and women’s place in broadcasting.
Pros and cons
Pros
- The unabridged format gives the story a defined listening length of 9 hours and 59 minutes.
- The premise combines workplace fiction with the history of radio serials and a central character’s hidden writing career.
Technical specifications
8 specifications| Author | Victoria Purman |
|---|---|
| Narrator | Jennifer Vuletic |
| Listening length | 9 hours and 59 minutes |
| Version | Unabridged |
| Program type | Audiobook |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | HarperAudio |
| Publication date | 1 May 2024 |
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Listeners looking for historical fiction set in post-war Australia.
- Those interested in stories about women’s creative work, broadcasting and workplace dynamics.
- Audiobook listeners who want a complete, unabridged story under ten hours.
Less suited to
- Readers seeking a contemporary setting or a non-fiction account of Australian broadcasting.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
43% 43% - 4 stars
36% 36% - 3 stars
17% 17% - 2 stars
2% 2% - 1 star
2% 2%
Aggregate customer ratings lean positive overall, with a substantial share in the four- and five-star categories, while a notable three-star portion indicates more mixed reactions too. The rating evidence does not explain why listeners responded as they did, so it cannot establish specific strengths or flaws. The story’s Australian radio setting and focus on a secretary’s hidden scriptwriting may help readers judge whether its subject suits them.
Frequently asked questions
What is The Radio Hour about?
Set in 1956 Sydney, it follows Martha Berry, a secretary at the national broadcaster who secretly writes scripts for a radio serial threatened with cancellation.
Who wrote and narrates the audiobook?
Victoria Purman is the author, and Jennifer Vuletic is the narrator.
How long is the audiobook?
The listed listening length is 9 hours and 59 minutes. It is described as unabridged.
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