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Sour Hall
Sour Hall, based on the short story by Naomi Booth, follows George and Ash, an interracial lesbian couple who move to an isolated farm high up on the Yorkshire moors. As they settle into their new life as dairy farmers, a boggart sets about tormenting both of them, exacerbating the sources of their pain and gorging on their energy, ruining George’s dairy products, and distancing the couple from one another.
Audiobook
First published January 14, 2021
5 people are currently reading
107 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
February 1, 2021
The best thing about this podcast is the audio experience. It is phenomenal, instantly engaging and very, very real sounding. As the description says, headphones are a must. This is a ghost/haunted house story featuring a boggart- and not the Harry Potter kind that can be vanquished with a shout of 'Riddikulous!'. It's creepy, nail-biting at times and there are graphic scenes that are probably not suitable for all audiences - you have been warned. But if this does sound like something you'd enjoy, I'd highly recommend it.
April 22, 2021
1am was definitely not the right time to begin this supernatural horror audio. The sound effects made it such an immersive experience and my heart is still racing as I write this. Haunted house horrors are my favourite to read of and this audio exemplified just why that was, with its plethora of unexplained creaks, groans, giggles, and bangs from the shadows.
March 10, 2021
Attempting to get into audiobooks #4
Not entirely sure this counts as a book, but hey, it’s here, so I’m logging it. An audio drama adapted from a short story by Naomi Booth, Sour Hall follows a lesbian couple, Ash and George, as they move from Manchester to George’s family farm. The typical pitfalls – gossip, prejudice and nosy locals – afflict them, but there’s also something more sinister at work. Workmen tell tales of a boggart; Ash hears dark rumours about George’s family.
It’s an odd combination of an Andrew Michael Hurley-esque premise and a dramatic approach that seems more akin to a radio soap or thriller series. As it’s told through dialogue, I found this easier to follow than some of the audiobooks I’ve attempted so far, but I still often found myself thinking ‘I’d rather read [a version of] this than listen to it’. The lack of a non-dialogue narrator leads to some slightly contrived choices (for example, the fact that the characters often have to think aloud means they often end up talking to farm animals as though they can understand English). The sound effects are good, and in its strongest moments, the story is genuinely chilling. I’d recommend it as a quick and undemanding listen.
TinyLetter | Linktree
Not entirely sure this counts as a book, but hey, it’s here, so I’m logging it. An audio drama adapted from a short story by Naomi Booth, Sour Hall follows a lesbian couple, Ash and George, as they move from Manchester to George’s family farm. The typical pitfalls – gossip, prejudice and nosy locals – afflict them, but there’s also something more sinister at work. Workmen tell tales of a boggart; Ash hears dark rumours about George’s family.
It’s an odd combination of an Andrew Michael Hurley-esque premise and a dramatic approach that seems more akin to a radio soap or thriller series. As it’s told through dialogue, I found this easier to follow than some of the audiobooks I’ve attempted so far, but I still often found myself thinking ‘I’d rather read [a version of] this than listen to it’. The lack of a non-dialogue narrator leads to some slightly contrived choices (for example, the fact that the characters often have to think aloud means they often end up talking to farm animals as though they can understand English). The sound effects are good, and in its strongest moments, the story is genuinely chilling. I’d recommend it as a quick and undemanding listen.
TinyLetter | Linktree
March 4, 2021
“You can never escape a boggart. Once it fastens on to you, it will never let go.”
A chilling, atmospheric tale of the supernatural that builds up the tension nicely and ends on a very satisfying note. The story centres on George and Ash, an interracial lesbian couple, who move to George’s family farm in Yorkshire to become artisan cheese makers. Both of them have had their fair share of personal trauma in the past and are looking to make a fresh start. Soon after the move though, Ash realizes that she has something way more sinister to contend with on the farm than some of the prejudiced locals. There are strange noises coming from the milking shed which George never lets her enter. And Ash is sure she can hear George whispering to someone or something inside. Told in six parts, this modern folk horror story boasts amazing production values (recorded on location with 360-degree sound) and some brilliant voice-acting. Free for Audible members. Recommended, but not for the squeamish.
