Yesterday, Victoria Purman‘s novel The Radio Hour got its US release (less than a year after its original publication in Australia). Set in Sydney in 1956, it follows fifty-year-old Martha Berry and her unexpected and ultimately impactful role in radio broadcasting. This novel highlights women’s rights and how “it’s never too late to be what you might have been.”

Why I Chose This Book:
I love the subject of radio broadcasting and storytelling through such a medium. When I was in college, one of my two majors was Communication, so reading about broadcasting is always interesting for me. The Radio Hour also caught my attention for its focus on working women in 1950s Australia.

What I Liked:
- Older main character than I usually read: she turns 50 towards the beginning of the book
- Dealing with unqualified, incompetent men…
- Finally getting more respect in the workplace (even if it is two decades late!)
- Martha steps up to write stories for a radio serial, often borrowing from her own life
- Drawing inspiration from other women who didn’t get the respect they deserved in their lifetime (including authors like George Eliot and Charlotte Brontë)
- Shining a light on women’s working rights, women’s health, workplace harassment, and immigrant lives
- Excerpts of Martha’s radio show, As the Sun Sets
- Humor (including the so-called Calendar Girls)
- “It’s never too late to be what you might have been.”

Final Thoughts
The Radio Hour unfolds layer by layer into a novel that I really loved. Martha is unlike other characters I read, both for her age (50) and the fact that she’s never married or had any romantic relationship. She’s never had significant goals, and I loved watching her blossom here, after over 20 years at her job. This novel brings readers into the world of radio broadcasting, rights and challenges women faced, and how you can find yourself at any age.

Set in Sydney, Australia during the 1950s, the book follows Martha Berry, a 50-year-old woman who has spent her working years as a secretary at the ABC. These were the years when women could only work so long as they remained single, when men held the professional roles and women were there to support them. Martha has never married and still lives with her mother, Violet for whom she cares. Martha is capable, creative, and relatively satisfied with her lot in life until she is assigned to a new scriptwriter whose only talent is drinking. He can't even be bothered to get her name right. The story progresses as Martha finds herself more and more responsible for making sure their new radio serial, As the Sun Sets actually gets written and produced. A tremendously entertaining novel ensues. Highly recommended.

Thank you NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for allowing me to read an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you, Net Galley, for the advanced audio of THE RADIO HOUR by Victoria Purman. This novel tells the story of a middle-aged spinster, Martha Berry, and her job in radio in 1956 Australia. She is working as a secretary and ends up being the unacknowledged write of a popular new program. Because of her age and life experiences, she writes some controversial episodes that the assumed writer has no recollection of writing and is offended by the topic, but it turns out that a majority of listeners loved it and couldn't wait to find out what was going to happen (I could hardly wait either). The characters in this novel were so likable (except for the producer) and down to earth, worrying about their job security and trouble with bosses, Even though it dealt with taboo topics from 70 years ago it was still relevant, though not as taboo in today's culture. The narrator was excellent.

A most timely book that accurately reflects a time when woman were expected to put up and shut up. Well written with a protagonist that most of us can identify with- this book is a hidden gem.

The Radio Hour really grew on me as the story progressed. What initially felt like a bit of a soap opera, became a very inspiring and empowering story.

What a joy to see Martha absolutely flourish, not just in her professional working capacity, but in all aspects of her life. The message in this book is clear (and reinforced by the author herself in her notes at the end of the book); ‘it is never too late to be who you were meant to be’.

Whilst this is a book that I’m sure many will enjoy, I think women in their mid-life years and beyond will certainly appreciate the wit and humour throughout both the plot and the dialogue. The historical elements weaved into the story were very informative and added a great deal of context; from life in the post-war years of Australia to the employment laws affecting women in the workplace.

The audio narration from Jennifer Vuletic is excellent - very clear and perfectly paced. She eloquently brings to life the wonderful array of characters regardless of gender or age.

