I thoroughly enjoyed listening to the audio version of this book. The narrator does a great job of bringing the story to life. And I love the Australian accent! The characters are well developed and I fell in love with Martha, April, May and June as well as other side characters. It was interesting to learn about the age of radio and the stories that were written and performed on air. The sexist attitude among the men who were in positions of power was appalling. And the fact that a woman would be fired if she got married shocked me. She could only work if she was single! But I guess that was the way things were at that time in history. (Though the author does allow some grace in that she does not depict every man as a male chauvinist! There are some men with redeeming qualities.)

I strongly encourage you to put this one on your to-be-read list if you appreciate historical fiction books with strong female characters. Martha is one amazing woman and I loved getting to know her and watch her find confidence in herself and her abilities.

As an aside, I remember going to my grandmother’s house and listening to stories on the radio in her living room. I was born in 1960, so there were still some radio shows being aired.

Thank you to NetGalley and HQ Fiction for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

For more reviews, please visit my blog at: https://www.msladybugsbookreviews.com/. Over 1000 reviews posted!

Adult
Australia
Drama
Fiction
Historical
Historical Fiction
Slice of Life

This book had me engaged, the narrator was absolutely amazing, I often forgot it was just one narrator and not a cast of them. Between the storyline and the audiobook experience, I truly, truly enjoyed this book.

I felt all the emotions while reading , felt so deeply for each of the characters, specially for the female ones. They all seemed so real, the character felt very fleshed out and I could picture them clearly in my head.

It took me a few chapters to get into the book but after that I read the rest of the book in a sitting.

The book left me wanting to listen to "As the sun sets"!

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the arc!!!

Thank you to NetGalley for the arc of this audio book in exchange for my honest review. I didn't like this one as much as other reviewers. I really struggled with understanding the audio. I think I would have enjoyed it more if I would have read it instead of listeneing to it.

I want to thank NetGalley, the author of the The Radio Hour, Victoria Purman and HarperCollins Focus for an advance listeners copy.

Honestly the synopsis had me hooked and that Austrialian was excellent. As for the story I wasn’t able to get into it and connect in a way I expected - I tried multiple times but could only get into 35% each time.

Victoria Purman’s The Radio Hour is a captivating and immersive novel that transported me straight into the golden age of Australian radio in the mid-1950s. As someone who worked in the radio industry in America decades later, I found the portrayal of the behind-the-scenes workings of a station to be authentic. What struck me most was how little had changed—radio was still a fast-paced, improvisational world where egos had to be managed, and competition with television remained a constant challenge. The book beautifully captures that energy, making it feel all the more real.

The characters in The Radio Hour are deeply relatable, especially Martha Berry, who has spent decades being far too polite while quietly holding everything together. Watching her finally find her voice was both satisfying and inspiring. The novel also doesn’t shy away from important but often overlooked topics, such as workplace harassment and women's struggles in male-dominated fields. Menopause is also present as a theme, but in a somewhat humorous way through the radio show itself, sparking conversations much like radio and television programs once did. This balance of realism and humor makes the story feel even more authentic—highlighting challenges while allowing room for levity where appropriate.

Listening to this as an audiobook was a fantastic experience. Jennifer Vuletic’s narration was outstanding. She brings each character to life with distinct and expressive voices, effortlessly capturing the essence of both male and female characters and the energy of the radio show within the book, making it feel like I was listening to an old-time broadcast.

One of the most powerful takeaways from the novel is Victoria Purman’s message in the acknowledgments: It’s never too late to be what you might have been. That sentiment truly encapsulates Martha’s journey and makes this book one that will stay with me for a long time. I highly recommend The Radio Hour to fans of historical fiction, radio enthusiasts, and anyone who enjoyed Lessons in Chemistry. It’s an unforgettable story that will both entertain and resonate.

Thank you to NetGalley for this audiobook's Advanced Listening Copy (ALC).

This book was not what I was expecting, but that’s on me for never reading the summaries before! At first, I didn’t click with it much, but the further along it went I connected more! It was historical with an emphasis on women’s rights and their role in entertainment during that time. I learned at the end that it was based on a true story so I definitely recommend this for readers who love historical storylines!!

The narrator was great!!

Several trigger warnings: body image, sexual harassment and abuse, unfair treatment

Thank you to the author and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review!

This book was a solid listen. I enjoyed the narrator.

But the content of the book was what I enjoyed most. It was a dive into australias history and media history and gave me a chance to learn more and sent me on a Wikipedia spiral.

A great fiction novel that gives way for some non fiction learning.

This audiobook was like relaxing on a comfy chair, sipping tea and listening to a great-aunt talk about her amazing life!

The narrator had a lovely Australian accent and was able to do different characters in a recognizable way. As for the story, it had strong feminist overtones, being that it was about a career woman in 1956. The story is a real peek into history; the history of radio drama, the history of womanhood in the post-war 50s, and the history of women’s work outside of the home.

