Oxfordshire: A County Guide

Barnarby's Relocation Guides, Book 1

By: Sarah James

Narrated by: Sangita Chauhan

Cv Publications' series of relocation guides to English counties was launched with my survey of Oxfordshire. It was a journey of discovery. Rather than just passing from point A to B, my excursions followed an ad hoc schedule of diverse routes. I found myself turning down obscure side lanes leading to little villages hidden in a marvelous landscape of deep countryside. Documenting over 100 centers, the county gradually revealed itself as largely unspoiled by the industrial sprawl. Oxford itself is of course very lively and cosmopolitan, but communications and facilities are as good in the many market towns. I was really interested to note the range of properties both old and new and the particular character of an area. I hope that my guide provides details and insights that will assist your own enquiries for a new location.

©1999, 2007, 2911 Cv Publications (P)2016 Cv Publications

Excellent!

England, guidebook, audiobook --------
Whether you are looking to move house, visit for a time, or get another view of towns noted in romance novels or cosy mysteries, this is a great resource. If you are interested in properties that are amenable to young families this will help you to zero in on the town for you, and if you are looking for a more rural area or at least not subject to the noise of a busy roadway there is help for you, too. There is notation of accommodations, shops, pubs, and more, including strategic telephone numbers. Indications of the type of houses, availability, and more make this the guide to listen to while looking at your map.
Sangita Chauhan has a well modulated voice which reflects her interest as well as her ability to narrate.

interesting guide if you are looking to move

Lots of good information in this guide but you really need to have a map of the area to follow along or be driving through to fully understand and appreciate. I will listen again when I get to the UK next year on a visit and can travel with my sister who lives in Scotland.

I think this might be best as a written book

This is the first book I’ve read/listened to by this author. I think this would be best in a written form. There are a couple sentences about each town, some comments on the local people, and then advertisements for businesses with their contact info. I was sort of expecting a little more like a city walking tour guide, where you get more info about the history/ area instead of quick statements about what is physically there and where to go shopping or eat, etc. I am sure there is a purpose it would fulfill, but I think if I was looking to relocate or visit, there would not be enough information to give me real guidance. I would definitely still have to do a lot of research on my own. Odd statements about highways going through the town, or kids playing did however give clues to certain locations.

This is the first book I’ve listened to by this narrator ( Sangita Chatham ), and she did well reading this content. She is clear to understand and her cadence is good.

There are no explicit sex scenes, violence or swearing.

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and voluntarily left this unbiased review.
Please feel free to comment on whether you found my review helpful.