Narrated By: Various
Publisher: BBC Digital Audio
Age: Adult
Genre: Nonfiction – History – Biography
Format: Audiobook
Published: June 20th, 2019
Rating: 5/5 Stars
If you’re considering picking this up, it’s worth being aware this isn’t really a ‘typical’ audiobook. It’s a series of shows broadcast on BBC Radio covering a wide range of topics, from activists and celebrities discussing their experiences or key moments, to sections of history and interviews, put together to form the ‘audiobook’.
It feels like a series of not-really-related podcasts strung together, and I think having more of a ‘bridge’ between the different sections could have made this that bit easier to listen to. As it is, I do think it’s an incredibly valuable snapshot of LGBTQ+ life and history in Britain, and it does cover a wide range of experiences. These kind of ‘records’ are so important for queer history that’s always relied on voice(s) rather than written text, and definitely for younger folks it’s important to understand the history of the queer community from those who have lived it themselves.
I think this is where this really shines – it puts these voices first, in an anthology of interviews, snippets of comedy shows, and with some history thrown in. It’s a worthwhile listening experience, and a really good starting point for anyone who wants to ‘dig in’ to LGBTQ+ history more. Even with the parts – or people – I disagree with, I still think there’s value in hearing their words and experiences.
Although it’s different and not a traditional audiobook, I do think it’s incredibly useful and, as mentioned above, a valuable addition to queer history.
Unwrapping Words 