Squeezing the Orange cover art

Squeezing the Orange

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Squeezing the Orange

By: Henry Blofeld
Narrated by: Henry Blofeld
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About this listen

The quintessentially English cricket commentator, writer, oenophile, bon viveur, collector and national treasure, fondly known as “Blowers”, tells his colourful life story.

Born in Norfolk and educated at Eton and Cambridge, Henry Calthorpe Blofeld OBE, nicknamed “Blowers” by the late Brian Johnston, is best known as a cricket commentator for Test Match Special on BBC Radio 4 and BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra. His distinctively rich, cut glass voice and his vividly eccentric observations of life on and off the pitch, have made him a household name, not only in Britain but around the world, wherever cricket is played. Blowers has been close the the heart of the game for over fifty years and his career has taken him to the far corners of the earth. This autobiography, stuffed to the gunwhales with delicious anecdotes, brings his astonishingly colourful story bang up to date.

©2013 Henry Blofeld (P)2013 HarperCollins Publishers Limited Cricket Entertainment & Performing Arts Funny

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Critic reviews

‘Blowers is the master of “painting a picture” … An irresistible adventure, a tribute to optimism, fine living and good friends’ Independent

‘No one knows or cares more about radio or can write about it with such wit, love and grace’ Stephen Fry
All stars
Most relevant

Where does Squeezing the Orange rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

One of the best

Who was your favorite character and why?

Blowers. They don't make them like him anymore

Have you listened to any of Henry Blofeld’s other performances? How does this one compare?

Yes, a comedy show. This one is brilliant

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

My dear old thing

Any additional comments?

This is a marvelous book with loads of funny stories and happenings from Blowers life. Also, a brief glimps in to a world many of us will never know of Eton college and so forth. A must read for listeners to Test Match Special or just lovers of cricket. Brilliantly read and wonderfully written too it is one of the best books I have read this year.

My dear old thing!

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I'm not a real cricket fan now but I enjoyed listening to Henry on TMS. So I bought this book and was not in the least disappointed. I was very disappointed when it came to an end. It was very well written and no one could have read it better. His exploits had me chuckling as did his self deprication. Very much well worth a listen to. Brilliant.

Entertainment personified

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Great read! Entertaining, ball after ball and every classy cover drive. Look forward to the next innings!

Lots of juicy bits!

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There are some sounds that epitomise Britishness.
Church bells on a Sunday morning, the thwack of willow on leather and test match special.
Henry Blofeld or 'Blowers' is a voice that I will always associate with lazy summers as the sound if long wave radio drifted through the house or over the garden hedge.

An interesting tale from a classic Bon Viveur. Much like Test Match Special from where Blofeld found fame, sit back and let his voice wash over you as you would with his cricket commentary.

Quintessentially British

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Firstly, this is Blowers, so the book is well written, thought-provoking and great fun throughout. It is made even better by the author's matchless narration. However, if you are new to Blowers, or are more interested in cricket than the man, don't start with this book – try the magnificent Over and Out. Squeezing the Orange is a slightly odd combination of autobiography and 'greatest hits' – perhaps modelled after the great man's one-man show. It begins with a number of chapters on Blowers' early life and career in journalism, then chronology is lost as we move through chapters framed thematically around Test Match Special, Kerry Packer, declining health and his motoring tour to India, among other things. This is all fascinating, but could prove mind-boggling to anyone but a committed Blofeld fan. Recommended none the less.

Hugely enjoyable, but for fans only

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Whilst the first 9 Chapters are engaging and interesting, covering early years and career progression, the latter half of the book is a haphazard charge around Henry’s life. Whilst there are occasional interesting stories the second half let’s down the first. Bowled first ball after drinks.

Half an Orange

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Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

He is an unashamed snob - got to read it!

What does Henry Blofeld bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

Lots of fascinating facts - second only to Johnners.

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

The Long Room And All That.

Any additional comments?

A smashing read from a snob of the highest level - from a privileged background comes a plethora of stories. This guy didn't have to try hard - he is a successful and funny snob of the Eton variety.

Excellent stuff from an ex public schoolboy

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I've just finished this bucolic memoir, as Henry meanders throughout his life, from Nanny bowling in the garden to a charming love letter to his wife, taking in wine, cricket, adventure and enjoyment all the way along.

For many fans of cricket, they'll have a voice they associate with the game, for many it's Arlott or Johnners, but for me it's always been Blowers. Those rich tones float out and turn what from anyone else would be another turgid maiden, into a thrilling, edge-of-the-seat-contest between bat and ball.

Whilst there's probably too much cricket in this for many non-fans, Henry's mellifluous tones, and zest for life are a treat in themselves, and bring to mind everything wonderful about being British.

Thoroughly enjoyable, warm, witty and personable.

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I thoroughly enjoyed this book.A fascinating character who has lived an extraordinary life. I will read more of his books.

Very juicy orange!

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What a wonderful story from Henry. Hilariously written and delivered in his wonderful honeyed tones, this is a book which will have you splitting your sides. Packed full of hilarious anecdotes it's a wonderful read for anyone who loves a deft turn of phrase and cocking a snook at some of modern life's absurdities

A complete hoot!

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