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My Oxford Year

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(Run Time: 9:58)

Julia Whelan's performance of her debut novel, the international bestseller My Oxford Year, won a Voice Arts award from SOVAS and landed her on Audible’s Best of the Year list. This bittersweet romcom, though completely fictional, is imbued with Whelan's familiarity and love of both Oxford and poetry, and has become a bit of a cult classic with readers who enjoy having their hearts broken and put back together again.

Julia WhelanJulia Whelan (Author/Narrator) Dubbed "The Adele of Audiobooks" by The New Yorker, Julia Whelan is an author, screenwriter, lifelong actor, and acclaimed audiobook narrator of over 600 titles. Her performance of her own debut novel, the international bestseller My Oxford Year (coming soon to Netflix), garnered a Society of Voice Arts award. Her 2022 novel, Thank You For Listening, was a Best-of-the-Year pick at Amazon, Audible, and NPR as well as a Goodreads Choice Award nominee and winner of the Golden Poppy. She is the founder of Audiobrary, a new audio publishing company and app, and her latest books – the 8-part romance audio series Casanova LLC and the annotated Victorian poetry anthology The Poetry Of My Oxford Year – debuted exclusively on Audiobrary. She is also a Grammy-nominated audiobook director, a former writing tutor, a half-decent amateur baker, and a certified tea sommelier. jmwhelan.com

Major motion picture already in development with Temple Hill Entertainment

Set amid the breathtaking beauty of Oxford, this sparkling debut novel tells the unforgettable story about a determined young woman eager to make her mark in the world and the handsome man who introduces her to an incredible love that will irrevocably alter her future - perfect for fans of JoJo Moyes and Nicholas Sparks.

American Ella Durran has had the same plan for her life since she was 13: study at Oxford. At 24, she’s finally made it to England on a Rhodes Scholarship when she’s offered an unbelievable position in a rising political star’s presidential campaign. With the promise that she’ll work remotely and return to DC at the end of her Oxford year, she’s free to enjoy her Once in a Lifetime Experience. That is until a smart-mouthed local who is too quick with his tongue and his car ruins her shirt and her first day. 

When Ella discovers that her English literature course will be taught by none other than that same local, Jamie Davenport, she thinks for the first time that Oxford might not be all she’s envisioned. But a late-night drink reveals a connection she wasn’t anticipating finding, and what begins as a casual fling soon develops into something much more when Ella learns Jamie has a life-changing secret.

Immediately Ella is faced with a seemingly impossible decision: turn her back on the man she’s falling in love with to follow her political dreams or be there for him during a trial neither is truly prepared for. As the end of her year in Oxford rapidly approaches, Ella must decide if the dreams she’s always wanted are the same ones she’s now yearning for.

“With My Oxford Year, Julia Whelan has crafted a breathtakingly perfect picture of Oxford…a read bursting with warmth, mirth, and heart. A powerfully heartbreaking and life-affirming tribute to love and to choice – to choosing love and an open-hearted approach to the world.”
— Entertainment Weekly, “A” review

“Whelan has created a beautiful, romantic story that focuses on big ideas—love, death, poetry, and what really matters in the end.”
— Kirkus Reviews

“Whelan combined the most heart-wrenching and romantic moments of every Jojo Moyes and Nicholas Sparks novel and added in her own touches of humanity and lovableness...Bring your tissues.”
— Travel + Leisure

“This debut novel has a preponderance of heart while offering respite from heady emotions with light wit. Whelan draws from her own Oxford experience, creating a richly rendered setting of not just the university’s spires but of the surrounding chip shops and grubby pubs that are just as vital.”  
— Booklist

“This pull-at-the-heartstrings yet sexy debut novel by Whelan, an award-winning audiobook narrator, is all about the choices we make for ourselves and others. It will delight Anglophiles as well as Jojo Moyes fans.”
— Library Journal

“My Oxford Year is a funny, tender, heart-breaking coming-of-age adventure.”
— Allison Winn Scotch
New York Times bestselling author

“My Oxford Year is an achingly beautiful debut.”
— Robinne Lee
Author of The Idea of You

“Full of humor and romance, My Oxford Year has it all — I loved it!”
— Jill Shalvis
New York Times bestselling author

Customer Reviews

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Reviewer avatar
Georgiana
A Journey Through Love, Growth, and Appreciation

Dear Julia,

Thank you for bringing this story to life. You’re not just a phenomenal narrator; you’re a gifted storyteller. My Oxford Year was more than a book—it felt like a journey I got to experience alongside Ella. Listening to the audiobook made it feel as though I was right there with her, feeling every heartbeat of her story. From the start, I connected with Ella’s dreams, her doubts, and her resilience. She arrives at Oxford with her life meticulously planned, only to find herself swept up in unexpected emotions and choices that change her forever.

Meeting Jamie Davenport added another layer of richness. Their relationship went beyond romance—it was about vulnerability, personal growth, and finding meaning in life’s unexpected places. With every high and low, laugh, and tear, I felt like I was right there, living it all with them.

By the end, Ella’s journey stayed with me. It reminded me how life’s hardest moments often shape us in ways we can’t predict, and that happiness can come from the most surprising turns. This audiobook was a beautiful reminder to embrace life fully, with all its ups and downs, and to treasure the people who bring love and meaning into our lives. My Oxford Year is a story I’ll carry with me—uplifting, genuine, and deeply human.

Ella’s final choice resonated deeply with me. It defied the expectations society often places on women to prioritize career above all else. Instead, she chose a path that felt right for her, one that showed true courage and maturity. Her story is a powerful reminder that fulfillment is found not in following what’s expected, but in embracing the life that feels true to who we are.

With love from Spain.

J
Jennifer Bass
Emotionally wrecked in the best way!

After I read Thank You For Listening and loved it, I knew I wanted to read this one. I knew after reading an online interview with Ms. Whelan that this was going to be an emotional book. I feel that Ms. Whelan poured her heart into turning this screenplay into a novel. I stopped, reread/listened, and highlighted many passages she wrote because they spoke to my heart. Her descriptions of Oxford were so vivid and just made the book come to life for me. And Julia Whelan narrating just made it that much better. This was my first Best Book of 2023 and I will be recommending this book to others.

R
Robert Keig
Sublime Entertainment

The combination of Julia Whelan's writing and narration offer readers a beautiful escape into a world of intrigue and fascination. I recommend My Oxford Year to everyone. Let Julia's voice and imagination grab you and bring you into the lives of her impassioned characters.

K
Kim Hermansen
Absolute Magic

I love everything about this book. The narration, the storyline, the characters and chemistry. As Jamie would say, “it’s terribly well written.” It’s beautifully tragic but also every chapter is just plain enjoyable. These people are real to me. I felt every emotion reading this book and I never leave reviews but this deserved one. All the stars for Julia Whelan.

c
cooper thornton
A glorious listen and novel!

I couldn’t “put it down”. Loved the novel on its own, and thrilled at how much Julia Whelan’s narration brought to the read/listen!

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