The Radio Hour
by Victoria Purman
This title was previously available on NetGalley and is now archived.
Send NetGalley books directly to your Kindle or Kindle app
1
To read on a Kindle or Kindle app, please add kindle@netgalley.com as an approved email address to receive files in your Amazon account. Click here for step-by-step instructions.
2
Also find your Kindle email address within your Amazon account, and enter it here.
Pub Date May 01 2024 | Archive Date Apr 01 2024
Talking about this book? Use #TheRadioHour #NetGalley. More hashtag tips!
Description
From the bestselling author of The Nurses' War comes this charming, funny, pointed look at the golden years of radio broadcasting in post-war Australia, celebrating the extraordinary unseen women who wrote the radio plays that held a nation captive. For readers of Lessons in Chemistry.
Martha Berry is fifty years old, a spinster, and one of an army of polite and invisible women in 1956 Sydney who go to work each day and get things done without fuss, fanfare or reward.
Working at the country's national broadcaster, she's seen highly praised talent come and go over the years but when she is sent to work as a secretary on a brand-new radio serial, created to follow in the footsteps of Australia's longest running show, Blue Hills, she finds herself at the mercy of an egotistical and erratic young producer without a clue, a conservative broadcaster frightened by the word 'pregnant' and a motley cast of actors with ideas of their own about their roles in the show.
When Martha is forced to step in to rescue the serial from impending cancellation, she ends up secretly ghost-writing scripts for As The Sun Sets, creating mayhem with management, and coming up with storylines that resonate with the serial's growing and loyal audience of women listeners.
But she can't keep her secret forever and when she's threatened with exposure, Martha has to decide if she wants to remain in the shadows, or to finally step into the spotlight.
Advance Praise
Praise for Victoria Purman
'Heart-achingly raw yet filled with the beauty of the human spirit, this novel is a triumph that will linger in the heart and psyche.' Karen Brooks, author of The Good Wife of Bath
'It was at times heartbreaking to read The Nurses' War. To be taken on a journey of what life was like for our courageous and compassionate Australian nurses treating our brave wounded service men so far from home during WWI was worth the tears. A must read for lovers of historical fiction' NetGalley review
'Wow! I finished this book with tears streaming down my cheeks. The Nurses War takes readers on an emotional rollercoaster from the heights of joy to the depths of despair, shock and horror at the truly appalling human toll of war. Every single time I read one of Victoria Purman's books I know it is the best she has written. I wonder how on earth she could surpass what I have just read and yet every single book is just outstanding and just that little bit better than its predecessor. Suffice to say I loved this book' Twitter review @BeaufoyShelagh
'A spectacular story' Goodreads review
'Had me captivated by the first chapter...a sublime and heartfelt narrative by Victoria Purman, I highly recommend reading this book and five stars from me' NetGalley review
'I have read many WWI novels, but the Nurses War by Victoria Purman would have to the absolute best so far. Victoria puts a lot of research into her novels, and the history that you learn whilst reading such a beautiful novel like this is inspiring.' NetGalley review
'A sublime and heartfelt narrative' NetGalley review
'Poignant, heartbreaking, yet full of hope' NetGalley review
'Heartfelt, heartbreaking, emotional and so very moving' RBH Historical blog
'[Purman] has absolutely mastered Australian historical fiction surrounding an often forgotten area - the women of the world wars. A highly recommended read!' NetGalley review
'Kept me fully engaged from beginning to end' Goodreads review
'An illuminating story' NetGalley review
'My heart was broken, put back together and broken again' NetGalley review
'This book includes all the emotions you would expect from a war novel, fear, courage, friendship and compassion' NetGalley review
'Throughout the pages, there was hope, joy and heartbreak all bound into a wonderful story I couldn't put down.' NetGalley review
Praise for The Women's Pages
'A richly crafted novel that graphically depicts life during those harrowing years. A touching tale and an enthralling read' Reader's Digest
' A powerful and moving book. ' Canberra Weekly
'Post-war Australia is captured brilliantly in all its relief and celebration, as well as the struggle and heartache. Reading this was a wonderful emotional rollercoaster. ... Victoria's characters are real women - complex and compelling, as women have been no matter what era. The Women's Pages was my weekend read and an absolute delight. Once again, Victoria reeled me in to a richly imagined (and meticulously researched) world. I loved the characters and slowed down in the final pages, reluctant to finish the book and leave them behind.' -Better Reading on The Women's Pages
'Seamlessly merging historical facts with fiction, Purman's focus is on exploring the post war experiences of women in this enjoyable, moving, and interesting novel.' -Book'd Out on The Women's Pages
'Victoria Purman has devoted plenty of time and research to The Women's Pages. I came way feeling educated, informed and more than little inspired.' -Mrs B's Book Reviews on The Women's Pages
'A truly exceptional read...Victoria Purman has created a fascinating story...Women Pages is a must read for those interested in Australian history especially women's issues. ' Goodreads review
'This is an enjoyable novel to read - it will quickly absorb the reader. The historical research is invisibly sewn into the world building. Most importantly, the characters are vivid and believable.' Other Dreams Other Lives
'Victoria Purman's books are always well researched; they never disappoint or leave you wanting more and are a pleasure to read.' Karen Reads Books, blog
'The Women's Pages will appeal to readers who enjoy their historical fiction firmly rooted in reality, and who like learning about the past while they get lost in a well told story.' Denise Newton Writes
'a well researched and enlightening novel' Goodreads review
'informative and absorbing. ' NetGalley review
'Reading a Victoria Purman novel is like having my own time machine to take me back to life in Australia in the 1940s. ' Claire's Reads and Reviews
'Beautifully researched and written.' NetGalley review
'Ms Purman brings these times to life, with her well-developed characters and her handling of contemporary issues.' Goodreads review
' Would recommend to anyone who loves historical fiction, especially relating to Australia in war time.' NetGalley review
'jam packed with the fight for women's rights, politics, life after war, survival, and so much more...a great book for lovers of historical fiction as well as those who love a good read about strong women' NetGalley review
'A well plotted, beautifully expressed historical novel' Bookbub review
'a poignant and memorable read. ' NetGalley review
'beautifully drawn characters ...The clever treatment of Australian life at this time indicates the immense extent of research the author has undertaken. I congratulate Victoria Purman for opening a brilliant window into the world of post-war Australian society- a vision of how change and progress evolved. ' NetGalley review
'This story is superbly told, revealing so much history in an emotionally engaging way...Their stories are woven into the history of the time in a way that is both thought provoking and engaging, and the result is a book that I will certainly want to read again and again.' NetGalley review
'A thoroughly enjoyable historical fiction novel' Goodreads review
'An engaging tale about family life and relationships at this turning point in Australian culture. Dealing with the legacy of the old whilst carving out the new. It valiantly shone the spotlight on the women who fought to break free of a solely domestic role in search of greater independence.' Great Reads and Tea Leaves
'Through the eyes of Tilly Galloway, Purman richly illustrates how radically the war changed life for the women of Australia...Captivating Australian historical fiction.' Google Books review
'Victoria Purman's books are always well researched; they never disappoint or leave you wanting more and are a pleasure to read...five stars' Karen Reads Books
'Heartfelt and poignant, with appealing characters, The Women's Pages is an excellent read which presents an engaging story that also illuminates the real history of post-war Australian women' Book'd Out
'I consider Victoria Purman one of Australia's leading storytellers in the field of historical fiction...he Women's Pages is a rich historical fiction title that leaves a strong imprint on the reader' Mrs B's Book Reviews
'A very realistic and eye opening depiction of this era from a woman's point of view. Well done to Victoria Purman.' The Book Date, blog
'If you're looking something for yourself, your teenage daughter and your mother to read, this could be it.' Read Write Ish
'Victoria Purman's knowledge of the locale in which the book is set, plus her usual impeccable historical research, gives us a believable while thoroughly enjoyable book. Ms Purman paints vividly the characters and locations of post WWII Sydney, keeping us turning the pages of this magnificent book.' NetGalley review
'The Women's Pages is an emotional and interesting look into the past and the struggles faced by many in the years after the war. A book I would happily recommend and I hope to one day sit down with again, I'm sure Tilly has more to teach me.' NetGalley review
'This is an enjoyable novel to read - it will quickly absorb the reader. The historical research is invisibly sewn into the world building. Most importantly, the characters are vivid and believable.' Other Dreams Other Lives
'This is a powerful story' NetGalley review
'I loved A Woman's Work. I could not put it down, even to eat as I was so engrossed in these two women's lives. I highly recommend it and happily give it a full 5 Stars.
A Woman's Work is deserving of such a mark and more.' NetGalley review
'Five stars from me' NetGalley review
'I learnt so much from reading this enlightening book by Ms. Purman and she's leading the way in delivering accurate and empathetic Australian historical fiction.' NetGalley review
'A thoroughly well-researched and engaging examination of the gender roles and treatment of women in 1950's Australia.' NetGalley review
'Such a great reflection of the times, and written in such a heartfelt way.' NetGalley review
'The storyline is absolutely brilliant and realistic, the topics of the day are sensitively discussed and enlightening! A well researched and informative read!' NetGalley review
'This story is endearing, heartbreaking and inspiring all in one.' NetGalley review
'A really enjoyable read by a fantastic author.' NetGalley review
'Every time Victoria Purman brings a book out I say it's her "best book ever" and I honestly mean it. A Woman's Work is no different - this is her best book ever!' Goodreads review
'I was entranced by the story - I started it reading it on a Saturday morning and did not stop until I finished it just before bedtime. My hubby was sent out for Chinese takeaway so I didn't have to stop.' NetGalley review
'Victoria Purman is a meticulous researcher' NetGalley review
'A rich portrait of motherhood, societal expectations and self determination set in post WWII Australia, A Woman's Work is an engaging novel from best selling author Victoria Purman.' Bookdout
'An engaging historical novel, I enjoyed reading A Woman's Work and I am left thankful for the strides we have made since.' Bookdout
Readers who liked this book also liked:
