St. Pancras' Top Christmas Reads for 2023

St. Pancras' Top Christmas Reads for 2023

As the festive season twinkles to life, St. Pancras International invites you to embrace the spirit of Christmas with a selection of captivating books. Excerpts from each of these literary gems are available to listen to as an audiobook in the cosy booths nestled at the base of our enchanting Christmas tree. You might even recognise some of the famous voices coming from the booths! With a selection of old classics and new releases to choose from, we think you'll be spoilt for choice.

All of the books in our selection is also available to buy at Hatchards in St. Pancras station, right by the spectacular St Pancras Wicked Christmas Tree, an unmissable centrepiece lighting up the station this year.

'The Snowman' by Raymond Briggs

• Published: 1978
• Listen to audiobook in booth number: 2
• Synopsis: Dive into a heart warming winter's tale with "The Snowman." This timeless picture book, told without words, follows the fleeting friendship between a young boy and his snowman, exploring themes of friendship, imagination, and the joy of the holiday season

'Mythos' by Stephen Fry

• Published: 2017
• Listen to audiobook in booth number: 7
• Synopsis: Fry breathes new life into the ancient tales of Greek mythology with "Mythos." This book is a delightful journey through the stories of gods and heroes, reimagined with Fry's signature erudition and wit, making it a modern classic of mythical storytelling.

'The Christmasaurus' by Tom Fletcher

• Published: 2016
• Listen to audiobook in booth number: 1
• Synopsis: Perfect for the young and the young at heart, this is a charming Christmas tale about a boy and a magical dinosaur. Their extraordinary adventure on Christmas Eve is a testament to the power of belief and the magic of Christmas.

'Great Uncle Harry: A Tale of War and Empire' by Michael Palin

• Published: September 28, 2023
• Listen to audiobook in booth number: 4
• Synopsis: A poignant exploration of his great-uncle's experiences during the First World War. The book is a rich tapestry of biography, history, and personal memoir, offering insights into the life of an ordinary man in extraordinary times.

'Unruly: The Ridiculous History of England's Kings and Queens' by David Mitchell

• Published: October 3, 2023
• Listen to audiobook in booth number: 5
• Synopsis: A laugh-out-loud historical romp through the annals of England's monarchy. David Mitchell provides a tongue-in-cheek account of the nation's rulers, making history accessible and entertaining with his comedic flair.

'The Tale of Peter Rabbit' by Beatrix Potter

• Published: 1902
• Listen to audiobook in booth number: 1
• Synopsis: Beatrix Potter's "The Tale of Peter Rabbit" is an enduring children's classic that never goes out of style. Follow the misadventures of the rebellious Peter as he navigates the dangers of Mr. McGregor's garden in this timeless story.

'The Last Devil to Die: Thursday Murder Club, Book 4' by Richard Osman

• Published: September 19, 2023
• Listen to audiobook in booth number: 5
• Synopsis: The latest in the Thursday Murder Club series, reader are invited back to Cooper's Chase for a Boxing Day mystery. With Osman's trademark wit and a captivating plot, this cozy mystery is sure to delight fans of the genre.

'The Fraud' by Zadie Smith

• Published: October 18, 2022
• Listen to audiobook in booth number: 6
• Synopsis: Zadie Smith delivers a kaleidoscopic historical novel set in Victorian England. Centred around a legal trial that rocked the nation, the novel questions who is allowed to tell their story and who is believed, with Mrs. Eliza Touchet at the heart of this narrative​​​​​​.

'A Stroke of the Pen: The Lost Stories' by Terry Pratchett

• Published: October 10, 2023
• Listen to audiobook in booth number: 7
• Synopsis: This collection brings together twenty short stories written by Terry Pratchett early in his career. It showcases his delightful humour and inventive storytelling, offering a treasure trove for fans of his work​​​​​​.

As you wander through St. Pancras or seek out the perfect Christmas gift, consider one of these storied volumes. Whether you choose to immerse yourself in the pages or listen to their stories told by talented narrators, these books are a gateway to wonder this Christmas season.