Letters From The Past Audiobook by Erica James
Letters From The Past is an unabridged audiobook by Erica James, narrated by Jemma Redgrave. Set around a Suffolk family in 1962, the story follows intertwined lives, wartime secrets and anonymous letters.
At a glance
- A family saga set in the Suffolk village of Melstead St Mary in autumn 1962.
- Follows several Devereux family members as old secrets and anonymous letters disrupt their lives.
- The story also reaches back to wartime Bletchley Park and includes a crime-writer and former ATA pilot.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Unabridged presentation gives the story a stated listening length of 13 hours and 29 minutes.
- Jemma Redgrave is named as narrator.
- The intertwined family storyline offers historical and domestic drama across multiple characters.
Technical specifications
8 specifications| Author | Erica James |
|---|---|
| Narrator | Jemma Redgrave |
| Listening length | 13 hours and 29 minutes |
| Program type | Audiobook |
| Version | Unabridged |
| Language | English |
| Publication date | 16 April 2020 |
| Publisher | W. F. Howes Ltd |
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Listeners looking for an unabridged family saga with historical elements and a multi-character cast.
- Audiobook listeners who want a longer, English-language title narrated by Jemma Redgrave.
Less suited to
- Listeners who prefer a short audiobook or a story focused on one central character.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
60% 60% - 4 stars
27% 27% - 3 stars
9% 9% - 2 stars
2% 2% - 1 star
2% 2%
Customer feedback describes the book as absorbing, with a believable plot and a compelling family saga; some also find it easy to read. Reactions to the large cast and character depth are mixed, and some report confusing pacing, including jumps between past and present. This matters for listeners choosing a 13-hour, 29-minute unabridged story: the many intertwined characters and time shifts are central to its appeal but may make it harder to follow. The aggregate rating is 4.4 out of 5 from 5,061 ratings, which indicates generally favourable ratings but does not explain individual preferences.
Positive themes
- Customers praise the absorbing story, believable plot and family-life theme.
- Some customers describe it as easy to read.
Negative themes
- Some customers find the pacing confusing, including shifts between past and present.
Mixed feedback
- Opinions differ on the character depth and large cast: some appreciate the rich characters, while others find there are too many.
Frequently asked questions
Who wrote and narrated Letters From The Past?
The listing names Erica James as the author and Jemma Redgrave as the narrator.
How long is the audiobook?
Its stated listening length is 13 hours and 29 minutes.
What is the story about?
Set in 1962, it follows members of the Devereux family as anonymous letters expose hidden secrets, including connections to wartime Bletchley Park.