I received a complimentary audio copy of this book from the publisher, HarperCollins Focus. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The Radio Hour by Victoria Purrman is a great book about the golden era of Radio and although this one is set in Australia, when it was illegal for married women to work, we find Miss Martha Berry, who has been a secretary at the radio station since the beginning, she has been floated from department to department when she finally gets a chance to be the secretary for the head writer of a new program. Call When The Sunsets. her new boss is fresh out of college and has all the arrogance one would have when addressing an older person they see beneath them he can’t even get it right that her name is Miss Barry and not Mrs.. unfortunately Mr. Quinn has bitten off more than he can chew in his nerves get the best of him and while he is passed out from another drunk day at work, Martha gets busy riding the script. When the show becomes a hit, however it is Mr. Quinn taking the bow. Martha is in her 50s and her best friends at work or the one she calls the calendar girls April, May, and June three stereotypical young women of that day, but with Martha’s guidance, they may shake off the notion that one needs a man to be a full person because Martha is what some call a spinster and if they do, she is happy to be that. this book in which I listen to the audio and read the Kindle, but the audio is definitely better because you get the comedic timing with the great narration by. Jennifer Vuletic. tells a great story about how things were. I loved her mom and her mom‘s two friends. They were so funny. I also thought Martha’s dry sense of humor was hilarious. This is a great book and I absolutely loved it. I thought the ending was great. I especially love the part when Miss Carver comes to ask Miss Barry if she can work on her new staff… That was so satisfying. Such a great story. I’m sure if you read the Kindle instead of the audio it would still be a great read, but with the awesome narration, I would definitely go with the audiobook. #NetGalley,#VictoriaPurrman, #TheRadioHour,#HarperCollinsFocus,

I enjoyed the audio version of "The Radio Hour" by Victoria Purman and brilliantly narrated by Jennifer Vuletic so much that I have a sneaking suspicion it might become one of my favorite books of 2025. The story follows fifty-year-old Martha Berry, a talented secretary to a never-ending wave of incompetent and arrogant men at the national broadcasting network whose talent is overlooked and who has never once received a pay raise. When Quentin Quinn, an unqualified drunk is assigned to write and produce a brand-new radio program, Martha realizes quickly that if she doesn’t step in and do something, the program is doomed. Of course, Quentin takes full credit for everything as long as praise for the program keeps rolling in.

The story has a bit of a 2025 telling to it. But that’s okay because I suspect many women in the 1950s didn’t have the concrete means to point out the prevalent sexism of the times or even address so-called shameful issues of being a woman (e.g. menopause, unwed mothers, etc). It must’ve seemed so natural and a part of life to be completely under the thumb of men. But for women today, this is just another example of how far women have come in both their personal and professional lives in less than 100 years.

I’m grateful for Net Galley and the publisher for receiving an ARC of this great book. My opinions are my own.

I just finished Radio Hour by Victoria Purman, and it’s a beautifully written, highly researched gem that transported me to 1956 Sydney. Victoria Purman does a wonderful job at bringing history to life. Having been lucky enough to hear her speak at a local bookstore event before, it’s always inspiring and comforting to read her work knowing how much care she pours into her storytelling. It's nice to read historical fiction and know the base of the story is as true to history as it can be.

I found it a little more difficult to jump between the serial and the "normal" book chapters with the audiobook compared to if I was reading a physical book, but I loved it just the same.

Rating: 4.25/5 stars

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

At first I didn’t really get into the book, and there were times that it did lose my interest, but overall it was interesting.

I do think this book has similarities to Lessons in Chemistry with describing how it was to be a woman back in the 1950s.

I really like how there are a lot of comments and elements relating to older novels and their authors such as Jane Austen and Charlotte Bronte.

The narrator’s voice threw me off but I think it’s just because she’s Australian and I’m American. It makes sense to have an Australian narrator since that’s where the story takes place though.

As the story went on and Martha’s character developed and grew into her role of being the “secret writer” of As The Sun Sets I really started to like her more. There were a lot of good points about the struggles of women in the past and I really liked hearing about that.

A good story highlighting the struggles women have to go through compared to men.

As I reached the end of the book, I realized Martha is epic. I loved how she consoled April when she went through her SA at work. Having that chapter was really important to the struggles that women go through in the workplace that isn’t talked about. This happened in the past and it still happens today.