A chilling, atmospheric tale of the supernatural that builds up the tension nicely and ends on a very satisfying note. The story centres on George and Ash, an interracial lesbian couple, who move to George’s family farm in Yorkshire to become artisan cheese makers. Both of them have had their fair share of personal trauma in the past and are looking to make a fresh start. Soon after the move though, Ash realizes that she has something way more sinister to contend with on the farm than some of the prejudiced locals. There are strange noises coming from the milking shed which George never lets her enter. And Ash is sure she can hear George whispering to someone or something inside. Told in six parts, this modern folk horror story boasts amazing production values (recorded on location with 360-degree sound) and some brilliant voice-acting. Free for Audible members. Recommended, but not for the squeamish.
February 3, 2021
3/5 ⭐️
Pretty good, not the best ever but still enjoyable.
Pretty good, not the best ever but still enjoyable.
February 22, 2021
A 4.5 for the story, as the ending was disappointing and rushed and a huge let down after a brilliant 5.5 episodes. I think a story as dark as this one could withstand a darker ending.
5 stars for the production which was truly phenomenal. I felt as though I was on the farm and now I jump every time I hear a gate bang in the countryside.
I felt the story would work equally well if George was male.That said, I thought their lesbian relationship was dealt with sensitively and authentically.
The story channels Shirley Jackson as the listener is never entirely sure whether the bogart is real or simply the manifestation of mental illness caused by trauma. The story is mainly about the impact of abuse and loss on the way we love. It also deals heavily with the theme of miscarriage and still birth, so probably not recommended listening for anyone who has gone through that experience.
5 stars for the production which was truly phenomenal. I felt as though I was on the farm and now I jump every time I hear a gate bang in the countryside.
I felt the story would work equally well if George was male.That said, I thought their lesbian relationship was dealt with sensitively and authentically.
The story channels Shirley Jackson as the listener is never entirely sure whether the bogart is real or simply the manifestation of mental illness caused by trauma. The story is mainly about the impact of abuse and loss on the way we love. It also deals heavily with the theme of miscarriage and still birth, so probably not recommended listening for anyone who has gone through that experience.
April 25, 2021
Podcast, gratuito per gli iscritti, distribuito da Audible UK, interpretato da Pearl Mackie (già companion del dodicesimo Dottore) e Lucy Fallon (nel cast di Coronation Street).
Le due, una coppia omosessuale interrazziale, si trasferiscono in una fattoria nello Yorkshire per cercare di riportare in attività la fattoria di famiglia di una di loro.
Un dramma a tinte horror che, oltre ad affrontare le problematiche di un rapporto gay e l'intolleranza razziale, tocca anche tematiche legate all'aborto, alle violenze familiari e alla malattia mentale, lasciando fino alla fine il dubbio riguardo l'origine dei vari problemi... colpa del boggart che infesta la fattoria da sempre o della mente malata di una o di entrambe le ragazze?
L'interpretazione è ottima e l'atmosfera cupa e angosciante al punto giusto. Viene consigliato l'ascolto con le cuffie e gli effetti speciali ne giustificano appieno l'utilizzo.
I temi trattati, boggart a parte, sono abbastanza forti e potrebbero essere disturbanti, ma la loro gestione è funzionale alla storia e non c'è compiacimento eccessivo nel raccontarli.
Nell'insieme un ottimo prodotto.
Le due, una coppia omosessuale interrazziale, si trasferiscono in una fattoria nello Yorkshire per cercare di riportare in attività la fattoria di famiglia di una di loro.
Un dramma a tinte horror che, oltre ad affrontare le problematiche di un rapporto gay e l'intolleranza razziale, tocca anche tematiche legate all'aborto, alle violenze familiari e alla malattia mentale, lasciando fino alla fine il dubbio riguardo l'origine dei vari problemi... colpa del boggart che infesta la fattoria da sempre o della mente malata di una o di entrambe le ragazze?
L'interpretazione è ottima e l'atmosfera cupa e angosciante al punto giusto. Viene consigliato l'ascolto con le cuffie e gli effetti speciali ne giustificano appieno l'utilizzo.
I temi trattati, boggart a parte, sono abbastanza forti e potrebbero essere disturbanti, ma la loro gestione è funzionale alla storia e non c'è compiacimento eccessivo nel raccontarli.
Nell'insieme un ottimo prodotto.
July 24, 2021
I listened to this during a night shift during which some of the lights went off, and it I wasn't already creeped out enough by the audio drama, I was definitely extra alert after that!! As a Doctor Who fan, I was very intrigued to see/hear Pearl Mackie in something outside of her role as Bill, so with her voicing a queer character in a horror/thriller audio drama, I had to give this a go! I definitely wanted to feel more connected to the characters but considering the limited amount of time we spend with them (approximately 3 hours over 6 episodes), I think it was pretty well done - though I'd loved to have spent even more time developing the tension and getting to know our characters. It is recommended to listen through headphones for the best audible experience, and I definitely agree if you're okay with being on edge/creeped out!
