Audiobooks narrated by Geraldine James

The Raj Quartet: The Jewel in the Crown, The Day of the Scorpion, The Towers of Silence & A Division

An epic full-cast dramatisation of Paul Scott's classic series of novels charting the last days ofthe British Raj. Spanning the years from 1942 to 1947, this landmark saga explores the relationships between an array of soldiers and civilians stationedin India, as the sun sets on British colonial rule. As The Jewel in the Crown opens, World War II is at its height and Gandhi is calling for the British to leave. When Daphne Manners arrives in Mayapore, she meets two men who will change her life: Hari Kumar and Ronald Merrick. She begins to fall for Hari, but Ronald Merrick - the local police superintendent - becomes infatuated with her and seethes with hatred for Hari. The Day of the Scorpion finds Merrick worming his way into the Layton family, and his treatment of Hari Kumar is revealed. In The Towers of Silence, it is summer 1945, and as the war ends Mabel Layton's companion Barbie Batchelor is forced to leave her home in Pankot. In A Division of the Spoils, Sergeant Guy Perron arrives to witness India's independence, while the Laytons plan for their future - but the division of the country will spark tragic consequences for many. The extensive, star-studded cast includes Anna Maxwell Martin (Bleak House, Motherland), Prasanna Puwanarajah (Doctor Foster), Geraldine James (who also starred in the film of The Jewel in the Crown), Mark Bazeley (Broadchurch), Benedict Cumberbatch (Sherlock), Kulvinder Ghir (Goodness Gracious Me) and Nina Wadia (Eastenders). Dramtised by John Harvey (The Jewel in the Crown, The Day of the Scorpion, The Towers of Silence) and Shelley Silas (A Division of the Spoils). Produced and directed by Sally Avens (The Jewel in the Crown, A Division of the Spoils) and Jeremy Mortimer (The Day of theScorpion, The Towers of Silence). Music by Raiomond Mirza.

Paul Scott (Author), , Anna Maxwell Martin, Benedict Cumberbatch, Geraldine James, Kulvinder Ghir, Mark Bazeley, Nina Wadia, Prasanna Puwanarajah (Narrator)

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The Orphan Choir

Sophie Hannah (Author), Geraldine James (Narrator)

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Speeches of Note: A celebration of the old, new and unspoken

Random House presents the audiobook edition of Speeches of Note by Shaun Usher, compèred by Richard Cordery, and with speeches read by a variety of narrators. SPEECHES OF NOTE: seventy-five extraordinary ways to step into someone else's shoes. From Shaun Usher, the author of the international bestseller LETTERS OF NOTE, comes an obsessively curated, richly illustrated and sumptuously produced collection of speeches from throughout the ages. Discover speeches that altered the course of history, like NELSON MANDELA's on the day he became South Africa's first black President, and outpourings of much-needed change, such as the impassioned, impromptu appeal for women's rights from SOJOURNER TRUTH, an African-American woman born into slavery. Expect the gloriously unexpected, as KERMIT THE FROG takes to the podium, and celebrate lives well-lived, including TILDA SWINTON's tribute to 'every alien's favourite cousin', DAVID BOWIE. While some speeches are heard by millions, some remain unspoken: the secret draft prepared for QUEEN ELIZABETH II during a military exercise for World War III, and PRESIDENT NIXON's chilling public announcement should NEIL ARMSTRONG and BUZZ ALDRIN become stranded on the Moon. Surprising, inspiring and shocking; moving, comforting and enlightening. Read by Laura Aikman, Shenoa Allen, Kristin Atherton, Taj Atwal, Kirsty Besterman, Kieran Bew, Mhari Black, Panti Bliss, Louise Brealey, Leo Burnett, Nick Cave, Richard Cordery, Elliot Cowan, Severn Cullis-Suzuki, Ryan Ford Iosco, Fiona Hampton, Richard Hughes, Matthew Jacobs Morgan, Geraldine James, Paul Keating, Robert F Kennedy, Angus King, Liz Kingsman, Mitch Landrieu, Ursula le Guin, Donovan Livingstone, Nelson Mandela, Thabo Mbeki, Roy McMillan, Carla Mendonca, Ako Mitchell, Edward Murrow, Shirin Neshat, Amaka Okafor, Daniel O'Meara, Yeonmi Park, Jackie Robinson, Nicholas Rowe, Dan Russell, Clifford Samuel, Natalie Simpson, Adora Svitak, Justin Trudeau, Elie Wiesel, Maurice Williamson, Laura Aikman, Shenoa Allen, Kristin Atherton, Taj Atwal, Kirsty Besterman, Kieran Bew, Mhari Black, Panti Bliss, Louise Brealey, Leo Burnett, Nick Cave, Richard Cordery, Elliot Cowan, Severn Cullis-Suzuki, Ryan Ford Iosco, Fiona Hampton, Richard Hughes, Matthew Jacobs Morgan, Geraldine James, Paul Keating, Robert F Kennedy, Angus King, Liz Kingsman, Mitch Landrieu, Ursula le Guin, Donovan Livingstone, Nelson Mandela, Roy McMillan, Carla Mendonca, Ako Mitchell, EdwardMurrow, Shirin Neshat, Amaka Okafor, Daniel O'Meara, Yeonmi Park Source: Take Care of Your Artists, World Economic Forum, Switzerland, 2014