As this book ended, I really liked this story. It highlights the struggles of women in the workplace that have been around for years. The ending, although not always the case for every woman in this position, was very satisfying. Mr. Hayes was really good to Martha. I think this was a good story and I definitely will be sharing it with others.

This book was the embodiment of the song “9 to 5” by Dolly Parton and that song should definitely be on the soundtrack of this book.

Really enlightening and entertaining. Historical fiction is usually informative but not always interesting or lighthearted like this story was. The narrator was fantastic.

This historical novel transports the reader back to a time when radio was the primary form of entertainment in almost every Australian household. It also brings home what it meant to be a woman in the 1950s facing a situation where getting married meant having to leave your job at the national broadcaster, and being unmarried was not only a rare thing, but also to many an indication of your failure as a woman.

On the cusp of her 50s, Martha Berry is all too aware of just how limited her choices are. When she is given the unexpected opportunity to work for a young male producer who is being given the plum opportunity of writing a new radio show, the last thing she expects is to find out just what an obnoxious drip Quentin Quinn actually is, and what will be expected of her to ensure that the show does indeed go on...

Other than perhaps a little too much quotidian detail regarding the lives of everyday Australians in that era, this is a really enjoyable novel. The reader feels for Martha, becomes angry at the obstacles she faces and cheers for her throughout.

My favourite part of the book was how well drawn the supporting characters are, particularly the senior actors on the show and the calendar girls, and how immediately they come alive on the page. This one gets 3.5 stars.

I absolutely adored this book. Its interesting characters and historical subject matter captivated me the entire time.

We have come a long way since 1956. Imagine having to give up your job if you got married. That was the law in Australia until 1966, called the marriage bar, particularly in public service jobs. Imagine having to put up with 'handsy' employers because it was just an accepted behaviour. Imagine doing all the work for your boss (practically running departments) on a pittance wage while he arrives late and goes on long lunches. These topics (and many more) are woven into this storyline. That it is based on real dilemmas faced by our mothers/grandmothers makes it absolutely fascinating.

It's beautifully written, with all the characters capturing your heart (or wanting to throat punch them) and touching on subjects for young and old at the time. Having it set in Australia is the icing on the cake for me. Hearing the Aussie accent by wonderful narrator, Jennifer Vuletic, is always heartwarming. She did an amazing job with an array of voices - young, old, men, women, sweet and gruff. She made an already perfect book outstanding.

The Radio Hour is amazing at submerging the reader within the post war era where audio listening has grown more popular in Australia.

A few events within the book felt like they were dragging the story along and parts also felt undeveloped.

I didn’t enjoy this as much as I had hoped; I tend to love historical fiction, esp 1950s era with strong women but I didn’t connect with this. The topic is interesting and the characters are rich I expect it will be more popular than it was with me

I really wanted to love this one—the premise sounded charming, and I was excited for a look into the golden years of Australian radio. But honestly? I HATED the narrator. It made the whole experience feel like a chore, and I couldn’t connect with the story the way I wanted to. Martha’s journey had potential, but the pacing dragged, and the humor didn’t always land for me. There were some interesting moments, but overall, it just wasn’t enjoyable. Maybe it would’ve been better in print, but the audiobook? A struggle.

3.5 rounded up - Martha Berry is 50 years old and one of the many women behind the scenes at one of Sydney's top radio broadcasters in 1956. While the women keep things moving, they have little to no recognition for their work. Martha has just been assigned to be the secretary for a new, young producer rolling out a new show, As the Sun Sets. While the new producer is happy to chase the affection of the female voice actors, he is not up to the task of running the show and it is at threat of being canceled. Martha steps up and starts to ghost write the show, leading it to become the hot new favorite of fans. Especially the female listeners, with storylines that they can relate to. She can't keep her writing a secret forever and must decide if it is time to step out of the shadows and into the spotlight.

I really loved the characters in this book. Martha is relatable and following her through her challenges as a woman in the 1950s work force was funny and charming. She knows all the ins and outs of the business due to her time there, but since she is a woman, she is only thought of as a secretary. I love the people she has around her that support her. This was a very enjoyable and lighthearted read.

