Nonesuch

A Novel

By: Francis Spufford

Narrated by: Lydia Wilson

A spellbinding tale about an ambitious young woman who must thwart an occult plot by time-traveling fascists during the chaos of the London Blitz—from “one of our most powerful writers of wayward historical fiction” (The Washington Post).

Following the acclaim of his previous novels Golden Hill and Cahokia Jazz, Francis Spufford delivers a masterpiece of literary fantasy, hailed by Joe Hill as “a book that scoops up all the wonder and hope and pleasure of the Narnia novels, and pours it into a story for grown-ups.”

It’s the summer of 1939, and the air in London is thick with the tension of impending war. Iris Hawkins, a fiery young financial secretary, has a chance encounter with Geoff, a genius engineer from the new technology of television. What was supposed to be one night of abandon draws her instead into a nightmare of otherworldly pursuit—into a reality where time bends, spirits can be summoned, and history hangs by a thread.

Soon there are Nazi planes droning overhead. In a time when death falls randomly from above each night, when the streets are darker than the wildest forest and all the men are away in uniform, the defense of the city is in the hands of its women. But Iris has more to contend with than just the terrors of the Blitz. Over the rooftops of burning London, in the twisted passages between past and present, through the vast night sky and across the tiny screens of early television, a fascist fanatic is travelling with a gun in her hand, and only Iris can stop her from altering the course of history forever.

Both a thrilling page-turner and a profound exploration of ambition, love, and the fight against tyranny, Nonesuch is a story that is as enchanting as it is urgent. Packed with twists, tension, and wonder, it is a triumph of storytelling.

Exciting historical adventure story

Narrator is A++, and story is great, historical fiction adventure love story. Indomitable heroine, ordinary citizens becoming brave, and a good reminder that fascism must be resisted

A well written story enhanced by a wonderful reader.

As a long time Audible member, I've learned that the pleasure of a well written book is enhanced by a wonderful reader. I loved the way the author weaved the intricate story line of a unique female protagonist with the sweet, intelligent performance of Lydia Wilson - who not only played Iris but became her.

Gorgeous reading

This is one of those works I cannot imagine enjoying as much in print as in its narration. Captivating performance.

A wonderful mixture of history and a twist of fiction

This novel lays a wonderful story of desire, lust, love, and intrigue over the beginning of WW2. The plot line includes just enough magic to keep the story flowing. It will keep you listening till the very end.

Wonderful book, wonderful reading!!

Liked the whole enchilada — plot, characters, narrator. It kept me totally involved — very hard to put down!