The unabridged, downloadable audiobook edition of Dawn Frenchs' second brilliant novel, Oh Dear Silvia, featuring a full cast of readers including Gareth Armstrong, Jane Collingwood, Beattie Edmondson, James Fleet, Llewella Gideon, Jack Lowden, James McArdle, Pauline McLynn, Patrice Naiambana, Celine Rosa Tan, Maggie Steed, Ruby Turner, and Dawn herself.
Who is in Coma Suite Number 5? A matchless lover? A supreme egotist? A selfless martyr? A bad mother? A cherished sister? A selfish wife? All of these. For this is Silvia Shute, who has always done exactly what she wants. Until now, when her life suddenly, shockingly stops. Her past holds a terrible secret, and now that she is unconscious in a hospital bed, her constant stream of visitors are set to uncover the mystery of her broken life. Meanwhile she must lie there, victim of the beloveds, the borings, the babblings and the plain bonkers. Like it or not, the truth is about to pay Silvia a visit. Again, and again and again...
©2012 Dawn French (P)2012 Penguin Books Ltd
"Hilarious!!!!"
This book is witty, sad in places but absolutely hilarious! I was laughing out loud, only Dawn French could write something so funny so eloquently.
"Great Listen"
This is very well read by several people, including Dawn French. They all do a great job. In some places I was laughing so much I had to rewind and listen again. All the characters are believable and the book is very well written. I was left wanting more.
"Utterly Brilliant - now one of my top 5 ever!"
Dawn French has pulled out all the stops in the totally amazing story - I loved every single word!
Really well written; great idea; fabulously read by the author in her own inimitable style with nuances where only she would know they were needed; and guest narrators for each characters making everything easy to follow and totally believable.
I didn't see any of the twists and turns coming which was fantastic - loved every one!
I've encouraged all my friends to get on board with this story, I really can't praise it enough.
I loved Tiny Bit Marvellous but this is in a league of its own.
One of my Top 5 ever - definitely!
"Disappointing"
I was so excited when I saw a new Dawn French novel as I love A Tiny Bit Marvellous. Oh Dear Sylvia just didn't live up to my high hopes at all. I don't know if it was the radio play feel of it with a full cast reading their own lines that I didn't like...maybe I will try reading the book to see if that makes a difference...I don't know, i already feel let down. Full cast might have worked better for A Tiny Bit Marvellous as that was broken in to sections narrated by the different characters.
"AWFUL"
This was a waste of a good credit. It is just too awful for words. The many readers are the least of its shortcomings. I HATED it. It would be more exciting to watch paint dry. As for funny - where?
I would have given it a minus 5 if I could have.
"Awful"
What a depressing tale even though the initial idea was good ...actually listened to it all just to hear if I was missing anything i.e. the hilarious part...very disappointed.
"LONG WINDED DRIVEL"
I loved Dawn French's autobiography and assumed this would be in the same vein.I saw it through to the end ,but hated every indulgent moment of it.Never have a wished for a main characters demise to come sooner.
"Funny, poignant and seriously good"
I loved this book, read by the author and a cast of actors. More than a book, for me this felt more like a play. Great characters and a very clever storyline. Would definitely recommend, makes you laugh out loud and shocks you too. Excellent.
"Fantastic read"
I really enjoyed this book - Dawn French's characterisations are just masterly! I simply didn't want to put it down. I usually prefer a single reader and dislike dramatisations, but the different (excellent) actors voicing the characters was wonderful bringing each person to life. I thought the premise intriguing - getting to know a person simply by the recollections of others - and this over-delivered on what I was expecting. The characters were just perfect, complex in some ways and simple in others, just as we all are.
"Thought provoking"
Excellent novel by Dawn French. I expected a funny book as her last novel was a real side splitter. I was a little perturbed when I first started to listen but soon couldn't stop. Fascinating insight, extremely well written. Thank you again Dawn, excellent.