Books: Audiobooks

Ralph Fiennes's sinewy voice reading Michael Ondaatje's The English Patient (Macmillan, 4hrs, pounds 8.99) is an attractive supplement to his much- praised performance in the film of the book, and though purists will resent any abridgement, this one is more generous than most. A galaxy of super- star readers are allied with bargain basement value in a joint venture by Hodder Headline and W H Smith. The first 15 titles in their pounds 6.99 Classic Collection sets include Julie Christie matched to Far From the Madding Crowd, Joanna Lumley to Persuasion and Kate Winslet to Sense and Sensibility.

Christina Hardyment