I loved the story. I am also old enough to remember some of the customs and attitudes towards women in the workplace, although I started in the workplace in the 70s. Still, some of the attitudes remained, albeit starting to change.

I really enjoyed the story. If you’re looking for something authentic and different and real, give this one a go…. You won’t regret it!

Enjoyable and informative
A snapshot of what life was like for women in Australia after the war.
I enjoyed the story, I figured what would happen early on but it didn't detract from it.
Narrator was excellent and I would listen to her again

I loved this novel. It will definitely be a favorite read of this year. The narration was fabulous, and the book was just such a good read. Set in the 1950s in Australia, this is the story of a fifty-year-old woman, Martha Berry, a secretary at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation who is assigned to work with a male producer on a new radio serial show. But the producer is an incompetent alcoholic, and Martha secretly steps in as scriptwriter - doing all the work while her boss receives all the praise. Martha was a wonderful character. She was smart, funny, and so lovable.
The plot was wholly engaging. The different historical aspects for women during the time frame like the “marriage bar” which existed in the Australian public service (including public broadcasting) until 1966. This law prevented married women from working - in effect, women had to choose between work and family, were so eye-opening to see the level of overt sexism and harassment that went on in the workplace. I enjoyed that aspect of the novel as well. I was captivated by this charming, heartfelt novel. I would highly recommend it!! I look forward to reading other books by Victoria Purman.

Thanks to NetGalley for the audio ARC to preview.

Martha Berry is the assistant to an errant scriptwriter for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation in 1956 Sydney. When the writer fails to produce any work on a new radio drama, Miss Barry quietly starts ghostwriting the series, to great fanfare and some controversy as the series proves groundbreaking in the topics it explores. Miss Berry and her female colleagues learn to stand up for themselves in one of the many arenas dominated by men.

I haven't read Lessons in Chemistry (I know, I'm probably one of the few who hasn't), but I can see why The Radio Hour is compared to it. This historical fiction novel is inspiring and moving, and I so enjoyed the cast of characters -- especially the "Calendar Girls." Discussions of television, a medium that was still on its way to Australia in 1956, were really interesting. There are a number of scenes involving misogyny and sexual harassment and assault that may be upsetting for some readers, but they definitely help tell this story.

One thing I would have liked from the audiobook would be elements of radio drama like sound effects, musical intros and outros, and more than one narrator. But I thought the narrator for this book did an excellent job voicing all the characters and acting out the drama scenes.

4.5 stars.

What a phenomenal read! It brought back the warm nostalgia of my favorite 60s movies. The main heroine, a remarkable woman in her later years, has devoted her life to her career and is determined to change the lives of those around her.

This book beautifully illustrates the dawn of women entering the workforce, not just as secretaries, but as empowered individuals fighting for their potential. It resonates with the ongoing struggles we face today. Each character reflects the journey of women in that era, showcasing their diverse challenges, dreams, and aspirations.

I was captivated by Ms. Berry's inspiring story. As a dedicated reader, she used her talent as a writer to achieve a level in broadcasting that no woman had reached before her. What stood out the most was how she paved her own path to success while uplifting her devoted friends along the way.

This novel is a must-read for any book lover, especially those who appreciate historical fiction and feminist themes. I’m grateful to NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

Soon to turn 50, Martha Berry, is unmarried and living with her mother. She has worked for the same company, the country’s national broadcaster for many years in many different roles across the company.
Set in the 50’s in Australia where women are invisible. Only allowed to work if they’re unmarried and often overlooked because they are deemed the weaker sex.

Martha was brought up in post war era, where young girls were taught to be polite and respectful to all men.

Martha finds herself as the secretary of the new and upcoming writer/ producer of the new radio show that is being produced and broadcast in the next month. The young man brought in is fresh out of university and full of himself. However Martha soon discovers he doesn’t have a clue, and as the time is fast running out she finds she has to step in and save the day.

The ensuing story is her putting together the beginnings of the next big radio show, however she has to keep the fact she is in fact the true writer to herself.

Can she save the day and keep this a secret?

I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Martha and the rest of the characters in this delightful audiobook

Star Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️
📕: @netgalley @harpermuse
Release: 2/4/2025

My review: I received an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. I was really excited about this book, especially because it features an older main character, which isn’t something I typically read. Unfortunately, it didn’t quite work for me. I’m not sure if it was because I listened to the audiobook instead of reading a physical copy, but I struggled to stay engaged. The pacing felt slow, and at times, it seemed like not much was happening. I even skipped a chapter at one point and still felt like I hadn’t missed anything. While this one wasn’t for me, I know other readers may connect with it in a way I didn’t. It’s a fine book, just maybe not for me.

Synopsis: Set in 1956 Sydney, The Radio Hour follows Martha Berry, a fifty-year-old secretary at Australia’s national broadcaster. When a struggling new radio serial needs help, Martha secretly steps in as a ghostwriter, crafting stories that captivate listeners. As her work gains popularity, she must decide whether to stay in the shadows or claim her place in the spotlight.

