The Children's Hour

By: Marcia Willett

Narrated by: June Barrie

Length: 11 hrs and 8 mins

Publisher's Summary

In the big old house overlooking the sea, five small children listened as their mother read them a story. Theirs was an idyllic childhood, as they played on the beach, in the gardens and the woods, before the war and other tragedies disrupted their lives. Now, many years later, Nest and Mina still live at their beautiful childhood home, surrounded by the glorious Devon country side. But, when their sister Georgie comes to stay at Ottercombe, memories of their past start to revisit them.

©2003 Marcia Willett Limited (P)2014 Audible, Inc.

Critic Reviews

"June Barrie offers a warm performance; her voice is a velvety purr and her delivery appropriately lively. The setting, brimming with gardens and seascapes, comes alive with Willett's descriptions and Barrie's attention to the beauty of words. The Children's Hour offers a pleasant escape to the beach and a thoughtful exploration of the meaning of family." (AudioFile)

Wonderful Read

I absolutely loved listening to this book. It was truly wonderful. June's voice plays each character so well. It is a very moving tale. It was the most memorable story I have heard since joining audible. Thank you.

a well read tale

At first I was a bit disappointed in my purchase thinking this book nothing more than fluff, but then suddenly I found myself invested in the characters and curiously caring about their circumstances. For me the narration made the story - fluff or not. I doubt anyone else could have drawn me in. Before I knew it, I was extending my walks just a little further . . . I may just chance another book by this author provided the same narrator is on board.

Great Story!

I loved the characters in this book. They sort of drew you into their lives. The setting on the sea was beautiful too. I really enjoyed it.

A very good way to relax after a stressful day

I loved this story for it's easy listening style and many threads that eventually came together. I felt I knew the house and the characters well and didn't want to say goodbye to them. It is not a taxing tale in any way and may be too slow moving for many people, but brought to me cosy feelings of sitting around a fire with my family while someone read a book to us.

Narration dreadful

This is a really good story but I'm afraid I won't be buying anything else narrated by June Barrie. I'm sure she's a perfectly lovely woman but she is so terribly, terribly 'posh'. Every single character is endowed with the same 'well-bred gels' accent it's like listening to a BBC drama from the 1940s. Shame as I really enjoyed the story but the narration really spoilt it for me.

such a comforting book

my second 'listening ' of this story and probably not my last. This beautifully written and comfortingly read novel is like a warm blanket wrapping g itself around you.