Content warnings include (some are explored in more detail at the beginning and in the details of each episode):
Miscarriage, sexual violence/assault/abuse/rape, multiple house fires, homophobia, racism
Content warnings include (some are explored in more detail at the beginning and in the details of each episode):
Miscarriage, sexual violence/assault/abuse/rape, multiple house fires, homophobia, racism
May 9, 2021
I absolutely loved this. It was spooky and the resolution was perfect. I'm so glad that there was a happy ending, it was perfect and even though there was trauma, it's wasn't the defining moment in these women's lives ❤
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 21, 2021
Pretty fun listen. Good podcast production.
January 9, 2022
what a way to start into audiobooks ect, so gripping loved every second
January 15, 2024
Really did not find this engaging or interesting. Narration was good for the most part.
January 30, 2021
If you wear headphones make sure you're not listening at night!
Read
February 17, 2021I can see why one of the creators of this dubbed it “hopepunk”. Despite the bullshit foisted on the characters and us, as women, as queer women, and on one of the leads as a woman of color, our two heroines keep striving to strengthen their love and their communication skills. Despite repeated failures, neither is beyond redemption. So while the audiobook can get repetitively shrieky (a lot of high pitched screams in this one), it’s a story I had no trouble bingeing 90% of all at once. I paused before the end because I needed a break. There’s a lot of pain here, no doubt, and it’s not often you get to see queer women rise above in our media. Especially after being laid so low. We tend to die a lot, end up alone a lot. It’s hard to have hope, for our fictional selves and our real selves. But this story has hope. It has hope in the way The Babadook does.
January 30, 2021
Enjoyed this audible original podcast, released in 30 minute instalments, each day over a week. It focuses on two women who move to a Yorkshire dairy farm and deal with grief, anxiety and grow further apart. Fantastic audio that really built up the horror atmosphere.
April 20, 2025
*Sour Hall* by Laura Kirwan-Ashman and Lucy Fallon, featuring the talented Pearl Mackie, is a beautifully crafted narrative that immerses readers in a world where love transcends barriers and transforms even the most misunderstood souls. This enchanting tale draws you into the lives of its multifaceted characters, who navigate the complexities of their relationships against a backdrop of magic and mystery.
What stands out in *Sour Hall* is the powerful theme of love as a transformative force. The story deftly illustrates how love can liberate not just individuals, but also seemingly impossible beings, symbolized by the boggart—a creature often shunned and feared. Through their trials and triumphs, the characters learn that true affection has the ability to heal wounds and bridge divides, showing us that love is a universal language that can free anyone, regardless of their past or nature.
Kirwan-Ashman, Fallon, and Mackie deliver a poignant narrative filled with rich imagery and relatable emotions, keeping readers engaged from start to finish. This book is a testament to the idea that love knows no bounds, making it a must-read for anyone seeking inspiration and warmth.
Whether you're a fan of magical realism or simply in need of a heartwarming story, *Sour Hall* will leave you enchanted and pondering the profound impact of love in your own life.
What stands out in *Sour Hall* is the powerful theme of love as a transformative force. The story deftly illustrates how love can liberate not just individuals, but also seemingly impossible beings, symbolized by the boggart—a creature often shunned and feared. Through their trials and triumphs, the characters learn that true affection has the ability to heal wounds and bridge divides, showing us that love is a universal language that can free anyone, regardless of their past or nature.
Kirwan-Ashman, Fallon, and Mackie deliver a poignant narrative filled with rich imagery and relatable emotions, keeping readers engaged from start to finish. This book is a testament to the idea that love knows no bounds, making it a must-read for anyone seeking inspiration and warmth.
Whether you're a fan of magical realism or simply in need of a heartwarming story, *Sour Hall* will leave you enchanted and pondering the profound impact of love in your own life.
April 5, 2021
An interesting audible experience. I don’t know if I can call this a “reading” experience, because the gist of it was pure auditory. No narration or description to explain what's actually going on. You've got to imagine what’s going on based on what you hear; the actors' voice acting and sound effects. So a lot of scenes could be left to the listeners’ own imagination. The experience was so immersive, and 360 degrees sound effect was so real that it will send a chill down your spine for sure. I could swear I almost felt the ghost's breath at my nape! I’ve never experienced quite something like this before. A headphone is a must, and I dare you to listen to this in the dark at night, with your eyes closed.
