Audiobook Sample
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- Title: Funny Story
- Author: Emily Henry
- Narrator: Julia Whelan
- Length: 11:23:01
- Version: Abridged
- Release Date: 23/04/2024
- Publisher: Penguin Audio
- Genre: Romance, Fiction & Literature, Rom-Com, Contemporary, Contemporary Women
- ISBN13: 9.78E+12
I first popped in my earbuds for Funny Story while driving along the winding roads of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, the kind of place where the lakes seem to whisper secrets if you listen close enough. Emily Henry’s latest romance novel, a shimmering rom-com set in the picturesque Waning Bay, felt like the perfect companion for the journey. The story unfolds like a well-worn map to a hidden treasure, revealing the messy, beautiful intersections of heartbreak and hope through Daphne, a children’s librarian reeling from a broken engagement, and Miles, the scruffy, chaotic ex of her ex-fiancé’s new love. It’s a contemporary women’s fiction piece with a sharp wit and a heart as wide as the open road.
This audiobook experience hit me on a personal level, reminding me of a time when I was stranded in a small coastal town in Portugal after a missed ferry. I had no plan, no familiar faces, just the sound of the waves and the kindness of strangers who became friends over shared stories of lost love. Like Daphne, I was piecing together a new chapter, and listening to her navigate the awkward, tender alliance with Miles brought back that raw, vulnerable feeling of starting over. There’s something universal in Henry’s portrayal of two opposites – practical Daphne and messy Miles – finding common ground in their shared pain. It’s a narrative that mirrors those unexpected human connections I’ve chased in my travels, from Oaxaca to the Atacama Desert.
Funny Story thrives on its exploration of reinvention and the messy art of moving on, key themes that resonate deeply in the romance and contemporary fiction genres. Daphne’s life is upended when her fiancé Peter confesses his love for his childhood best friend, Petra, leaving her stranded in a town that’s both idyllic and isolating. Enter Miles Nowak, Petra’s ex, who’s as unbuttoned as Daphne is put-together. Their initial avoidance morphs into a reluctant friendship, fueled by heartbreak ballads and a fake-dating scheme that’s as hilarious as it is poignant. Henry weaves a narrative that’s both a laugh-out-loud rom-com and a tender look at healing, with dialogue that crackles like a campfire on a chilly night. You can almost feel the sticky summer air of Waning Bay, taste the cheap wine they drown their sorrows in, and hear the unspoken longing in their banter.
What elevates this listening experience to something truly special is Julia Whelan’s narration. Her voice is a journey in itself, capturing Daphne’s tightly wound pragmatism with a crisp edge that softens as her walls come down. Whelan’s portrayal of Miles is equally compelling – there’s a gravelly warmth to his chaos, a lived-in quality that makes you root for him. She navigates the humor and heartache with the kind of timing I remember from those evenings in Oaxaca, listening to a grandmother spin tales with perfect pauses and inflections. The audio quality is pristine, every sigh and chuckle crystal clear, making this audiobook a delight for long drives or quiet nights. Whelan’s performance is a masterclass in storytelling, turning Henry’s words into a vivid, immersive world.
That said, Funny Story isn’t without its bumps. While the chemistry between Daphne and Miles is undeniable, the pacing occasionally feels like a detour on a road trip – charming, but a tad meandering. Some plot points, like the fake-dating photo scheme, lean heavily on rom-com tropes, which might feel predictable to seasoned listeners of the genre. Yet, Henry’s knack for character depth and emotional authenticity keeps it from veering into cliché. Compared to other contemporary romance audiobooks, like Christina Lauren’s The Unhoneymooners, Funny Story stands out for its quieter, more introspective moments, though it lacks the breakneck comedic pace of Lauren’s work.
For me, the strength of this audiobook lies in its ability to balance humor with heart, much like the best travel stories I’ve collected over the years. It’s a reminder that life’s detours – whether a missed ferry or a shattered engagement – often lead to the most meaningful destinations. I’d recommend this to anyone who loves a good contemporary women’s fiction tale, especially fans of romance and rom-coms looking for a story with emotional heft. It’s perfect for listeners craving a narrative about second chances, whether you’re curled up at home or, like me, chasing the horizon. If you can snag this audiobook free, perhaps through a trial subscription or library app, don’t hesitate – it’s a steal for such a rich listening experience.
Reflecting on Funny Story, I’m struck by how it mirrors the personal transformations I’ve witnessed and lived through on my travels. There’s a moment in the book where Daphne realizes that her carefully planned life was never the full story, and it took me back to peeling back my own layers in the Atacama Desert, listening to García Márquez’s magical realism while the surreal landscape unfolded outside my window. Henry’s story, brought to life by Whelan’s narration, is a testament to the power of voice – both the author’s and the narrator’s – to turn a simple plot into a journey worth taking.
So, my friends, as I park my rig under a starry sky somewhere off the beaten path, I leave you with this: Funny Story is a road trip for the soul, a reminder that love and laughter often bloom in the cracks of our plans. Grab your earbuds, dive into this audiobook experience, and let Daphne and Miles show you the way. Until our paths cross again, keep seeking the stories that move you. Adiós, Marcus Rivera.