Shaun Usher (Author), Adora Svitak, Ako Mitchell, Amaka Okafor, Angus King, Carla Mendonca, Clifford Samuel, Dan Russell, Daniel O'meara, Donovan Livingstone, Edward Murrow, Elie Wiesel, Elliot Cowan, Fiona Hampton, Geraldine James, Jackie Robinson, Justin Trudeau, Kieran Bew, Kirsty Besterman, Kristin Atherton, Laura Aikman, Leo Burnett, Liz Kingsman, Louise Brealey, Matthew Jacobs Morgan, Maurice Williamson, Mhari Black, Mitch Landrieu, Natalie Simpson, Nelson Mandela, Nicholas Rowe, Nick Cave, Panti Bliss, Paul Keating, Richard Cordery, Richard Hughes, Robert F Kennedy, Roy Mcmillan, Ryan Ford Iosco, Severn Cullis-Suzuki, Shenoa Allen, Shirin Neshat, Taj Atwal, Ursula K. Le Guin, Ursula Le Guin, Yeonmi Park (Narrator)

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Silas Marner

Although set in the heart of rural England, in a place still untouched by industrial development or social upheaval, Silas Marner is no idyllic country tale. Eliot depicts village life good and bad: Silas's suspicious neighbours are far from perfect and both the squire's sons are deeply flawed characters. The hero himself is a naïve individual and - in his unhappiness - becomes a miser. But the long suffering Silas finds new meaning to life through the love for an orphaned child, and finally this gentle moral fable has a happy ending. 1. THE SOLITARY WEAVER. Silas Marner, a linen-weaver, lives alone in a cottage outside the Midland village of Raveloe. His neighbours regard him with suspicion: not only is he a newcomer, he is decidedly strange looking. But Silas is a victim, not a threat. Before settling in Raveloe, he lived in a northern town where he was a member of a religious sect. His seemingly devout 'friend', William Dane, accused him of theft and produced false evidence. Silas lost his fiancée and had to leave his home. In Raveloe, Silas slowly amasses the gold he earns from weaving. 2. THE SQUIRE'S SON. Squire Cass, a hard-drinking boor, has neglected the upbringing of his sons. The younger, Dunsey, is interested only in betting and drinking and is despised by all. The elder, Godfrey, is a popular young man and is in love with Nancy Lammeter, his beautiful neighbour. Despite this, he is in trouble: he has secretly married Molly Farren, an opium addict, and dare not confess to his father. In vain, Godfrey demands back money he has given his brother. Then Dunsey has an idea: he will extort money from the weaver Silas. He goes to Silas's cottage. Finding it empty, he searches for and steals the hidden gold, before disappearing into the night. 3. A SHOCKING LOSS. Returning to his cottage, Silas looks for his gold and finds it gone. He searches in vain and then runs to the local inn. The Rainbow, to look for the thief. His dramatic entrance, to a place he has scarcely visited, causes a sensation. He accepts the villagers' help and goes to report his loss to the constable. Meanwhile, Godfrey, returning from a party where he has seen Nancy, considers telling his father the truth. 