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Our Noble Selves

The witty new historical novel about the Festival of Britain by the bestselling author of Life After Life.

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Our Noble Selves

Written by: Kate Atkinson
Narrated by: Rupert Penry-Jones
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About this listen

The INSTANT Sunday Times bestseller from Kate Atkinson, author of the Jackson Brodie series: a devilishly witty novel of secrets, schemes and post-war Britain.

The clever and compelling tale of a war-scarred journalist caught in the lives of a country rebuilding itself from one of the greatest chroniclers of our times, Kate Atkinson.

It's the summer of 1951 and everyone is looking to put the dark days of the war behind them. The government’s solution: The Festival of Britain, a celebration of the country’s creativity, grit and ingenuity.

For foreign correspondent-turned-war reporter, Harry Flynn, it might offer the chance of redemption after a bad war in the Far East. But when he returns to London, the peace proves no less easy to negotiate. Having failed to resume his journalistic career, he reluctantly joins an oddball team of misfits, ne'er do wells and downright chancers helping to ready the Festival of Britain for launch.

Flynn’s attempts to resume some semblance of a romantic life also flounder when one of his dates goes missing and he is deemed the last person to see her alive. Could he have been in some way responsible for her disappearance?

Little does he realise that the answer to some of his mounting problems may lie in the hands of a precocious straight-talking thirteen-year-old called Veronica and a rather scruffy terrier who goes by the name of Mrs Betty…

This audio edition features an exclusive bonus conversation between reader Rupert Penry-Jones and author Kate Atkinson.

'In Our Noble Selves, Kate Atkinson proves a tender, wry guide to the eccentricities of British life as revealed in the archives.' TLS

'Gleefully observed — also beautifully illustrated — this novel is a hoot. The characters are terrific.' The Times

'A winning combination of clever plotting, spry pacing and an endearing cast of characters.' The Daily Mail

© Kate Atkinson 2026 (P) Penguin Audio 2026

 20th Century Friendship Genre Fiction Historical Literary Fiction
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Critic Reviews

Quirky wit, vast social canvas and narrative brio. The ‘genre’ question is irrelevant. Kate Atkinson writes in one that is entirely and spectacularly her own.
In Our Noble Selves, Kate Atkinson proves a tender, wry guide to the eccentricities of British life as revealed in the archives. Atkinson relishes the quirkiness. She can be relied on for cracking dialogue, warm wit and comic brio. (TLS)
A winning combination of clever plotting, spry pacing and an endearing cast of characters.
Dazzling story. (The i paper)
Atkinson's 14th novel is full of brilliantly colourful characters, and takes us back to a beautifully evoked period when post-war Britain was contemplating both its past and its future. (Woman & Home)
Gleefully observed — also beautifully illustrated — this novel is a hoot. The characters are terrific. Its writing has merry, mischievous verve. There is richly revolting period detail. But there is also great wisdom and warmth ... not just an enjoyable book to read but one you feel Atkinson found entertaining to write.
She handles Flynn’s war trauma with a particularly deft touch: a well-chosen hint or two conveys more about hell and inner fragility than any exposition could.
Wonderfully inventive novel, a brilliant fusion of history and mystery with an hilarious character ensemble – highly recommended.
Endearing characters, a plot that zips along and some charming period detail make Our Noble Selves a must-read.
Atkinson coats proceedings with an agreeable patina of farce that is an absolute hoot.
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