Immersive audiobooks for holidays, long journeys and everyday listening
There are some books that feel as though they were made to be heard. A brilliant narrator can deepen a character’s voice, heighten emotion and transform an ordinary walk, commute or long journey into something unforgettable.
Whether you’re looking for an audiobook for a holiday, a companion for your daily commute, a thought-provoking non-fiction listen or a literary novel to lose yourself in over a weekend, these are some of the best audiobooks to listen to in 2026.
Best literary audiobooks to disappear into
David Szalay’s fiction has the extraordinary ability to capture entire lives through small, precise moments, and Flesh is no exception. Psychologically rich and deeply immersive, this novel explores masculinity, ambition and human connection.
Daniel Weyman’s measured narration draws listeners further into its emotional landscape, making it an ideal audiobook for long journeys, quiet evenings or uninterrupted weekends.
Best for: Long journeys when you want to become completely immersed in a character’s inner world.
Lyrical, intimate and emotionally searching, Open, Heaven unfolds with the rhythm and beauty of poetry. Seán Hewitt’s writing is attuned to memory, desire and the natural world, making it especially powerful in audio form.
A contemplative listen for readers looking for a literary audiobook that invites slower, more attentive listening.
Best for: Quiet walks or slow afternoons when you can savour every beautifully crafted sentence.
Ocean Vuong writes with extraordinary emotional precision, balancing tenderness and devastation in equal measure. Rich with atmosphere and intimacy, The Emperor of Gladness rewards listening as much as reading.
James Aaron Oh’s narration allows every sentence to unfold with remarkable care, creating one of the year’s most memorable literary audiobooks.
Best for: Listeners who love lyrical prose read at a pace that lets every word resonate.
Best non-fiction audiobooks for curious listeners
For the first time, Gisèle Pelicot tells her story in her own words: a memoir of unimaginable betrayal, extraordinary courage and the determination to reclaim joy.
Emma Thompson's thoughtful narration brings warmth and humanity to this powerful testament to resilience, renewal and the belief that shame belongs with perpetrators, never victims.
Best for: Reflective listening that stays with you long after the final chapter.
Few books have reshaped popular conversations about history quite like Sapiens .
Derek Perkins’ engaging narration makes Yuval Noah Harari’s sweeping exploration of humanity feel both accessible and absorbing, making it an excellent audiobook for listeners who enjoy big ideas explored over several listening sessions.
Best for: Long road trips, flights or anyone who enjoys getting lost in big ideas over several listening sessions.
Oliver Burkeman’s bestselling meditation on time, productivity and modern life continues to resonate with listeners searching for a calmer way to live.
Read by the author, this audiobook feels personal, insightful and quietly reassuring, making it an excellent companion for walks, commutes or moments of reflection.
Best for: Daily commutes, walks or moments when you’re ready to rethink how you spend your time.
Audiobooks powered by unforgettable voices
Sharp, emotionally observant and full of energy, Eat Bitter captures the complexities of work, identity and modern adulthood with humour and precision.
Read by Lydia Pang herself, the audiobook feels immediate, conversational and deeply personal.
Best for: Listeners who love hearing memoirs read with wit, warmth and the author’s own voice.
Kae Tempest’s work has always lived powerfully in spoken form, and Having Spent Life Seeking is no exception.
Philosophical, lyrical and deeply personal, this audiobook blends reflection with poetic intensity, offering a listening experience that showcases the distinctive rhythm of Tempest’s writing.
Best for: Anyone who enjoys the intimacy and immediacy of an author narrating their own work.
Evocative, atmospheric and threaded through with music and memory, My Cantopop Nights lends itself beautifully to audio.
Emma-Lee Moss creates an intimate listening experience that explores identity, obsession and cultural connection with warmth and emotional depth.
Best for: Listeners looking for an atmospheric audiobook that blends music, memory and memoir.
Warm, witty and full of relatable moments, this sharply observed novel captures the comedy and complications of modern relationships.
Rory Kinnear and Sally Phillips bring the characters vividly to life, making it an entertaining audiobook that’s easy to become immersed in whether you’re travelling, walking or listening at home.
Best for: Entertaining road trips, holiday listening or anyone who enjoys performances that bring every conversation to life.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best audiobooks to listen to in 2026? Are audiobooks good for commuting or walking?
Yes. Many listeners enjoy audiobooks during commutes, walks, exercise or everyday tasks. Voice-led memoirs, literary fiction and non-fiction are particularly well suited to listening in shorter sessions.
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