Goodbye Piccadilly

War at Home, 2014

By: Cynthia Harrod-Eagles

Narrated by: Penelope Freeman

Length: 12 hrs and 57 mins

Publisher's summary

In 1914, Britain faces a new kind of war. For Edward and Beatrice Hunter, their children, servants and neighbours, life will never be the same again.

For David, the eldest, war means a chance to do something noble; but enlisting will break his mother's heart. His sister Diana, 19 and beautiful, longs for marriage. She has her heart set on Charles Wroughton, son of Earl Wroughton, but Charles will never be allowed to marry a banker's daughter.

Below stairs, Cook and Ada, the head housemaid, grow more terrified of German invasion with every newspaper atrocity story. Ethel, under housemaid, can't help herself when it comes to men and now soldiers add to the temptation; yet there's more to this flighty girl than meets the eye.The once-tranquil village of Northcote reels under an influx of khaki volunteers, wounded soldiers and Belgian refugees. The war is becoming more dangerous and everyone must find a way to adapt to this rapidly changing world.

Goodbye Piccadilly is the first book in the War at Home series by Cynthia Harrod-Eagles, author of the much-loved Morland Dynasty novels. Set against the real events of 1914, Goodbye Piccadilly is extraordinary in scope and imagination and is a compelling introduction to the Hunter family.

©2014 Cynthia Harrod-Eagle (P)2014 Hachette Digital

Prissy and Slow In One Grand Sweeping Motion

To me the book was derivative and a total snoozer lacking in even a shred of charm. The narration was dreadful with the 16 & 19 year old "children" sounding like three year olds. When the dog started talking I threw the device to the bed and hit delete. Plus the title here on Audible has a typo--it should read War at Home, 1914 NOT 2014. I'm shaking it off and moving on.

absolutely loved this story

The story is endearing, the narrator is top notch and I honestly have not one single complaint about this book!

Highly recommend!

now off to listen to book 2!

Spendid story, superbly told!!

It is one thing to master storytelling by putting the right words together, but Cynthia Harrod Eagles is a master of human nature and emotions. The British are trained to be proper & self-controlled even when spewing insults. I was especially impressed by the words she chose to express Rupert's nature & feelings about Diana - pure venom! And applause for Diana's sang-froid.

Her story is about real people, their everyday routines, thinking, customs, hopes, disappointments, fears, weaknesses, flaws and heroic hearts. This is a beautiful story about the British people in a society divided by class status but united by pride of country and patriotic duty. I learned so much about World War 1 theough the facts and details that were necessary to understand the period each character's perspective and role.

Penelope Freeman is a superb narrator and made the story come alive in such a way that I lived with the Hunters and enjoyed the Village of Northcote and its inhabitants. I think her voice & coy inflections of Ethel, the under maid were simply magnificent! In fact, I was cheering for this underdog whose station in life is inferior. I am looking forward to the rest of the series and do not expect to be disappointed in the least!

Audiobook Really!!!!!!

I’ve tried to listen to audiobooks several times an I couldn’t get into it. This is the first book I completed and I’m obsessed. I love this series, it’s so real and exciting. I love the characters and the story lines.

Don't Miss this series...you will not regret it.

I am jealous of readers who have not read this series. This Book 1 does not disappoint. I wish I could listen to all the books once more without remembering what I already heard. Since I wrote that comment, I may have to go back and start the whole series "War at Home" over again. This Book 1 sets up the story and you as the reader will love every book in the series. I wish I could find another series this good. Usually a writer does well in Books 1, 2, & 3 then loses me. This series starting with Book 1 remains fabulous throughout the last Book 6. Readers who have not read all of these books are in for a real treat. This author is extremely gifted.

Lovely Story - Superb Narrator

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Loved this story and really looking forward to the rest of the series. Penelope Freeman is a perfect narrator, she really bought the story to life and her accents for the different characters are excellent.
I see the next book is on Audible - I hope Audible continue to have the whole series. Sadly The Morland Dynasty, also by Cynthia Harrod-Eagles has stopped at Number 18.

Slow and uninspiring

Narrator was pleasant to listen to but the story was slow, uninspiring and lacked substance. Had to return it.

Superb

A wonderful introduction to a saga I know I'm going to love. at first it took me a while to remember who was who but a story filled with rich characters who just come alive. Very much helped along by lovely narration. If you loved Downton and enjoy a good escape into a romantic wartime saga then look no further. Now I must go and download the next instalment!