Oh Dear Silvia

By: Dawn French

Narrated by: Dawn French, James Fleet, Llewella Gideon, Jack Lowden, James McArdle, Pauline McLynn, Maggie Steed, Ruby Turner

The unabridged, downloadable audiobook edition of Dawn Frenchs’ second brilliant novel, Oh Dear Silvia, featuring a full cast of readers including Gareth Armstrong, Jane Collingwood, Beattie Edmondson, James Fleet, Llewella Gideon, Jack Lowden, James McArdle, Pauline McLynn, Patrice Naiambana, Celine Rosa Tan, Maggie Steed, Ruby Turner, and Dawn herself.

Who is in Coma Suite Number 5? A matchless lover? A supreme egotist? A selfless martyr? A bad mother? A cherished sister? A selfish wife? All of these. For this is Silvia Shute, who has always done exactly what she wants. Until now, when her life suddenly, shockingly stops. Her past holds a terrible secret, and now that she is unconscious in a hospital bed, her constant stream of visitors are set to uncover the mystery of her broken life. Meanwhile she must lie there, victim of the beloveds, the borings, the babblings and the plain bonkers. Like it or not, the truth is about to pay Silvia a visit. Again, and again and again...

©2012 Dawn French (P)2012 Penguin Audio

Oh Dear Dawn - what a pearler

What made the experience of listening to Oh Dear Silvia the most enjoyable?

This is an audible experience which moved me through the gambit of emotions from laughter and tears and everywhere in between. Brilliant concept in which the characters develop with each page. Thoroughly enjoyable! Great Job Dawn!

Favourite audio book so far...

Would you consider the audio edition of Oh Dear Silvia to be better than the print version?

Yes...we studied this book for our Book Club. I was the only one to listen to it...everyone else read it. The narrators bring each character to life in such a way that I felt I knew them all personally. At our Book Club meeting I played some of the audio so that my fellow readers could enjoy some of the characters for themselves.

What did you like best about this story?

The narration was wonderful.

What does the narrators bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

See above.

Who was the most memorable character of Oh Dear Silvia and why?

Each character was memorable in this book...no-one stood out more than another...they were all fabulous.

Intriguing twists and turns.

After a slow and slightly grating beginning, I really became involved in the story and all it's characters. The contrast between personalities and perspectives, was enjoyable and the plot was engaging if not completely flawless (some characters over do it at times). I enjoy much of Dawn French's work, this is no different, fun, thought provoking and a good listen.

Fantastic Book

If you could sum up Oh Dear Silvia in three words, what would they be?

As a ICU nurse I have witnessed these scenarios. I found it fascinating to imagine Silvia hearing all of this twisting quirky and yet familiar portrait of a family.

What did you like best about this story?

The characters

Have you listened to any of the narrators’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No

Who was the most memorable character of Oh Dear Silvia and why?

Jo

Any additional comments?

I loved it!!

lovely book

the only thing that bothered me was the voice of the sister. it made for a 3 in preformance. otherwise really enjoyed it. clever and sweet story. listen!

So glad I stuck with it

First off, this is a great story and great narration but I was surprised at the background hospital noises and (to begin with) what I found, a podcast feel. Soon got use to it, bonded to the beautiful Jamaican nurse, cracked up at crazy sister, and was hooked. Dawn's narration kept me glued and soon I was hanging out to find out everyone's story .. with a real OMG discovery.

Can't get into it. Rather slow.

What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you?

The voice of the sister drove me nuts!

What could Dawn French have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

Read the whole thing :)

How did the narrator detract from the book?

Over acting sister.

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

Boredom

Any additional comments?

Not my cup of tea. A bit slow and depressing sorry.