Listen free for 30 days
-
Recipe for Life
- Narrated by: Patricia Hodge
- Length: 10 hrs and 6 mins
- Unabridged Audiobook
- Categories: Biographies & Memoirs, Professionals & Academics
Add to basket failed.
Add to wishlist failed.
Remove from wishlist failed.
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
Listen with a free trial
Buy Now for £22.00
No valid payment method on file.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
Listeners also enjoyed...
-
Riding the Waves
- My Story
- By: Jane McDonald
- Narrated by: Jane McDonald
- Length: 8 hrs and 47 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Jane McDonald may be a BAFTA-winning TV star and platinum-selling artist, but she'll never forget her Northern roots, and she's as much known for her Yorkshire charm and humour as for her showbiz accolades. The nation first fell in love with Jane 20 years ago, as the break-out star of BBC reality TV show The Cruise. She was catapulted to dizzying overnight success, but since then, she has navigated some stormy waters.
-
-
amazing
- By Amazon Customer on 08-08-20
-
Behind the Seams
- My Life in Creativity, Friendship and Adventure from the star of the Great British Sewing Bee
- By: Esme Young
- Narrated by: Esme Young
- Length: 8 hrs and 20 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
At age five, Esme was asked to write in her notebook, but instead, she filled it with drawings—the only way she knew to express herself. At seven, when it was discovered she was partially deaf, she found refuge in her sketchbooks. Shortly after, Esme made her first garment and a passion for sewing and designing was born. As a teenager, she made her way to London where her creative journey truly began.
-
-
Interesting Life
- By Girliewirlie on 11-05-22
-
And Furthermore
- By: Judi Dench
- Narrated by: Samantha Bond
- Length: 6 hrs
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
From the moment Judi Dench appeared as a teenager in the York Mystery Plays, it was clear that acting would be her career. Trained at London's Central School of Speech and Drama it was her performance in her twenties as Juliet in Franco Zeffirelli's memorable Old Vic production that turned her into a star. In the theatre since she has played every classic role from Titania (three times, most recently in 2010) to Cleopatra.
-
-
A must listen biography
- By Claire on 15-05-11
-
Queen of Our Times
- The Life of Elizabeth II
- By: Robert Hardman
- Narrated by: Robert Hardman
- Length: 25 hrs and 22 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Like her father and grandfather before her, Elizabeth II was not born to be monarch. Yet she has reigned through more change than any sovereign since 1066. From her accession as a young mother of two in 1952 to the age of COVID-19, she has become a global phenomenon commanding unrivalled respect and affection. Queen of Our Times follows the astonishing journey of the quietly determined young woman who has gone on to lead her family and her people through good times and bad for longer than most people have been alive.
-
-
Excellent read
- By Loretta J. Miller on 18-05-22
-
Will She Do?
- Act One of a Life on Stage
- By: Eileen Atkins
- Narrated by: Eileen Atkins
- Length: 10 hrs and 5 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Will She Do? is the story of a girl from a council estate in Tottenham, born in 1934 to an electric-meter reader and a seamstress, who was determined to be an actress. Candid and witty, this memoir takes her from her awkward performances in working-men's clubs at six years of age as dancing 'Baby Eileen', through the war years in London, to her breakthrough at 32 on Broadway with The Killing of Sister George, for which she received the first of five Tony Award nominations.
-
-
Amazing
- By D. Baker on 11-10-21
-
You Matter
- The Human Solution
- By: Delia Smith
- Narrated by: Delia Smith
- Length: 5 hrs and 48 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
We know science is awesome, as are its achievements. Yet so far, scientists have managed to sidestep the most awesome reality of all: the true nature of human life, the source of their own genius. How is it that in the overwhelming immensity of the cosmos, on microscopic Earth, human beings exist? We have not yet looked reality in the face and perceived the nobility and grandeur of who we are, each of us having a responsibility in the universe and being part of a vast and continuing process.
-
-
Quite a feat
- By Adriana on 10-06-22
-
Riding the Waves
- My Story
- By: Jane McDonald
- Narrated by: Jane McDonald
- Length: 8 hrs and 47 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Jane McDonald may be a BAFTA-winning TV star and platinum-selling artist, but she'll never forget her Northern roots, and she's as much known for her Yorkshire charm and humour as for her showbiz accolades. The nation first fell in love with Jane 20 years ago, as the break-out star of BBC reality TV show The Cruise. She was catapulted to dizzying overnight success, but since then, she has navigated some stormy waters.
