Little, Brown & Company acquired the audiobook rights of John Martin’s memoir A Raid Over Berlin, published by south Wales-based publisher Parthian Books. This harrowing true-life story rose to #1 on Amazon Bestsellers after being featured on BBC’s The One Show on 27 November.
The audiobook, read by former ‘Doctor Who’ actor Colin Baker, became available 7 January. You can download a sample of the audiobook here.
The account of John Martin enduring interrogation by the Gestapo and several months as a prisoner of war became the fastest selling Parthian Books title ever, selling out its first print run overnight.
BBC’s One Show captured the emotional moment when the author saw his manuscript, which had previously gone unpublished, unveiled in paperback at a ceremony near his home in west Wales. Viewers connected with his personal story, one that is beautifully voiced by Mr Baker.
“I was surprised just to be published, that was marvellous, but to become a bestseller is beyond my wildest dreams,” Mr Martin said. “The phone has been ringing and people tell me they are enjoying the book and are going to buy copies for their family members. It’s very exciting.”
It is the humble demeanour of the author, who personally signed dozens of copies for the International Bomber Command Centre, that has resonated with thousands of readers, making the Sunday Times bestseller list before Christmas.
“John Martin's story of his escape from an exploding Lancaster bomber in a night time raid over Berlin in 1944 is an incredible story told incredibly well.”
– Richard Davies, Publishing Director, Parthian Books
In addition to BBC, A Raid Over Berlin has been featured in London Property South and has a Daily Mail true-life story feature currently in development. John (96) and his wife Adelaide (94) are still happily married and living in Tanygroes, west Wales.
