Why Are You Here, Mrs Hamilton? has won Best Audiobook: Non-Fiction at the inaugural British Audio Awards.
Jo Hamilton’s memoir of the Post Office Horizon scandal, narrated by the award-winning Monica Dolan, took home the prestigious prize at a star-studded ceremony at the Royal Opera House in London.
The judges praised the “brilliant casting and brilliant acting of an extraordinary story,” and remarked that “it shows how audio can provide great new ways to connect with audiences that a book wouldn’t otherwise reach.”
Published by Blink and produced by Charlotte Brown, the audiobook tells the first-hand story of Jo Hamilton and her fellow wronged sub-postmasters fight for justice; delivering a tale of ordinary people struggling against the odds and a system designed to silence their story, and ultimately, a message of hope. The audiobook contains an exclusive conversation between the author and narrator Monica Dolan, who has previously portrayed Hamilton in the acclaimed television series Mr Bates vs The Post Office.
Charlotte Brown, Senior Editor, Audio said: “I’m so delighted for Jo Hamilton and Monica Dolan. They are an absolute dream team, and to have them together on what is now an award-winning audiobook was so inspirational to witness and listen to. We were incredibly moved to have Monica work on this project, narrating Jo’s tale with care and thought, and continuing their legacy together, cemented in the conversation the pair have at the end of the audiobook which is such an important listen. I’m so glad they were both there on the night to accept the award and get the recognition they deserve. I hope it helps Jo continue to get her story out there and campaign for those postmasters that are still fighting for justice.”
The British Book Awards was launched by The Bookseller and The Stage this year, dedicated to celebrating excellence in audiobooks and audio drama. Bonnier Books UK secured five nominations in total, with What Happens Online, Buy Yourself The Damn Flowers, Guilty by Definition and I’ll Never Call Him Dad Again also shortlisted.
Photo credit: Alex Brenner