-
-
amazing
- By Amazon Customer on 08-08-20
-
Behind the Seams
- My Life in Creativity, Friendship and Adventure from the star of the Great British Sewing Bee
- By: Esme Young
- Narrated by: Esme Young
- Length: 8 hrs and 20 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
At age five, Esme was asked to write in her notebook, but instead, she filled it with drawings—the only way she knew to express herself. At seven, when it was discovered she was partially deaf, she found refuge in her sketchbooks. Shortly after, Esme made her first garment and a passion for sewing and designing was born. As a teenager, she made her way to London where her creative journey truly began.
-
-
Interesting Life
- By Girliewirlie on 11-05-22
-
And Furthermore
- By: Judi Dench
- Narrated by: Samantha Bond
- Length: 6 hrs
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
From the moment Judi Dench appeared as a teenager in the York Mystery Plays, it was clear that acting would be her career. Trained at London's Central School of Speech and Drama it was her performance in her twenties as Juliet in Franco Zeffirelli's memorable Old Vic production that turned her into a star. In the theatre since she has played every classic role from Titania (three times, most recently in 2010) to Cleopatra.
-
-
A must listen biography
- By Claire on 15-05-11
-
Queen of Our Times
- The Life of Elizabeth II
- By: Robert Hardman
- Narrated by: Robert Hardman
- Length: 25 hrs and 22 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Like her father and grandfather before her, Elizabeth II was not born to be monarch. Yet she has reigned through more change than any sovereign since 1066. From her accession as a young mother of two in 1952 to the age of COVID-19, she has become a global phenomenon commanding unrivalled respect and affection. Queen of Our Times follows the astonishing journey of the quietly determined young woman who has gone on to lead her family and her people through good times and bad for longer than most people have been alive.
-
-
Excellent read
- By Loretta J. Miller on 18-05-22
-
Will She Do?
- Act One of a Life on Stage
- By: Eileen Atkins
- Narrated by: Eileen Atkins
- Length: 10 hrs and 5 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Will She Do? is the story of a girl from a council estate in Tottenham, born in 1934 to an electric-meter reader and a seamstress, who was determined to be an actress. Candid and witty, this memoir takes her from her awkward performances in working-men's clubs at six years of age as dancing 'Baby Eileen', through the war years in London, to her breakthrough at 32 on Broadway with The Killing of Sister George, for which she received the first of five Tony Award nominations.
-
-
Amazing
- By D. Baker on 11-10-21
-
You Matter
- The Human Solution
- By: Delia Smith
- Narrated by: Delia Smith
- Length: 5 hrs and 48 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
We know science is awesome, as are its achievements. Yet so far, scientists have managed to sidestep the most awesome reality of all: the true nature of human life, the source of their own genius. How is it that in the overwhelming immensity of the cosmos, on microscopic Earth, human beings exist? We have not yet looked reality in the face and perceived the nobility and grandeur of who we are, each of us having a responsibility in the universe and being part of a vast and continuing process.
-
-
Quite a feat
- By Adriana on 10-06-22
-
Over a Hot Stove
- A Kitchen Maid's Story
- By: Flo Wadlow, Alan Childs - notes
- Narrated by: Christine Rendel
- Length: 3 hrs and 11 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
At the age of 16, Flo Wadlow left her family to begin what would become a distinguished life "in service." Starting as a kitchen maid in London, she soon rose through the ranks and worked at many of England's great houses, including Woodhall in Hilgay, where she met scullery maid Mollie Moran, author of Aprons and Silver Spoons; and Hatfield House and Blicking Hall. By her early 20s, Flo was in charge of the kitchen and cooked for prime ministers and royalty. Over a Hot Stove is a must-listen for fans of Downton Abbey.
-
The Lick of Love
- How Dogs Changed My Life
- By: Julian Clary
- Narrated by: Julian Clary
- Length: 7 hrs and 1 min
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Lick of Love takes us on a tour of Julian's colourful life - and wherever life has taken him, Julian has had a dog by his side. Fanny the Wonder Dog, who came into Julian's life when he was somewhat adrift, propelled him up the ranks of the alternative comedy circuit and onto television. Valerie, the whippet cross-breed escorted Julian through his 40s, the Germaine Greer to his Bernard Manning.
-
-
He's done it again!
- By Christopher Pryce on 14-10-21
-
Risotto with Nettles
- A Memoir with Food
- By: Anna Del Conte
- Narrated by: Rula Lenska
- Length: 8 hrs and 40 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Anna Del Conte brought Italian cooking to Britain at a time when the nearest most of us came to pasta was a Heinz spaghetti hoop. Sharply observant, evocative, full of tastes and talk of food, hers is a delicious, poignant memoir of an unusual life and the food she loves to cook, which launched a culinary revolution.She arrived in England in 1949 when much of Britain was a culinary wasteland, married an Englishman, and stayed on.
-
-
Wonderful!
- By Daniel W Roberts on 16-10-16
-
My Garden World
- The Natural Year
- By: Monty Don
- Narrated by: Monty Don
- Length: 14 hrs and 29 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
My Garden World by Monty Don is a celebration of every living creature that we all share. This year has given us the enforced opportunity to learn more about the fascinating natural world around us. Whether you live in the countryside or the town, Monty's observations and insights are relevant to each and every one of us. My Garden World is Monty Don's personal journey through the natural year, month by month, season by season, observed from the immediate world around him.
-
-
A glimmer of light in this, our troubled lives.
- By Carol Hollis on 19-01-22
-
Finding My Voice
- By: Nadiya Hussain
- Narrated by: Nadiya Hussain
- Length: 7 hrs and 23 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
From the moment Nadiya Hussain was born, she has been questioning her role in life. But the irony is, she never wanted to be a trailblazer. She just wanted to follow a 'normal' path. But life kept telling her 'you can't'. And so she found her own way, beyond anything she dared to dream.
-
-
Incredible story which touched my heart
- By bananas on 06-03-20
-
The Yorkshire Shepherdess
- By: Amanda Owen
- Narrated by: Anne Dover
- Length: 10 hrs and 10 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Amanda Owen has been seen by millions on ITV's The Dales, living a life that has almost gone in today's modern world, a life ruled by the seasons and her animals. She is a farmer's wife and shepherdess, living alongside her husband, Clive, and seven children at Ravenseat, a 2,000 acre sheep hill farm at the head of Swaledale in North Yorkshire. It's a challenging life but one she loves.
-
-
Funny, uplifting and inspiring in equal measure.
- By Angela on 09-10-20
-
The Palace Papers
- Inside the House of Windsor, the Truth and the Turmoil
- By: Tina Brown
- Narrated by: Tina Brown
- Length: 17 hrs and 53 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
'Never again', became Queen Elizabeth II's mantra shortly after Diana's death. More specifically, there could never be 'another Diana'—a member of the family whose global popularity upstaged, outshone and posed an existential threat to the British monarchy. Picking up where The Diana Chronicles left off, The Palace Papers reveals how the royal family reinvented itself after the traumatic years when Diana's blazing celebrity ripped through the House of Windsor like a comet.
-
-
Nothing new or noteworthy
- By Zara on 03-05-22
-
Lady in Waiting
- My Extraordinary Life in the Shadow of the Crown
- By: Anne Glenconner
- Narrated by: Anne Glenconner
- Length: 9 hrs and 8 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Anne Glenconner reveals the real events behind The Crown as well as her own life of drama, tragedy and courage, with the wonderful wit and extraordinary resilience which define her. Anne Glenconner has been close to the Royal Family since childhood. Eldest child of the 5th Earl of Leicester, she was, as a daughter, described as 'the greatest disappointment' by her family as she was unable to inherit. Her childhood home, Holkham Hall, is one of the grandest estates in England. Bordering Sandringham, the Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret were frequent playmates.
-
-
Money doesn't make happiness
- By Rachel Redford on 31-10-19
-
Dear Mr Bigelow
- A Transatlantic Friendship
- By: Frances Woodsford
- Narrated by: Patience Tomlinson
- Length: 12 hrs and 55 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Dear Mr Bigelow is an enchanting selection of weekly 'pen-pal' letters written between 1949 and 1961 from an unmarried woman working at the Pier Approach Baths in Bournemouth, to a wealthy American widower, living on Long Island, New York. Frances Woodsford and Commodore Paul Bigelow never met, and there was no romance - she was in her forties when he died aged ninety-seven - yet their epistolary friendship was her lifeline.
-
The Happy Hoofer
- By: Celia Imrie
- Narrated by: Celia Imrie
- Length: 11 hrs
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
One of our best-loved actresses, Celia Imrie would rather have been a dancer. As a child she planned to join the Royal Ballet and marry Rudolf Nureyev. Now she has become one of our finest and funniest performers, on stage, TV and screen - adored for her roles in 'Acorn Antiques' and 'dinnerladies', as well as films including 'Calendar Girls' and 'Nanny McPhee'. In her hugely entertaining autobiography, Celia Imrie recounts a life hurtling (not always intentionally) into adventures both on stage and off.
-
-
A delightful book
- By Kirstine on 01-07-15
-
Mixed Fancies
- By: Brenda Blethyn
- Narrated by: Brenda Blethyn
- Length: 5 hrs and 52 mins
- Abridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Brenda is one of Britain's finest character actresses, famous for playing her roles with social realism and warmth, wit and humour - characters her audience empathise with. She has the same warmth and humour off screen too; a wonderfully down-to-earth person with a fascinating history. Told with sparkling wit and engaging honesty, Mixed Fancies is the compelling story of her journey from the Plains of Waterloo to the National Theatre and on to television, Hollywood and stardom.
-
-
Just absolutely brilliant
- By Pippa on 14-01-19
-
Max the Miracle Dog
- The Heart-warming Tale of a Life-saving Friendship
- By: Kerry Irving
- Narrated by: Marston York
- Length: 6 hrs and 23 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Suffering from severe neck and back injuries, Kerry was unemployed and housebound, struggling with depression and even thoughts of suicide. He went from cycling over 600 miles a month to becoming a prisoner in his own home. In the face of unbearable pain and overwhelming panic, he persevered, and along the way, met an adorable yard dog named Max. This is their remarkable, inspiring story.
-
-
max
- By Valerie on 03-12-20
Summary
The unabridged, downloadable audiobook edition of Mary Berry's autobiography, Recipe for Life, read by the actress Patricia Hodge. From Queen of Tarts to the nation's heart, Mary Berry shares her Recipe for Life. "In the words of my father, my birth caused no end of trouble..." From the moment she came into the world - two weeks early, throwing her parents' lives into disarray - Mary has gracefully but firmly done things her own way.
Born in 1935, in the city of Bath, Mary's childhood was a curious mix of idyllic picnics and ramblings, and alarming air raids; of a spirited and outdoorsy home life and a dreaded school existence. All nearly cut horribly short by an almost fatal bout of polio when she was 13, which isolated Mary in hospital, away from beloved family and friends for months. Recovery saw her turn to her one true passion - cookery. And so began a love affair that has - so far - spanned six remarkable decades; from demonstrating ovens in the early 1950s to producing glossy food magazines in the '60s and '70s, gradually becoming the country's most prolific and - many would say - best-loved cookery writer. Until her emergence in the 21st century as a TV sensation and style icon on the Great British Bake Off.
As a working mother, at the heart of a busy household, Mary became an expert at the art of juggling, even bringing her working life into her home with her Aga school. And there have been challenges, one terrible tragedy, and many joys along the way. In this touching, evocative and fascinating memoir, we accompany Mary on her journey of nearly 80 years; a life lived to the full, with a wicked sense of fun and an eye for the absurd, it is the life of a delightfully traditional but thoroughly modern woman. Fans of The Great British Bake Off can't wait to get their hands on Mary Berry's Recipe for Life.
Born in 1935, Mary has been teaching Britain how to cook for over half a century. Her far-reaching culinary career has taken her from recipe tester, cookery editor, author, and entrepreneur to TV personality. Mary lives in Buckinghamshire with her husband Paul.
More from the same
What listeners say about Recipe for Life
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- R. Card
- 10-01-14
Not surprisingly I really enjoyed this!
What made the experience of listening to Recipe for Life the most enjoyable?
Who doesn't like Mary Berry?! I love her in TGBBO and I enjoyed the two-part TV program on her life. This book is just as enjoyable, but in more depth. I'm always fascinated to see how people/celebrities got to where they are and revel hearing about coincidences and chances which lead to such unexpected results! You just leave this liking her even more.
What did you like best about this story?
I thought the recipes at the end of each chapter was a bit odd in an audiobook, but in fact I ended up looking forward to them and HEARING how simple some of the methods are reminds me that I really should have a go!
What does Patricia Hodge bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?
Originally I did a double take when I saw that Patricia Hodge was reading this as I thought that it was Mary herself! This is the first book I have heard read by PH and she has a very easy manner and very listenable.
5 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- M.B.
- 16-10-14
beautifully read autobiography of the cooking guru
Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?
I would recommend this audiobook to all the fans of Mary Berry who would like to learn a little bit more about her life.
What does Patricia Hodge bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?
Patricia Hodge does a wonderful job in making this audiobook truly engrossing. I don't think I would enjoy this autobiography as much if I was reading it. I became a fan of Mary Berry, like so many others, through the GBBO and although some parts of Mary Berry's story were already known to me through TV programs and interviews, listening to Patricia Hodge reading it was a pleasure.
4 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Amazon Customer
- 14-12-14
Wonderful
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was really uplifting and entertaining. Very well read by Patricia Hodge who was also a great choice as the narrator as she sounds very like Mary. The recipes at the end of each chapter are a nice touch too. A wonderful book about a lovely lady with a great attitude to life.
3 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Mrs. K. I. Richards
- 20-06-16
an ok biography
Any additional comments?
i don't as a rule buy biographies but as I liked mary berry on the great british bake off I thought I would give her story a try. also I had watched the program about her life and thought there would be more in this book.
I found the recipes at the end of each charpter irritating as I wanted to get on with the story. maybe it would have been better if they had all been put at the end of the book which would have made them easier to find if you wanted to try them out. unformately my days of baking are at an end and I rely on my daughter to bake cakes for me or I buy them.
patricia hodge did a good job reading the story.
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Christine R
- 18-02-16
Recipe for Life by Mary Berry
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The narration was excellent by Patricia Hodge. It was as if Mary Berry was talking to you all the way through the book. It was an endearing book by a lady of advanced years who is enjoying her life. Life hasn't always been easy for Mary Berry but she is a woman of indomitable spirit who endures the worst that life can throw at you and carries on regardless with a grace and fortitude sadly lacking in many people today.
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Dunnill
- 09-02-16
A GOOD LISTEN
A good listen, would recommend this audio book .it is a interesting book, telling her story how it all started ,right up to now and the bake of show,which i IoVe.
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- david dodson (purple triangle ltd)
- 19-11-15
Wow what a woman
Wow this book was amazing. What a warm hearted, intelligent, hard working and fascinating lady Mary Berry is. I didn't want the book to end. What the world needs is lots more of Mary's. I completely and utterly agreed with Mary's philosophy on life, which to summarise for me was to always be kind and treat people with respect and work hard and above all treasure your family.
So many people nowadays seem to be driven by fame and money and so it was totally refreshing to hear Mary's life story and to hear she has her feet firmly on the ground.
I am going to treasure this book for the rest of my life and keep re-reading it. It's fantastic to hear of someone who has pioneered in her field by being considerate, thoughtful, kind and not ruthless. I also strongly agree that you don't need to shout at people or bully them in the work place to bring out the best in people. In fact quite the opposite.
Mary's work ethic is fantastic and I think this is one of the main reasons for her success along with her tenacity and kindness towards others.
She is a shining example of good values someone who Treasures what's important in life.
The narrator was absolutely fantastic, in fact I thought it was Mary herself as they sounded so alike. Thank you for making the book come alive.
I will treasure this book for the rest of my life and am going to buy it for all my friends and family.
I wish Mary and her family much happiness and health to come.
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Bernice
- 18-09-15
A Slow Cooker!
Sorry Mary but I did not manage to get through this.
It was interesting to hear about this much loved lady's early life, but the story was so slow.
I am not sure that I want to listen to recipes read to me. I don't think it works. Dare I say it - a little boring… I was not about to bake a victorian sandwich, whilst planting my potatoes in the garden.
This book was a slow cooker, that lacked the tasty bites.
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Natasha
- 24-04-15
Thank you Mary Berry
Very enjoyable and recipes a great plus. An interesting biography and well narrated. You feel like you have really been allowed in to Mary Berry's life.
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Eileen
- 06-06-14
a five star read
Any additional comments?
Such a lovely book to listen to. Mary reminded me so much of myself and my family, she just comes over as a lovely, caring friend. The recipes are an extra bonus. Patricia Hodge is excellent as narrator.
3 people found this helpful