*The Radio Hour* by Victoria Purman is a delightful and heartwarming novel that captures the quiet strength of an often-overlooked woman stepping into the spotlight. Martha Berry is an endearing protagonist, and her journey from invisible worker to unsung hero is both empowering and inspiring. Purman’s writing is sharp and engaging, filled with wit and warmth, while beautifully exploring themes of identity, resilience, and the complexities of workplace dynamics. The dynamic between Martha and the charmingly clueless Quentin Quinn adds both humor and tension to the narrative. This is a wonderfully uplifting read about finding your voice and claiming your rightful place in the world.

The Radio Hour by AUDIO by Victoria Purman is the kind of cozy book I love. It is not a mystery, nor is it a romance. It takes place in Australia after World War II. Immigrants are moving in and women are looking for more independence. The heroine, if you will, is one Miss Martha Berry, who has worked for twenty-four years as a secretary for the public radio station in Sydney. It is the age of radio, with serials, other sorts of drama, music, and so much more. The station is launching a new serial, primarily aimed at women, which will be fifteen minutes, five days a week, twice a day: midday and evening. They have hired a new writer/producer: Quentin Quinn. Quinn is so taken with his success that he doesn’t seem to realize that work has to be done. So, rather than see the whole thing go up in flames, Miss Berry hires the actors, and starts to write the scripts herself. Fortunately Mr Quinn arrives late every day and after a prolonged lunch is too “under the weather” to remember what he has written. It is an immediate hit.

Martha, growing tired of the man-led industry starts to insert some things, subtly, into the script that are women’s issues which are never spoken about. Instead of being outraged, the audience is thrilled and responds with letters of praise, often outlining their own issues. Martha is getting stronger by the day with these successes. She has been quiet and subservient for most of her fifty years and it is growing old. With support from cast members, she grows more bold. She is a wonderfully understated character. Thankfully, most women alive to day would have trouble identifying with her, although there are definite hints of #Metoo. It is a delightful listen, with interesting characters who harken back to those in the later years of radio. A nice bit of historical fiction.

The book is narrated by Jennifer Vuletic, who does a wonderful job voicing not only Martha, to perfection, but also the other characters. She does this without depending on ridiculous voices, but still keeps them real. She is a joy to listen to.

I was invited to listen to The Radio Hour by Harper Collins Focus. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #HarperCollinsFocus # JenniferVuletic #VictoriaPurman #TheRadioHour

This had some interesting storylines, but kind of drug on too long. I enjoyed the historical aspects of it the most (women not being allowed to work after marriage in the 1950’s and people starting to notice that things needed to change). Easy, (mostly) light-hearted read.

Martha has worked at the ABC (Australian Broadcast Company) for twenty-four years, shuffling between departments. When a new radio serial headed by a recent graduate is announced, Martha is assigned as the secretary. Turns out that Quentin Quinn is not only inexperienced, but is also a vain drunk. In an effort to keep the show from tanking, Martha takes on the show, writing the scripts and casting the actors, only for it to be wildly successful. Of course, these things cannot be kept secret for long and it threatens the role of women in the workplace and the tightly held reigns of Australian society.

The narration is AMAZING on this one. The narrator transports the listener into Australia and their society. I was surprised by the range of voices and tones, even given the radio show with the various actors.

I highly recommend this book to everyone. It is a historical fiction on a time that we tend to gloss over but a time when things were changing for so many all over the world.

Thank you to Net Galley, Harper Muse, and Harper Collins Focus for the DLC. All opinions are my own.

This book was just okay for me. At first, I found myself bored and uninterested, but as the story progressed, it gradually grew on me. The highlight was definitely the narration—she did an excellent job bringing the cast of characters to life. While I’m not particularly interested in radio production, I did find learning about its history in Australia to be quite fascinating.
Thank you, NetGalley, Harper Collins Focus, and Harper Muse, for the opportunity to listen and review this advanced copy.

Thank you to the publisher HarperCollins Focus/Harper Muse as well as NetGalley for the advanced copy of this audiobook in exchange for a fair and honest review!

Starting this one off by saying Narrator Jennifer Vuletic is immensely talented and brought this novel to life from the beginning. Engaging, fun, and authentic voices filled each minute and helped build a strong image of the book in my mind as I listened.

Overall, I thought this was a great novel. I haven't read anything quite like it before and felt I actually learned a thing or two despite this being fiction. Prior to reading this book I hadn't heard much about Australia's golden years of radio broadcasting- this book was great insight in a creative way.

If you don't find yourself rooting for Martha by the end of this one, you probably just don't have a heart. Loved seeing her trajectory as a character and the many other characters who brought depth, fun, and warmth to the book. This was a treat to listen to and I will consider reading more by this author in the future.