4. CONFRONTATION. Godfrey confesses to his father that he has taken £100 of rent due to him and passed it on to Dunsey. Enraged, Cass demands to see Dunsey but, as he is not to be found, berates Godfrey also asking why he will not propose to Nancy. Embarrassed, Godfrey does not revel the real reason but promises to reform. Meanwhile, no trace is found of the thief and Silas sinks into despair. On New Year's Eve, Molly, on her way to the Casses' house to expose Godfrey, collapses in the snow under the effects of opium. Her baby toddles of towards a light - that coming from Silas's cottage. Entering, she sits by the fire. 5. AMAZING DISCOVERY. Thinking that the New Year chimes may bring good luck, Silas opens his door but then goes into one of his trances. When he comes to, his short-sighted eyes see a small, golden object by the fire. He thinks his money has been returned, then realises it is a little girl. Going out to see where she has come from, he finds Molly in the snow. With the child in his arms, he rushes to the Casses' house, where a party is in progress. Godfrey, recognising the baby, is privately relieved at the news of Molly's death. Now he is free to marry Nancy. 6. AN UNLIKELY FATHER. Surprisingly everyone by his determination to bring the child up himself, Silas is helped by Dolly Winthrop, who brings bundles of baby clothes and teaches Silas how to change the child. Dolly suggests that the baby should be christened. This is something Silas has never heard of - his sect practised adult baptism - he agrees, and names the child Eppie after his dead baby sister. A new life starts for him as Eppie wins everyone's heart and he finds acceptance in the village society. Godfrey too makes a new start, for he marries Nancy. 7. THE STONE-PITS' SECRET. Sixteen years have passed. Silas, now a regular church-goer, is happy with Eppie. She is in love with Dolly Winthrop's son, Aaron. Eppie remarks on the low level of water in the stone-pits and Silas recalls that drainage work is going on. Meanwhile, Nancy wonders how Godfrey feels about her childlessness and her refusal to adopt Eppie, which he has suggested on several occasions. When Godfrey comes home, he tells her that Dunsey's skeleton, with Silas's gold, has been found in the drained stone-pit. He goes on to confess his first marriage. Nancy forgives him but points out that it is Eppie whom he has really wronged. They decided to offer to adopt Eppie. 8. SILAS VINDICATED. Godfrey and Nancy call on Silas and Eppie, and Godfrey invites Eppie to live with them. She refuses, maintaining her refusal even when he shamefacedly confesses that she is his daughter and implores her to come with him. Unable to deny his fault, Godfrey accepts defeat and returns home Nancy. Silas decides to revisit his home town, hoping his innocence may be proved at last, but when he and Eppie arrive, they discover Lantern Yard is no longer there. The following spring Eppie and Aaron are married and happily set up home with Silas.

George Eliot (Author), Geraldine James (Narrator)

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Silas Marner

Silas Marner, a weaver, is cast out from his religious community and arrives in Raveloe, where he is feared because of his mysterious nature and brooding manner. When he is left an unwanted child to care for, his love for the child grows, and the unlikely pair find that kindness from the community towards them does too.

