My Oxford Year by Julia Whelan Narrator: Julia Whelan
Published by HarperAudio on April 24, 2018
Genres: Fiction
Format: Audiobook
Source: Library
Goodreads
Amazon, Audible, Libro.fm, Barnes & Noble, Apple
American Ella Durran has had the same plan for her life since she was thirteen: Study at Oxford. At 24, she’s finally made it to England on a Rhodes Scholarship when she’s offered an unbelievable position in a rising political star’s presidential campaign. With the promise that she’ll work remotely and return to DC at the end of her Oxford year, she’s free to enjoy her Once in a Lifetime Experience. That is, until a smart-mouthed local who is too quick with his tongue and his car ruins her shirt and her first day.
When Ella discovers that her English literature course will be taught by none other than that same local, Jamie Davenport, she thinks for the first time that Oxford might not be all she’s envisioned. But a late-night drink reveals a connection she wasn’t anticipating finding and what begins as a casual fling soon develops into something much more when Ella learns Jamie has a life-changing secret.
Immediately, Ella is faced with a seemingly impossible decision: turn her back on the man she’s falling in love with to follow her political dreams or be there for him during a trial neither are truly prepared for. As the end of her year in Oxford rapidly approaches, Ella must decide if the dreams she’s always wanted are the same ones she’s now yearning for.
I met Julia Whelan this August at Book Bonanza in Texas and learned about this audiobook. She is a favorite narrator but I didn’t know she had authored a book as well. My Oxford Year is in that dreaded category called women’s fiction but is more accurately life fiction.
This is Ella’s story of personal growth and life choices. She is a talent in the political world. She is Rhodes Scholar. Her plan has always been to go to Oxford for a graduate year and study English literature. Nothing goes exactly as she expects. She is offered a job to work on the campaign of a promising presidential candidate. She encounters a playboy who makes her furious but turns out to be more than he seems. There are career choices, learning choices, family dynamics and relationship decisions.
Ella makes wonderful friends and learns about herself and what she really wants. I enjoyed the setting, the characters and their developments. I recommend this highly!
Narration:
Julia talked about the narration on an audio panel. It was challenging with all the English accents from different regions and American speech, with both male and female voices. She did a superb job and it was an entertaining performance. My emotions were strong with all the character feelings. I listened at my usual 1.5x speed.
Listen to a clip:
About Julia Whelan
Julia Whelan is a screenwriter, life-long actor, and award-winning audiobook narrator. She graduated with a degree in English and Creative Writing from Middlebury College and Oxford University. While in England, her flirtation with tea blossomed into a full-blown love affair, culminating in her eventual certification as a tea master. When not writing her own books, you can find her reading other people’s out loud into a microphone.
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I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- 2019 Audiobooks
- 2019 Library-Love
- BTB 2019
Fortunately, I’ve got this on audio! Yeah, I don’t use Women’s Fiction and have it shelved as Contemporary Fiction. Excellent review, Anne!
Oh it’s excellent. You will enjoy it. A good mix of naughty and serious stuff It is LIFE fiction, but I just use Fiction.
I read this as an ARC and fell in love with the story. It was not what I was expecting which is one of the things I loved. I could see myself doing a re-read via audio because I love Julia Whelan’s narration anyway.
I loved it on audio. It was unique and smart which is one of the reasons I loved it. The story was quite unexpected.
I bought this and cannot wait to listen. I love her narrations and had to support her and bought the audio. I cannot wait.
It’s outstanding. You will love it.
She’s my favorite narrator, and I think it’s perfect to listen to the listen to the audio of her book. I definitely want to make the time for it. Lovely review, Anne!
You would enjoy it, I’m sure. It falls into your regular reading genres well.