Today I’m up on the tour for something little different. I am reviewing The Girls audiobook, written by Bella Osborne and narrated by Julia Franklin. Thanks to the publisher for my copy of the audiobook to give you all my honest thoughts.
In the 1970s, the girls were best friends sharing a house and good times: Zara, the famous diva actor; Val, the uptight solicitor; Jackie, the wild child and Pauline, the quirky introvert. Now they’re in their twilight years, and Zara suggests that they live with her to support each other through old age.
Initially, being housemates again is just as much fun as in their heyday. But then Zara reveals the real reason she asked them to move in with her, and suddenly things take a sinister turn.
As the women confront their demons, they come under the spotlight of the press, the police and an angry parrot. With their lives spiralling out of control, can they save their friendships and each other?
I haven’t read anything by Bella Osborne before, so went in with no expectations, other than to be entertained. This is a book that took me by surprise. The women are a refreshing change. Characters at the older age range instead of in their younger years. There is so much to them that I was immediately captivated. Their life’s journeys for one. Their personalities are great too. Between Jackie who puts opens her mouth before putting her brain into gear, the sensible Val and Pauline who is the introvert of the group, I felt in good company.
They all receive an invite to Zara, their old friends 80th surprise birthday party. This has the women experiencing such different reactions. Zara is now a famous actress and she is horrified when she arrives at the party, she does not want anyone to know how old she is!! What they don’t know yet, is their lives may never be the same again.
Julia Franklin has brought every character to life in this story. Her narration is second to none, each character is uniquely voiced. This is so impressive that I got to know them all and recognised them so easily. This is the first audiobook that I can say I am glad I listened to the book before actually reading it. I got really invested in them all.
A story that isn’t all happiness and light. These friends all have their own issues and they aren’t easy ones to deal with. I didn’t know which direction the story would go in, but it certainly wasn’t a predictable one.
I didn’t want to get to the end of this story. I got so invested in them all, I had an audiobook hangover. Such an emotional, thought provoking listen, I felt like I almost missed them all.
I do definitely recommend The Girls audiobook if you are looking for something to listen to that will keep you engaged.
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