George Eliot (Author), Geraldine James, James Geraldine (Narrator)

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King Lear (BBC Radio Shakespeare)

William Shakespeare (Author), Colin Redgrave, Corin Redgrave, David Troughton, Full Cast, Geraldine James, Robert Glenister (Narrator)

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Father Paolo Baldi Mysteries: The Complete BBC Radio Crime series

The complete series 1-5 of the thrilling mystery series. On sabbatical from the Franciscan order, Father Paolo Baldi is working as a philosophy lecturer in Dublin when his life takes an unexpected turn and he finds himself helping the police to solve crimes. Along with Tina, Paolo uncovers the truth behind the killings of several rockabilly band members, a high-profile case of a police officer’s murder, as well as delving into the highly competitive world of celebrity chefs. He also exposing a rift in a community of environmental activists, enters the world of romantic poetry to solve a suspected suicide, investigates the killing of a politically-incorrect figurehead, and finds that the death of a homeless man is not as simple as it appears. Follow the priest-cum-sleuth’s thrilling adventures as he solves mysteries throughout Ireland. David Threlfall, Tina Kellegher and T.P. McKenna star in this exciting series written by Simon Brett, Bill Murphy, Andrew Martin, Martin Meenan, John Murphy and Francis Turnly in the series created by Barry Devlin.

Andrew Martin, Bill Murphy, Francis Turnly, John Murphy, Martin Meehan, Simon Brett (Author), Adrian Dunbar, Bill Nighy, David Threlfall, Geraldine James, Martin Clunes, Tina Kellegher (Narrator)

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BBC Radio Shakespeare: A Collection of Six Tragedies

Six full-cast BBC Radio productions of Shakespeare's classic tragedies Treachery, betrayal and fatal power struggles are among the themes of these six iconic productions of Shakespeare's timeless tragedies. Featuring all-star casts, they are introduced by Sir Richard Eyre. Hamlet Shakespeare's powerfully poetic tragedy of murder, madness and revenge stars Michael Sheen as the Prince of Denmark, with Kenneth Cranham as Claudius and Juliet Stevenson as Gertrude. Macbeth In this notorious 'Scottish play', a lust for power and the prophecy of three witches transform a brave nobleman into a traitor and murderous tyrant. Ken Stott stars as Macbeth and Phyllis Logan as Lady Macbeth. King Lear The tragic consequences of evil triumphing over truth, and of the vanity of old age, are set in motion when Lear banishes his favourite daughter, Cordelia, from court. Starring Corin Redgrave as King Lear, with David Troughton, Geraldine James and Robert Glenister. Othello Evil cunning perverts a once noble mind, as heroic general Othello is destroyed by both his own jealousy and the machinations of the devious Iago. Ray Fearon stars as Othello, with James Frain as Iago. Romeo and Juliet An updated version of Shakespeare's tragedy of feuding families and doomed love, set in modern Verona and starring Douglas Henshall as Romeo and Sophie Dahl as Juliet. Cymbeline When Cymbeline discovers his daughter Imogen's secret marriage to Posthumus, he banishes her husband. But Posthumus's boasts of his wife's chastity provoke lachimo to attempt her seduction. Bill Wallis stars as Cymbeline.

William Shakespeare (Author), Bill Wallis, Corin Redgrave, Full Cast, Geraldine James, Juliet Stevenson, Ken Stott, Kenneth Cranham, Michael Sheen, Siân Phillips, Sophie Dahl (Narrator)

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Alexander: The Story of A Legendary Leader: A BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatisation

A thrilling six-part serial on the life of Alexander the Great Alexander of Macedon was one of history’s greatest ever military commanders. By the time of his death, aged just 32, he had conquered the entire Persian Empire, and was ruler of a vast territory stretching from Greece to the borders of India. These six episodes tell his extraordinary life story, as reimagined by acclaimed dramatist David Wade. The King’s Son – 356 BC. Outside the city of Pella in Macedonia, the spirits of Achilles and Patroclus are eagerly awaiting a royal birth. But Alexander’s arrival creates friction between King Philip and his Queen, Olympias. I Am Also Alexander – The young Prince is used as a pawn in the war between his parents, and becomes a student of the great philosopher Aristotle. Preparation of the Sacrifice – Alexander goes into battle to prove his manhood. Meanwhile, King Philip's remarriage plans cause tension. The Road to Gordium – Warrior Alexander becomes King of Macedonia and sets out to conquer the world… The Hunt of the God King – Alexander pursues Darius, King of Persia, conquers Egypt – and falls in love with the beautiful Barsine. Great Son of Ammon – The King confronts treachery, invades India and faces the end of the span of years allotted by the Fates... This compelling serial stars Michael Maloney as Alexander, with an incredible cast including Brian Cox, Geraldine James, Alex Jennings and Julian Rhind-Tutt. Also included is a bonus episode of In Our Time, in which Melvyn Bragg and guests explore Alexander’s life, legend and legacy.

David Wade (Author), Alex Jennings, Barry Foster, Brian Cox, Geraldine James, Julian Rhind-Tutt, Michael Maloney, Simon Ward (Narrator)

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A Certain Justice

Venetia Aldridge QC is a distinguished criminal lawyer. When she secures the acquittal of a young man, Garry Ashe, from the charge of murdering his aunt, a series of bizarre events is set in train, starting with her own murder. Adam Dalgliesh, the poet and Scotland Yard commander, takes charge of the case. As he investigates, he finds that she had many enemies in both her professional and private life. Her married lover wanted to leave her, her daughter hated her and her fellow barristers were determined that she should not be the next Head of Chambers. Even the office cleaner had a grudge against her. But step by step, the suspects are narrowed down, and the cunning plot that lies behind Venetia's death is brought to light. This release includes a 30-minute 'Front Row Special' interview with P.D. James, who talks to Mark Lawson about her writing career and the inspiration for her work.

P.D. James (Author), Geraldine James, Kenneth Cranham, Michael Maloney, Philip Franks (Narrator)

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A Breath of Snow and Ashes 'International Edition'

A worldwide sensation with more than 12 million copies in print, Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series has produced #1 best-selling novels and earned a fiercely devoted fan base. Another spellbinding entry in the series, A Breath of Snow and Ashes continues the saga of 18th-century Scotsman Jamie Fraser and his 20th-century, time-traveling wife, Claire. The year is 1772, and the rift between Britain and its American colonies has put a frightening word into the minds of all concerned: revolution. In the backwoods of North Carolina, violence has already reared its ugly head, as cabins have been burned to the ground. To preserve the colony for King George III, the governor pleads with Jamie to bring the people together and restore peace. But Jamie has the privilege, although some might call it a burden, of knowing that war cannot be avoided. Claire has told him that the colonies will unite and rebel, and the result will be independence, with all British loyalists either dead or exiled. And there is an additional problem. Claire has discovered a newspaper clipping from 1776 that tells of Jamie's death. With its epic scope, historical details, and sweeping romance, A Breath of Snow and Ashes is everything Gabaldon's fans love and more.

Diana Gabaldon (Author), Davina Porter, Geraldine James (Narrator)

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A Breath of Snow and Ashes

A worldwide sensation with more than 12 million copies in print, Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series has produced #1 best-selling novels and earned a fiercely devoted fan base. Another spellbinding entry in the series, A Breath of Snow and Ashes continues the saga of 18th-century Scotsman Jamie Fraser and his 20th-century, time-traveling wife, Claire. The year is 1772, and the rift between Britain and its American colonies has put a frightening word into the minds of all concerned: revolution. In the backwoods of North Carolina, violence has already reared its ugly head, as cabins have been burned to the ground. To preserve the colony for King George III, the governor pleads with Jamie to bring the people together and restore peace. But Jamie has the privilege, although some might call it a burden, of knowing that war cannot be avoided. Claire has told him that the colonies will unite and rebel, and the result will be independence, with all British loyalists either dead or exiled. And there is an additional problem. Claire has discovered a newspaper clipping from 1776 that tells of Jamie’s death. With its epic scope, historical details, and sweeping romance, A Breath of Snow and Ashes is everything Gabaldon’s fans love and more.

Diana Gabaldon (Author), Davina Porter, Geraldine James (Narrator)

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Audiobooks Narrated by Geraldine James