Best books of 2019: Audiobooks

I Am the Border, So I Am , by @BorderIrish, read by Adam Best

What started life as a satirical Twitter account has slowly morphed into an insightful spotlight on the vagaries, complexities and historical importance of perhaps the most intractable and misunderstood aspects of Brexit. Let’s face it, Christmas is not a time to wrestle with regulatory alignment, so you might as well follow in Spike Milligan’s footsteps and go the full Puckoon.

I, Robot , written and read by Peter Crouch

In the second of his “How To Be a Footballer” books, the relentlessly underestimated former England striker Peter Crouch reveals himself once again to be a peerless and comical guide to the murky world of top-flight football. Expect insider tips, self-deprecation, locker room gossip and an off-kilter look at the beautiful game.

Slow Horses , by Mick Herron, read by Sean Barrett

If you haven’t yet immersed yourself in the world of Slough House, the arena for Herron’s jaded and thoroughly imperfect spies, you’ve a treat in store — there are six in total, beginning with Slow Horses and ending with this year’s Joe Country. Combining espionage, ennui and deadpan humour, they set a new bar for spy fiction.

His Dark Materials , by Philip Pullman, read by the author and a full cast

If you’ve missed the recent BBC TV adaptation, or simply can’t get enough of Pullman’s alternate world and the adventures of the formidable Lyra Silvertongue and her cohort, here’s the answer: a lavish version of the trilogy that brings to life a city besieged by spectres in which good and evil are pitted thrillingly against one another.

Olive, Again , by Elizabeth Strout, read by Kimberly Farr

Strout reprises the story of her spiky, truth-telling heroine Olive Kitteridge, now heading into old age in small-town Maine, and dealing with the loss of her husband, her difficult relationship with her only son and a new romance. But if that sounds downbeat, it’s anything but: the extraordinary humanity of Strout’s writing makes the lives of Olive and those around her utterly involving and addictive.

Between the Stops , written and read by Sandi Toksvig

The comedian, TV presenter and political activist narrates the events of her life by way of her bus journey from her home in south east London to her work at BBC’s Broadcasting House. En route, she takes in her fellow passengers, the history of the city, and her own fascinating, multi-site heritage. Capital listening.

Join our online book group on Facebook at FTBooksCafe. You can listen to acclaimed novelist Ben Lerner discuss his newest book, The Topeka School, on the FT’s culture podcast Culture Call. Find it on the FT, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.