One star minus, because the plot was too simplistic and short to my liking.
One star minus, because the plot was too simplistic and short to my liking.
October 13, 2021
I just loved this audibook. It was a strange and wonderful experience and extremely creepy compared to your normal garden variety of audiobooks. It was like listening to a movie but the imagery was in my mind. Absolutely brilliant. I've scored this as a 4.5 stars, 0.5 star taken away before I wasn't too sure how I felt about the ending - it was not was I was expecting and not sure it it should have ended in this way, but I reckon you should listen to it and make up your own mind for yourself. I loved the Boggart folklore involved in this story. Please do give this go x
Hope you enjoy!
Hope you enjoy!
February 7, 2021
A good story about two women who live in a farmhouse, sour hall in Yorkshire.
Both are in a relationship with each other .
Each has some dark history which is revealed in the story.
There are some genuinely creepy and intense moments. It is great to listen to this through earphones with the lights out.
I really did enjoy it even if the ending was a bit rubbish.
The first half is much better than the second half of the story.
Both are in a relationship with each other .
Each has some dark history which is revealed in the story.
There are some genuinely creepy and intense moments. It is great to listen to this through earphones with the lights out.
I really did enjoy it even if the ending was a bit rubbish.
The first half is much better than the second half of the story.
April 21, 2021
An enjoyably creepy listen, infused with BIPOC, feminist, and queer social commentary.
The sound design and production is spot on, thoroughly enjoyed my time at Sour Hall.
As minor a criticism, I felt like the show was knee-capped by the choice to open ep1 with out of context screaming. I'm a horror person and as much as bloodshed and gore adjacent shenanigans are my jam, if I don't know or care about the person who's screaming, then it's just noise.
The sound design and production is spot on, thoroughly enjoyed my time at Sour Hall.
As minor a criticism, I felt like the show was knee-capped by the choice to open ep1 with out of context screaming. I'm a horror person and as much as bloodshed and gore adjacent shenanigans are my jam, if I don't know or care about the person who's screaming, then it's just noise.
February 14, 2021
4 stars
This was really great! The voice acting and sound effects was incredible! And that 360 surround sound was amazing!
This story was creepy and chilling at times but I held up so much hope!
This story has some trigger warnings which I would highly recommend that you look into before listening!
I would totally recommend this one!
This was really great! The voice acting and sound effects was incredible! And that 360 surround sound was amazing!
This story was creepy and chilling at times but I held up so much hope!
This story has some trigger warnings which I would highly recommend that you look into before listening!
I would totally recommend this one!
March 14, 2021
Great use of immersive sound technology to create a tense atmosphere. The build up and enigma combine to make the listener want to get to the end but the resolution is somewhat disappointing and anticlimactic diminishing the overall impact of the story which is a shame as there is plenty to like about it.
December 25, 2021
The absolute best thing I have heard on Audible yet. The production was *chef's kiss*, the acting was great, the episodes never ran out of steam or felt too long, and the ending was wonderful and emotionally satisfying. The only bad thing is that it's an Audible Plus exclusive, so I can't buy it to listen to again while I let my subscription lapse.
February 10, 2021
I listened to the Audible series. Really good. Well performed with just the right amount of sound effects...these audio series can sometimes feel too over produced. I binged listened to the whole series in one afternoon, which I think was the best way to go.
February 26, 2021
The production that went into the making of this is outstanding. I highly recommend this if you enjoy horror stories/movies. This production was well received, and I will seek out more by this producer/writer.
March 30, 2021
Definitely a more chilling audio experience, although it was sometimes difficult to tell exactly what was going on. Unlike some horror novels I did find this genuinely scary and given the themes user discretion is advised.
April 15, 2021
It started well, though I would really recommend using headphones. I started to listen to it in work without them but had to stop because of all the screaming, heavy breathing and sloshing sounds!
Story is ok, ending is a bit flat, enjoyed it enough to finish it.
Story is ok, ending is a bit flat, enjoyed it enough to finish it.
October 6, 2021
Enjoyable and Pretty Good. Loved the likeable protagonists and the sound effects and music. Wasn't super 'horrifying', even though this was my first horror book, but there are memorable moments of dread and horror.
February 1, 2021
Totally gripping gothic dramatisation of poltergeist activity and queer love.
February 3, 2021
Acting and sound effects - dialogue was fantastic!! Story alright, probably should try and listen in the dark with head phones on all in one go!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews