Historical romance is perfect to lose yourself in. These stories are told with passion by some of the most accomplished actors in the UK, several of whom are returning to the stories after appearing in film and TV versions.
1. The Burning Chambers | Kate Mosse
“She Knows That You Live.” Five words were all that were written in an anonymous letter addressed to 19-year-old Minou Joubert in Carcassonne in 1562. Determined to discover the significance of the letter, Minou embarks on a dangerous journey with Piet Reydon, a Huguenot convert, to Toulouse and beyond. In the background – and soon, the foreground – religious tensions abound. Narrated with poise and precision by Hattie Morahan (The Bletchley Circle, The Bank Job, Eternal Law), you’ll be captivated from the off. Kate Mosse has been writing critically acclaimed fiction since the mid-1990s, with the Medieval/modern mashup Labyrinth becoming an international best-seller. The Burning Chambers is equally epic, so definitely goes on the list.
2. The Tattooist of Auschwitz | Heather Morris
Romantic fiction can be set in any time and any place. But what if it’s one of history’s most shaming examples of inhumanity? And what if the story isn’t completely fictional at all, but is based on a true story? It’s difficult and unsettling to take in the idea that love can blossom, if not bloom, in the hell of history’s darkest place, and this story explores just that. Lale Sokolov was a Slovakian Jew in Auschwitz whose life was spared so he could tattoo numbers on the skin of the inmates. His minuscule privileges allow him to help out inmates where he can, but when young Gita reaches him in the queue, he’s instantly captivated. This story demands sensitivity and, with more highs than the listener might imagine, a pitch-perfect tone. Richard Armitage delivers just that in an unlikely romance that will stick with you.
3. Captain Corelli's Mandolin | Louis de Bernières
Some stories really capture the public imagination, despite unusual and difficult plots and backgrounds. Captain Corelli's Mandolin did just that on its release in 1994 and continues to charm and delight romantics to this day. It’s a love story that spans decades, starting in 1941, when the Greek island of Cephalonia is occupied by Italian and German soldiers. Local girl Pelagia, daughter of the doctor, naturally hates the occupiers and falls for a local fisherman, Mandras. When he decides to go off to fight, Pelagia writes to him but, with no replies, she realises she no longer loves him. Yet there’s a more complicated romantic proposition on the island: Captain Corelli, a charming and humane Italian soldier. When Italy joins the Allies, he goes from occupier to defender and his life is at risk. Needless to say, romance is not far away. You might know Michael Maloney from Truly, Madly, Deeply, A Midwinter's Tale or The Crown, in which case you’ll know that brilliant performance is how he operates. This listen is no exception.
4. Outlander | Diana Gabaldon
Romantic historical stories don’t come as rollicking as Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander. Because, when you start messing with time travel, the possibilities become truly tantalising. We love Diana Gabaldon not only for dreaming up this piece of romantic fantasy fiction, but also for putting together a love story of such charm, wit and humanity. The tale starts in 1945, when British Army nurse Claire Randall and her husband Frank take a second honeymoon in Inverness, Scotland. Investigating strange stones, Claire is transported back to the 18th century, where she fends off an attack from Frank’s ancestor before being rescued by clansmen. It’s an epic century-spanning fantasy romance that simply has to be heard. When it’s accomplished narrator Davina Porter spinning the yarn, you listen.
5. A Bachelor Establishment | Jodi Taylor
We believe the best romantic fiction always needs a hopelessly mismatched couple to get the ball rolling. Who wants to listen to head-over-heels, love at first sight tales of passion (alright, they’re exciting too, but you know what we mean). Yet mismatch verging on the hostile is how A Bachelor Establishment starts. Widow Elinor Bascombe thinks her life is all but over. Her estate is worthless, giving her no means of escape and she’s resigned to seeing out the rest of her life alone. The opportunities for romance added up to nil. But who’s this? Scandalous Lord Ryde, an exile with a shifty past, sees some value in the estate and comes back to take what he can before absconding to America. Needless to say, an initially unpromising situation develops into something more tender, and Anna Bentick (Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix) gives voice to the story with wit and sparkle. You’ll have fun listening in.
6. The Miniaturist | Jessie Burton
If you’re ready to listen to some romantic fiction that borders on the surreal, with mystery and emotion among the privileged few, may we present to you The Miniaturist, Jessie Burton’s masterpiece. Nella Oortman is a naive 18-year-old from the countryside in 17th century Holland. She marries a wealthy, pleasant but passionless merchant Johannes Brandt, whose wedding gift is a doll’s house, a replica of their own Amsterdam home. Nella starts to furnish the house piece by piece, thanks to a miniaturist whom she never meets, and is startled at the precision and realism that is achieved. She’s even more bewildered when the miniatures start predicting the future. What is happening? Let Jessie Burton herself take you through the story. As the author and a trained actor, there’s no one better to do it.
7. Pride and Prejudice | Jane Austen
The arrogant, standoffish and possibly cruel Mr Darcy doesn’t seem like marriage material in the eyes of the Bennet sisters – or, more accurately, their mother, who is desperate for them to marry into money. The eligible Charles Bingley is a much more enticing prospect. But not for Elizabeth, the second oldest, who seems to be pencilled in for the slot. So begins an epic tale of romance and eighteenth-century manners, told in cut-glass detail by Jane Austen. There’s more than a slim chance you’ve already heard this story before, perhaps from the countless movie, TV, stage and radio adaptations. However, have you ever sat down and had the tale read to you precisely as Austen intended? We think not. Rosamund Pike played eldest sister Jane in the 2005 Keira Knightley adaptation and is perfectly placed to give an intimate performance in this spellbinding audiobook.
8. Wuthering Heights | Emily Brontë
A dark and difficult romance that has haunted decades of readers, viewers and listeners, Wuthering Heights is perhaps the ultimate tale of despair and redemption. The desolate moors and wild whistling winds of Yorkshire are as much a part of the story as the characters, most importantly the adopted orphan Heathcliff and Catherine, his well-to-do foster sister. This story is told in retrospect, back to when they were a young couple, and the vibrant but forbidden love they had. Inevitably, Catherine would have to marry a man befitting of her class, and the story that follows is a classic of English literature. British listeners might associate Patricia Routledge with the inimitable Hyacinth Bucket from the 90s TV hit Keeping Up Appearances, but this performance reminds you that she’s a skilled and versatile actor, with more than 60 years of stage and screen experience to draw on.
9. Anna Karenina | Leo Tolstoy
Love is often about difficult choices and few are as difficult as the ones Anna Karenina has to make in this truly epic Russian classic. Anna is beautiful, lively, witty and the toast of Moscow, and she falls in love with the dashing cavalry officer Count Vronsky. The fly in the ointment is that she’s married to a high ranking government official, with whom she has a young son. So begins an epic story, where society forces Anna to choose between love, family and duty. Eloquently read by David Horovitch (Miss Marple, The New Avengers, 102 Dalmatians), you’ll be transported back to the height of the Russian Empire in the late 1800s and guided through all of Anna’s impossible decisions and tragedies.
10. Rebecca | Daphne Du Maurier
Who was the mysterious Rebecca, Maxim de Winter’s late first wife? And why do the servants of the dashing de Winter hold her in such high regard? These are the questions de Winter’s current wife needs answered and her quest for revelation takes her into some dark places. This timeless tale is Daphne Du Maurier’s masterpiece and BAFTA-winning actor Anna Massey takes you through its twists and turns calmly and reassuringly. For those who like their romance classically inspired, with a hint of mystery and the dull feeling of threat hanging over everything, you should definitely give this a listen.
Discover more historical romance audiobooks here.