'The Radio Hour' is a historical slice of life with a feminist undertone.

The story is pretty unique but interesting at the same time. The main character represents a lot of women, even at this time, as she struggles to establish herself at her workplace. The subject was also quite interesting, with the radio show being smoothly embedded into the main story and it was nice to see how Martha's life inspired her show. The rest of the characters were also pretty endearing (well not Everyone!)

One thing that didn't sit with me, however, was the time jumps that got me confused more than once during my listening of the audiobook and I often wondered if I skipped a chapter, as things moved on off page more than once.

Finally, the audiobook was nicely narrated.

‘The Radio Hour’ by Victoria Purman is an engaging and thought-provoking historical fiction novel that delves into the challenges women faced in mid-20th century Australia, set against the backdrop of the country's public radio scene. With a richly authentic setting and well-developed characters, Purman takes readers on a journey through the professional and personal struggles of Martha Berry, a 50-something secretary working at ABC Radio in 1956.

Martha’s story is one of quiet resilience in the face of systemic misogyny and gender inequality. She has spent over two decades working at ABC Radio, floating between different shows and producers without ever receiving the recognition she deserves. That is, until she's assigned to the young, egotistical, and underqualified producer Quentin Quinn. As the production of ‘As the Sun Sets’ flounders under Quinn’s incompetence and drunkenness, Martha decides to step in and take control, secretly ghostwriting the show to keep it afloat. Her decision is both brave and risky, as she knows that if her secret is discovered, she risks losing her job — a job that provides for both her and her widowed mother in a time when women had little professional security.

Purman expertly weaves together themes of gender inequality, sexism, and the struggle for recognition. Martha's quiet rebellion in writing the scripts for Quinn, while he takes all the credit, is immensely satisfying but also infuriating, as it highlights how often women's contributions were overlooked or appropriated by men. The tension between Martha and Quinn adds a layer of drama to the story, and readers will be on the edge of their seats, wondering if Martha’s secret will be exposed.

The novel also explores the broader societal context of post-war Australia. Purman touches on the arrival of new immigrants, the challenges women faced in terms of limited educational opportunities, and the societal attitudes toward women’s health and ageing. One of the most poignant and timely aspects of the story is Martha’s handling of a plotline involving menopause — an issue that was taboo in the 1950s but one that Martha insists on addressing in the show. Her bravery in doing so, despite the risk it poses to her career, offers a subtle yet powerful commentary on women's health and autonomy.

Overall, ‘The Radio Hour’ is a rich and rewarding read. Purman’s attention to historical detail and her ability to create relatable, authentic characters make this a standout novel. The book not only shines a light on the struggles women faced during this era but also offers an inspiring story of a woman who, against all odds, takes control of her destiny in a world that continually seeks to hold her back. With its compelling narrative and complex themes, ‘The Radio Hour’ is a must-read for anyone interested in stories of resilience, empowerment, and the fight for equality.

With thanks to NetGalley and Harper Muse Audiobooks for the alc.

Very enjoyable book about women working for the Australian Broadcasting Service in the post WWII era. The main character, Martha, is a middle-aged woman who has worked for the ABS her entire career. She has never married, never been promoted, never been given much responsibility. Meanwhile, a twenty year old guy who is a stereotypical complete jerk is given an entire new show to produce, despite having no experience whatsoever. This novel portrays the glass ceiling moments so many women have experienced in their careers, especially in the years when women first entered the work force. The author did a particularly good job of showing several different possible responses women made to this discrimination, some effective and some only sabotaging their own careers.

I read this in the audio edition, and it was interesting, relaxing fiction that also made me think and reflect. I also quite enjoyed learning more about Australia during the years after WWII.

Excellent book!

Does anyone remember Remember WENN? One of the very first AMC shows, a wonderful little comedy about a radio station producing serials during wartime. This gave me a very strong vibe of that show, just transposed to Australia and focusing more on the women. I wouldn't quite call it cozy (realistic discussions of sexual assault and harassment in the workplace) but a fun visit to a bygone era (and reminder of what women had to go through back in those days just to do their damn jobs).

(Also Remember WENN is on Plex, if anyone has the urge to revisit)